One thing that many international tourists would love to experience in Japan is staying at a traditional ryokan. When you visit Kawarayu Onsen, Yamakikan (山木館), established in 1661, is the best ryokan in town for a taste of the traditional Japanese ambiance. On top of the wooden structure from a few centuries ago, Yamakikan is […]
Yamakikan: The Most Incredible Ryokan in Kawarayu Onsen Read More »
Kawarayu Onsen in Agatsuma District in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring town almost one thousand years old. It was first discovered in 1193 by Japan’s first shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo (源頼朝), the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. Due to Kawarayu Onsen’s close proximity to Kusatsu Onsen, the town thrived as its Agariyu (上がり湯), where
Kawarayu Onsen: A New Hot Spring Town With a Long History Read More »
If you are a history and architecture buff, visit the Former Mikasa Hotel (旧三笠ホテル) when you travel to Karuizawa. It is a purely Western-style wooden hotel designed and completed in 1905 by only the Japanese. The hotel, equipped with the finest facility and furniture at the time, was loved by those with high social status
The Ultimate Guide to the Former Mikasa Hotel Read More »
Besides the famous Akiu Onsen, if you are looking to enjoy a hot spring session in Sendai, Sakunami Onsen (作並温泉) is another great option to consider. Although the hot spring town has less exciting things to see and do, the weakly alkaline onsen is gentle on the skin and is nicknamed the Beauty-Making Onsen (美女づくりの湯)!
The Top 10 Places to Visit or Stay in Sakunami Onsen Read More »
If you love whisky and would like to tour around a Japanese whisky factory, jump onto a train and head to Sendai city‘s outskirts and visit Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (ニッカウヰスキー 宮城峡蒸溜所). The distillery holds factory tours throughout the day to show visitors how their delicious whisky is made. And the best thing is that
Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory: Sendai’s Hidden Gem for Alcohol Read More »
If you are a Japanese history buff, the first attraction you will want to visit once you arrive at Sendai must be the Sendai Castle (仙台城). The castle, situated atop Mt. Aoba or Aobayama in Japanese, was built by Date Masamune (伊達政宗), one of the most famous feudal lords in the late 15th to early
Sendai Castle – The Throne of Powerful Ruler, Date Masamune Read More »
North of Fukuoka’s city center, Shika Island (志賀島) is a great weekend getaway in Fukuoka. The island, which has a circumference of around 11 km, is one of the top destinations for the locals to enjoy nature, hot springs, and beach activities. To many Japanese, though, their stereotype of Shika Island is probably a historically
The Stunning Shika Island & Japan’s First National Treasure Read More »
If you ask a local who lives in Hakata where they would take a leisurely stroll, they will probably tell you Ōhori Park (大濠公園). Since the park opened to the public in 1929, it has been the city’s oasis. But, during the cherry blossom season, many of the locals will definitely flock to Maizuru Park
The Best Guide to Fukuoka’s Ōhori Park and Maizuru Park Read More »
If you are traveling away from Fukuoka’s city center, the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園) is another destination in Fukuoka City that has flowers blooming all year round. In fact, if you love taking photos in flower fields, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is the best place to be in Fukuoka! In addition, the park has a 12
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – The Best Park in Fukuoka Read More »
There are a couple of cherry blossom destinations in Fukuoka’s city center, but what about fall foliage in Fukuoka? The autumn foliage in the precinct of Momiji Hachimangū Shrine (紅葉八幡宮) in the city center makes its name worthy. From late November to early December each year, the maple trees (or Momiji in Japanese) from the
Momiji Hachimangū Shrine and the Stunning Fall Foliage Read More »
