The Washio Atago Shrine (鷲尾愛宕神社) in Fukuoka is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Atago Shrine. Located on the top of a 68-meter-tall hill, the shrine is famous for its incredible sunrises, cherry blossoms, and night views. Although there is a range of things that you can pray for at Atago Shrine, the most unique thing […]
Washio Atago Shrine – One of Japan’s Three Great Atago Shrines Read More »
In the middle of the busy commercial Tenjin area in Fukuoka City, the Kego Shrine (警固神社) is a completely different space. The time seems to flow differently in the precinct, making it a nice spot to get some quiet time from the bustle surrounding the shrine.
Kego Shrine – The City Oasis in Tenjin with Smiley Foxes Read More »
If you are heading to one of Fukuoka‘s landmarks, Dazaifu Tenman-gū, you definitely won’t want to miss out on Dazaifu Monzen Machi, the approach to the shrine that is lined with Umegae Mochi rice cake makers, trendy boutique shops, and cafes! Because there are around 30 Umegae Mochi rice cake makers on the street, we
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The Ikaho Stone Steps, or Ishidan Stone Stairway (石段街) in the center of Ikaho Onsen, is the town’s symbol. Along the Stone Steps, restaurants and souvenir shops line, so reaching the top surely won’t be a tiring task as you will likely be side-tracked at some point. While in Japanese, the stone steps are engraved
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Because a ropeway is expensive to build and maintain, it usually means at the mountain top station, magnificent scenery awaits. This is the case for Ikaho Ropeway. The panoramic view from Uenoyama Park next to the ropeway station is breathtaking. So when you visit Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, allocate an hour or two away
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After soaking in Ikaho‘s golden hot spring and enjoying the food and games at the shops lining Ikaho Stone Steps, how about venturing out of the city to meet the farm animals and contemporary artworks in an art museum? Especially in early spring, Ikaho Green Bokujo and Hara Museum ARC are the must-visit spots in
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If you plan to visit Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, venture out to the Mizusawa region for the infamous Mizusawa Udon (水沢うどん) because it is one of Japan’s three most famous udons (the other two are Inaniwa Udon (稲庭うどん) from Akita Prefecture and Sanuki Udon (讃岐うどん) from Kagawa Prefecture)! The chewy and slightly thick noodles
Tamaruya and Other Vegan-Friendly Mizusawa Udon Restaurant Read More »
If you are a cat lover, head to Mangyō-ji (普賢山萬行寺) because you will most likely be served by two black cats at the reception! In addition, what will catch the attention of history buffs is the temple’s crest. Contrasting the crest used by other Pureland sect temples in Japan that uses wisteria, Mangyō-ji uses the
Mangyō-ji – A Temple that Excites Cat Lovers & History Buffs Read More »
Just opposite one of Hakata’s most famous shrines, Kushida Shrine, the three traditional houses built in the Meiji period (1868 to 1912) have been renovated and opened as a place to examine and even make your traditional crafts! This is the best place close to Hakata Station to get a good understanding of the local
Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan – A Place to Explore the Old Hakata Read More »
While you might not be aware of it, the method of making food made from flour in Japan, such as udon and soba noodles and buns, originates from Hakata (according to Jōten-ji’s history). This food culture was introduced by Ennibenen (円爾弁円), also known as Shōichi Kokushi (聖一国師), who returned to Japan from his study in
Jōten-ji Temple – The Origin of the Udon and Soba Noodles Read More »