Located in the western part of Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan, Appi Kōgen (安比高原) is an alluringly beautiful place for relaxing walks along the plateau from spring to autumn. When the region transforms into a winter wonderland, many flocks to Appi Kōgen for skiing or snowboarding on its high-quality snow because Appi Ski Resort is …
Appi Kōgen – The Biggest Resort in Northeast Japan Read More »
If you admire pottery, you will definitely want Bizen City (備前市) in Okayama Prefecture to be on your itinerary. You can easily spend a whole day strolling through all the pottery shops scattered around JR Imbe Station. We are sure that you will find some exquisite pieces of artwork that you would like to own. …
Bizen – The City Famed for Pottery and the Stunning Scenery Read More »
If you are in Okayama Prefecture‘s Bizen City, how about taking a detour to experience the countryside? Driving along the windy road and slowly climbing up the mountain, your field of vision will suddenly widen! Located at an altitude of 400 meters, the Hattōji Furusato Village (八塔寺ふるさと村) was where Buddhism used to prosper as much …
Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi City in Okayama is also known as the Takahashi Castle (高梁城). As it can be easily confused with the Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, it is more commonly referred to as the Bitchū Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城).
Takahashi (高梁市) City in Okayama Prefecture is a great place for anyone after some stunning sea of cloud pictures. Within the city, it has not one, but two spots where you have a high chance of capturing the stunning weather phenomenon. You might even have a sunrise over the sea of clouds on one side of the …
Takahashi City and the Amazing Sea of Clouds View Read More »
From Takahashi‘s city center, if you continue traveling in a northwest direction deep into the mountain up to the plateau, which is 500 meters above sea level, the Fukiya Furusato Village (吹屋ふるさと村) will suddenly appear in front of you. The village looks so out of place because it doesn’t quite blend in with the natural …
Fukiya Furusato Village and the Bengala Dye Industry Read More »
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Osaka City and get back to nature, consider coming to Minō / Minoo / Minoh city (箕面市). It is in Osaka prefecture, less than 30 minutes by the Hankyū Train from Umeda Station (梅田駅)! Right next door to Minō is Ikeda city (池田市) which …
Minō – A City Great for Onsen & Nature Getaways from Osaka Read More »
Whether you are a regular visitor or are discovering Minoh Park (箕面公園) in Minō City in Osaka for the first time, the Takimichi Hiking Course (滝道ハイキングコース) should be on your itinerary. Completed in 1886, this well-maintained 2.7 km course (which takes around 40 – 50 minutes) starts at Hankyū Minoh Station (阪急箕面駅) and ends at …
Minoh Park – The Most Beautiful Nature Park in Osaka Read More »
Whether it is a competition, a match, a game, or just a bet – if you want to win, come to Katsuo-Ji Temple (勝尾寺)! Before we get to the “why”, check out some great photo spots around the entrance (*´ω｀).
Are you considering visiting Japan and want an itinerary with a nice mix of mountainous and coastal destinations? You might want to consider a trip to Ishikawa Prefecture. Located on the Sea of Japan, the prefecture is filled with mountain resorts, beaches, national parks, and plenty of cultural elements. Read on for a list of …
The Top Attractions to Visit in Ishikawa Prefecture Read More »