Japan really is a great island country for its fantastic scenery. One of them is the Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城), located up in Mt. Kojōzan (古城山) in Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県). Castle ruins may not sound too exciting or appealing to some people, but the location and its rich history got it ranked as one of […]
Takeda Castle – The Hidden Castle Ruins in the Sky Read More »
Toyooka (豊岡) is a city in northern Hyōgo Prefecture. Starting from the famous hot spring resort Kinosaki Onsen with views that the Michelin Guide has recognized to the amazing landscapes created by volcanic activities in Genbudō Park and Kannabe Kōgen, this city is packed with beautiful sceneries and natural wonders!
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Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) in northern Hyōgo Prefecture has become more and more popular among tourists both locally and overseas. Not only does the hot spring town have Michelin’s two-star rated scenery, but it is also filled with historical and cultural charms. But because the region is famous for Tajima beef, it might be difficult to find a
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When you visit a hot spring town in Japan, indulging in onsen is a must. While you can reserve a guestroom with a private tub, the experience of bathing in a public one is much more valuable. Not only is it a cheaper option, but the bathing space is much wider, and there is usually
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Among Kinosaki Onsen’s seven public bathhouses, Sato no Yu (さとの湯) is the newest. The bathhouse is just next to the town’s train station and faces the Maruyama River (円山川). Its outdoor onsen pool offers a scenic view of Toyooka City‘s nature. If you are lucky, the country’s Special Designated Natural Monument, White Stork (コウノトリ), may
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If you are coming to Fukuchiyama City by train, you might notice a castle up on the hill from the train window. Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城) is a popular destination and a landmark in Northern Kyoto. It was also listed in the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (続日本100名城) by the Japanese Castle Foundation (日本城郭協会)!
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North of Toyooka City, there is a beautiful coastline with crystal-clear seawater suitable for various beach activities. Having the Sea of Japan located on one side, it has been said that Takeno Kaigan (竹野海岸) is considered to be one of the best beaches in Japan. With clean and highly transparent water, the beach is perfect
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Akō (赤穂) is a rural city that isn’t too far away from the most elegant castle in Japan, Himeji Castle. While it is certainly not a top must-see destination in Japan, it does have its charm. In spring, it is the place that you want to be for its beautiful cherry blossom in the coastal
Akō City – The Salt, The Castle, And The Sunset Read More »
Many people come to Japan for its magnificent old castles. However, when it comes to castle ruins, we find that many tourists end up skipping them. We picture tumbledown walls and rocky boulders when we think of castle ruins. Unless notable or famous historical events have taken place there, there aren’t many incentives for international
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Shinjō Village (新庄村) is a village located in Maniwa District, Okayama Prefecture. While the village itself doesn’t have many attractions, it was still able to attract large crowds of visitors each year in spring! If you come to West Japan during the cherry blossom season, Gaisen Zakura Street in Shinjō Village is one of the places that you wouldn’t want
Shinjō Village and Gaisen Zakura Street’s Cherry Blossom Read More »