If you ever get a chance to head up to the observatory area at Sendai‘s SS30‘s top floor on a clear day, you should see this white Kannon statue sticking out of a residential area. The Sendai Daikannon (仙台大観音) is the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest is the Ushiku Buddha (牛久大仏) in […]
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If you are a Japanese history buff or love to examine Japan’s cultural properties, the temple you have to stop by when you get to Kawagoe is Kita-in (喜多院). The temple that has a deep connection with the Tokugawa clan not only houses the most cultural properties in Kawagoe, but it is also the last
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Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (川越氷川神社) is arguably the most famous and popular shrine in Kawagoe. The old shrine, more than 1,500 years old, is where the locals pray for marriage ties. In addition to the normal things you would do at a Japanese shrine, such as writing wishes on the back of an ema plaque, there
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While Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the most renowned shrine in Kawagoe, Kawagoe Kumano Shrine (川越 熊野神社) is also a shrine you won’t want to miss out on. There are various fascinating rituals and activities that you can do in its precinct, including ball-throwing for good luck and cleansing your money for more money to come
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Kawagoe Hachimangū Shrine (川越八幡宮), the most prominent Hachimangū shrine in Kawagoe City, was erected over 1,000 years ago. Among more than 200 shrines in the city, it is the only one with Kawagoe in its name. Despite its location, Kawagoe Hachimangū is quiet and serene compared to other shrines in the historical township. So if
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Since ancient times, Ichinoseki has been blessed with abundant water and rice cultivation from the Ou and Kitakami mountains. Using the area’s high-quality rice and water, Sekinoichi Sake Brewery (世嬉の一酒造株式会社) was founded in 1919. It is a brewery that is good at using ingredients that don’t seem to go well with beer at first glance.
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Morioka is most famous for Wanko soba. Azumaya Honten (東家本店), opened in 1907, is one of the most popular Wanko soba restaurants in the city. Wanko soba at Azumaya is served as a course menu, including noodles, tuna sashimi, toppings for the dipping sauce, and dessert.
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Morioka in Iwate Prefecture is best known for Wanko soba and Nambu ironware. While some might be unaware, the city also has a large number of cafés. Because each offers a different dining experience, we have handpicked the best ones listed below for you to consider visiting when you travel to Morioka!
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Kōgensha (光原社) was a publisher in Morioka who published the only fairy tale collection of Miyazawa Kenji (宮沢賢治), a famous Japanese novelist and poet in the early 20th century. In fact, Kenji was the one who named the company. After he passed away, the publisher was slowly transformed into a shop selling craftworks, clothing, and
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Natayachō (鉈屋町) at the side of Kitakami River (北上川) was an area in Morioka that once flourished as a key point for shipping. Because of the high-quality natural water source from Daijiji Temple (大慈寺) and Gidaji Temple (祇陀寺), many sake breweries, tofu shops, soba noodle makers, and cafés surround the neighborhood. Besides the commercial facilities,
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