If you plan to visit Nyūtō Onsen, one of the top hot spring towns in Akita Prefecture, we highly recommend booking a night with Tsuru no Yu (鶴之湯). It is the oldest ryokan in town and was once a spa for the lords of the Akita domain. Thus, besides the guestrooms and public baths, a […]
Tsuru no Yu: Nyūtō Onsen’s Oldest But Most Popular Ryokan Read More »
Farmer’s markets can be found everywhere in the world, with some of them being the size of a football stadium. The ones that you have been to may have a range of fresh products, but probably none of them offers cultural activities like Yōkina Kasan no Mise (陽気な母さんの店) in Ōdate city (大館市)!
Fun Activities at Yōkina Kasan no Mise Farmer’s Market Read More »
Speaking of plum blossoms in Japan, many Japanese would think of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). The famous scholar from the Heian period (794 – 1185) is known for his love towards plum blossoms. Therefore, most, if not all, of the Tenmangū shrines in Japan have plums planted. The Tsunashiki Tenmangū (綱敷天満宮) in Kobe isn’t an
Tsunashiki Tenmangū: The Plum Blossoms & Interesting Rituals Read More »
Have you ever wondered what a traditional Japanese arcade looks like? When you visit Kuroishi City, come and explore Nakamachi Komise Street (中町こみせ通り). It is the only arcade in Japan that has remained almost intact since the Edo period (1603 – 1868)!
Nakamachi Komise Street – One of the Best Spots in Kuroishi Read More »
When people talk about Osaka, they talk about all the great food from Dōtonbori, the Universal Studio Japan, and much more! The second-largest metropolitan area in Japan is a great place to have fun while accompanied by its mouth-watering food. But what if you want a bit of cultural element and quietness but simply can’t
Ikeda City: A Laid-Back City With a Long History in Osaka Read More »
We all know that instant noodles in Japan are super delicious, no matter what flavor you choose! But has it ever occurred to you that the particular ingredient you crave just isn’t in front of you? If that has ever been the case, come to the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda (カップヌードルミュージアム 大阪池田)!
The Best Guide to the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda Read More »
Numerous World’s Fairs have been held since the mid-19th century, and a couple of them were held in Japan (one was held in Osaka in 1970). After the exhibition, the site was turned into Osaka’s biggest park, where the locals can walk through woods and meadows and wade through small rivers. A couple of facilities
The Best Guide to the Events at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Read More »
Nishizawa Keikoku (西沢渓谷) is a valley in Yamanashi Prefecture located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park (秩父多摩甲斐国立公園). If it is on your itinerary, prepare yourself for a feast of natural art! Once you step into this gorge, we promise you will immediately be captivated by its mysterious charm (^_-)-☆.
Nishizawa Gorge and the Picturesque Waterfalls Read More »
Nestled in a sacred area at the foot of Mt. Ikoma (生駒山麓) bordering the Nara Basin, Hiraoka Shrine (枚岡神社) is known as Kawachi Province’s Ichinomiya (河内国一之宮). It means that the shrine was the most influential shrine in the Kawachi Province. Because the Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) in Nara enshrines the two main gods in Hiraoka Shrine,
Hiraoka Shrine: A Scenic Shrine That Holds a Laughing Ritual Read More »
If you plan to travel to Osaka with young children in spring or autumn, Tamateyama Park (柏原市立 玉手山公園) is a good spot for a family trip! The municipal park was completed in 1999 and has a ground area of 68,000 square meters. In spring, the locals head to the park for plum and cherry blossoms.
Tamateyama Park: A Hidden Spot for Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
