While there are plenty of historical attractions in Kanazawa, the city is quite modern. If you are seeking a spot that is quieter and less touristy, Yuwaku Onsen (湯涌温泉), which is 60 minutes away by bus from Kanazawa’s city center, can be a great choice. The hot spring town, with a history as long as […]
Yuwaku Onsen – A Quaint Town to Enjoy Onsen at Kanazawa Read More »
Although its existence remains unknown to many, in addition to the famous Kenrokuen Garden, there is one more garden that is worth your time in Kanazawa. Directly next to the Kaga-Yūzen Kimono Center, the Gyokusen-en (西田家庭園「玉泉園」) is a garden that is 120 years older than Kenrokuen, opposite the Hyakumangoku-dori avenue. Not known by many tourists,
Gyokusen-en – Nishida Family’s Gorgeous Garden Read More »
From ancient times, the people who lived in Beppu (別府) in Ōita Prefecture suffered from the heat generated by volcanic activities. Crops could hardly be grown on the field, causing serious food shortage problems. And because the terrifying landscapes shaped by volcanic activities are nowhere to be found elsewhere in Japan, various myths and legends
A Tour to the Hells of Beppu – Japan’s Scariest Onsen Town Read More »
Visit Japan’s biggest wasabi farm, Daiō Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場), to taste truly authentic wasabi in Azumino City in Nagano Prefecture! You are probably thinking, well, we have got that spicy green stuff in the Japanese restaurant in my neighborhood. But do you know over 95% of wasabi served in Japanese restaurants doesn’t contain any real
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When the Japanese talk about the samurai house in Akita Prefecture, they will never fail to mention the Aoyagi Samurai House (角館歴史村・青柳家). The spacious estate of a size of almost 10,000 square meters features a Main Housean Armory, a Gallery, a Folk Museum, a Samurai Tool Museum, an Antique Tea Room, and shops and restaurants/cafes.
Aoyagi Samurai House: Kakunodate’s Must-Go Samurai Residence Read More »
Kakunodate, or Kakunodatemachi (角館町), is a town in Akita Prefecture that is known as “Michinoku no ko Kyoto (みちのくの小京都)”, or “Northeastern’s Little Kyoto”. The town used to be the home of the samurai stationed at Kakunodate Castle back in the Edo period (1603 – 1868). Even now, traces of the presence of the samurai remain
Kakunodate Town – The Little Kyoto of Northeastern Japan Read More »
While Kakunodate isn’t the most well-known cherry blossom destination in the Tōhoku Region, it is highly recommended. In addition to the cherry blossom in the town center, the cherry trees also lined the Kinokinai River (桧木内川) for two kilometers! Moreover, the cherry trees’ foliage also paints the town in vivid color when the temperature starts
The Cherry Blossom and Fall Foliage Spots in Kakunodate Read More »
Just like its name, the houses where samurai used to reside are lining up on Bukeyashiki Street (武家屋敷通り) in Kakunodate! A couple of these 200-year-old traditional houses are open to the public. Finding the differences in the construction of the houses between the home of top-ranked samurai, middle-ranked samurai, and lower-ranked samurai can be really fun!
Bukeyashiki Street – Kakunodate’s Perfect Spot for History Buffs Read More »
Inujima (犬島) is an artistic island in Okayama City. Fine-quality copper and granite used to be produced from the island’s copper smelter and granite quarry. The foundation stones of famous castles, such as Osaka Castle, across Japan might be coming out from Inujima!
Inujima Island – The Artistic Island in Okayama Read More »
Saijō Inari (最上稲荷山妙教寺) in Okayama City is a special place as it is one of the only few spots in Japan that combine Buddhism and Shintoism. It is also one of the major Inari Shrines in the country (the other two are Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari (豊川稲荷) in Aichi).
Saijō Inari – One of the Top Three Inari Shrine in Japan Read More »
