JR Kyūshū, a part of the wider Japan Rail group, runs the most sightseeing trains in Japan. One of these trains is Yufuin no Mori (ゆふいんの森), which means “The Forest of Yufuin”. Just like its name, the train was built to reflect the many charms of Yufuin, a hot spring town in Ōita Prefecture (大分県) surrounded …
Yufuin no Mori – The Most Elegant Sightseeing Train to Beppu and Yufuin Read More »
Japan, where traditions, culture, and history meet with the most advanced technology and modern-day conveniences, also has the most picturesque landscape. It is no wonder Japan has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world! So if you are planning to travel to this beautiful country, here are some helpful information, advice, …
Plan Your Next Japan Trip – When and Where to Start from Read More »
When we travel, there are various methods of choosing the accommodation we will stay at. But have you ever been in a situation where you only realized the hotel you just stayed at has this awesome facility, such as a private bath with a great view that you didn’t utilize during your stay because you …
As a vegetarian, it is hard enough to be able to find a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Japan. And if the staff in the restaurant doesn’t speak much English, it is going to be even harder to communicate our dietary requirements. To make your life easier, please find below a list of useful phrases for you …
Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans Read More »
The trains of the Akita Nariku Line (秋田内陸線) run in the Akita Prefecture countryside. The one-carriage train decorated with cute Akita pictures melts the passenger’s heart, and the scenery from the train’s window will fill the whole carriage with clicking cameras!
Just an hour from Tokyo, Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture is now a well-known tourist destination for foreign travelers. The small island, filled with picturesque views and cultural elements, has been a popular place for a weekend getaway for the citizens of Tokyo and surrounding prefectures. Nowadays, many trendy shops and restaurants are open on the …
Upon commencement of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics yacht competition, the previously hidden beauty of a small island floating on Sagami Bay was suddenly revealed to the world. A sacred religious destination, Enoshima’s history centers on the Enoshima Shrine (江島神社). Before the separation of Shiotisim and Buddism, Enoshima was the precinct of Kinkizan Yogan-ji Temple (金亀山与願寺) …
The ancient city of Kyoto has enchanted the hearts of many international tourists, making it one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. But while the tourism boom has certainly brought in a fortune to the local businesses, many find their visits increasingly unpleasant, with temples and shrines over-commercialized and over-crowded.
Since ancient times, Ōhara has been a tranquil affair where nobles, Shugendō practitioners, and monks retired. The quiet but breathtaking township is just ideal for those seeking a place to spend their late lives quietly. Among the many Buddhist temples in Ōhara, Sanzen-in (三千院), situated on high ground, is of the highest rank. Since the …
Sanzen-in – One of the Most Stunning Hidden Gems in Kyoto Read More »
Kamikōchi (上高地) in Japanese literally means “the ground that God descends upon”. It is the perfect name to describe how beautiful this area is. Surrounding by the magnificent Northern Japanese Alps, it is the ultimate tourist destination for nature lovers. There is not a single day that Kamikōchi looks the same because nature changes as …
Kamikōchi – The Heavenly Place Where God Descends Read More »