Fukuoka is a city that is relatively laid back compared to other big cities in Japan. If you are looking to add a natural spot for a break from the eating and shopping in the city center, consider Nokonoshima (能古島)! This island boasts a seemingly endless field of flowers throughout the year as well as […]
Nokonoshima Island – Fukuoka’s Perfect Weekend Getaway Read More »
If you plan to visit Nokonoshima Island in Fukuoka, ensure Nokonoshima Island Park (のこのしまアイランドパーク) at the northmost of the island is on your itinerary. It is the most beautiful part of Nokonoshima. Especially with its breathtaking view of the flower fields and magnificent ocean as the backdrop, the park of 150,000 square meters has been
Nokonoshima Island Park: The Must-Visit Spot on Nokonoshima Read More »
Japan is truly a place of impeccable beauty during the fall foliage season. The rich, vivid color has enchanted hundreds of thousands of tourists around the world, and many would love to travel back to the country for more picturesque scenery that can’t be found elsewhere in the world. So if you plan a trip
The Top 12 Fall Foliage Spots in Ishikawa Prefecture Read More »
Whether you will be taking the bullet train or flying into Kyūshū, the first major transportation hub you are likely to stop by is Hakata Station (博多駅). Around the station, there are a variety of attractions for you to stop by. Whether you are only transiting Hakata or planning to stay for a few days
The Best Hakata Travel Guide: Where to Go and What to Do Read More »
If you want to escape the bustling Hakata city center quickly, Rakusuien (楽水園) at the back of Sumiyoshi Shrine is the perfect place for a short break. The small garden is like an oasis in the city, allowing you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. From mid-November to early December, the garden
Rakusuien Garden: The Must-Visit Japanese Garden in Hakata Read More »
On the southwest of Lake Haruna, Haruna Shrine (榛名神社) has been looking after the region since the late 6th century. The 30-minute walk on the approach from the torii gate to the main worship hall is so mysterious that some sort of sacred power is gained just by taking a short journey! This is especially
Haruna Shrine: The Most Powerful Shrine in Gunma Prefecture Read More »
Although not as famous as Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen (伊香保温泉) in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring town well-known to the Japanese since ancient times. Appeared in the Man’yōshū (万葉集), the oldest extant collection of Japanese waka, the onsen town is a hidden gem filled with natural and cultural elements! So if you are after a
The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Spots in Ikaho Onsen Read More »
Mizusawa-dera (水澤寺), southeast of Ikaho Onsen, has been a highly regarded temple for centuries. The temple is filled with amazingly built buildings and Buddha statues. The Tendai sect temple has Eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon (十一面千手観音) as the main image, so it is also referred to as Mizusawa Kannon (水澤観音). Aside from wishes for safe child delivery
A Guide to Mizusawa Temple, the Origin of Mizusawa Udon Read More »
About 5km southwest of Ikaho Onsen, the Haruna area in Takasaki City is where many tourists would venture out to when they visit the hot spring town. In fact, it is the city’s most popular outdoor destination. The area is filled with stunning nature, suitable for various outdoor activities and a shrine with more than
The Best Guide to Haruna Shrine, Mt. Haruna, and Lake Haruna Read More »
Akita Prefecture is one of our most favorite destinations in Japan’s rural area. And the good news is that getting to Akita from Tokyo isn’t hard either! All you need to do is jump onto a bullet train called Komachi. It is the name for all Akita Shinkansen. The next question is: Which seat should
The Best Seats on the Akita Shinkansen: Komachi Read More »