Many people visit Japan between mid-March and early April for the cherry blossom. If that is your plan, consider visiting Zuishin-in (隨心院) in Kyoto as well. The temple’s plum blossoms are late bloomers, so you can adore both cherry and plum blossoms on the same trip! In addition, Zuishin-in has splendidly painted sliding door paintings […]
Zuishin-in: The Splendid Plum and Sliding Door Paintings Read More »
Akashi City, west of Kobe, is best known for its magnificent view of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the Seto Inland Sea, and Awaji Island as the backdrop. But what many are not aware of is that the city also has a few plum blossom spots worth visiting from late February to mid-March. If you plan to
The Best Plum Blossom Spots in Akashi City Read More »
Inokashira Park in Kichijōji is a great urban park to enjoy nature. You can easily spend a couple of hours in this vast park. But the longer you stay there, the emptier your stomach will get. Many locals or travelers would grab a picnic mat and food to picnic on the park’s lawn or benches.
The Best Vegetarian-Friendly Cafes Around Inokashira Park Read More »
Around 4km northeast of Miyako Island, there is a mysterious small island where the locals believe that gods of nature reside. There are numerous sacred sites where entry is forbidden without permission. It is said that during the Uyagan Festival (祖神祭 (ウヤガン祭)), even the islanders aren’t allowed to enter those areas. In fact, to Miyakojima’s
Ōgami Island – The Most Sacred Island in Miyakojima City Read More »
Shimoji-Shima Island (下地島) is one of the eight islands in Miyakojima City. Having one of the only two airports located on the island and with the completion of the 3,540-meter-long Irabu Bridge, Shimoji-Shima is the next most accessible island in the city after Miyako Island. Although its size isn’t the biggest in the region, Shimoji
The Complete Guide to the Stunning Spots on Shimoji Island Read More »
On Shimoji-Shima Island, there are two round ponds with colors changing by the tidal conditions, known as Tōriike Pond (通り池). The ponds were formed by seawater erosion of the limestone layer. Because they are connected with the sea, don’t be surprised if you see people popping out of the pond. They are definitely not mermaids
Tōriike Pond: The Most Scenic Pond on Shimoji Island Read More »
The best photogenic beach on Shimoji Island has to be 17END (ワンセブンエンド), which spreads under the road surrounding the runway of Shimojishima Airport. At low tide, the sandy beach appears, and the stunning shallow blue sea spreads!
17END: The Best Photogenic Beach on Shimoji Island Read More »
One of the top specialties in the Aizu region is Awamanjū (あわまんじゅう), a slightly chewy bun filled with red bean paste. While manjū is a common traditional sweet that can be found across Japan, Awamanjū is only sold in Aizu, where it originates. Speaking of Awamanjū, Koike Confectionary Store (小池菓子舗) is the most famous shop
Koike Confectionary Store: The Most Famous Awamanjū Shop Read More »
Amongst the three super long bridges that Miyakojima City has, the most magnificent bridge has to be the more than 3km long Irabu Bridge. It is also the landmark of Irabu Island (伊良部島), where the bridge is connected. Thanks to the bridge’s completion in 2015, when we visit Miyakojima today, the stunning spots on Irabu
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Speaking of Blue Cave in Okinawa, the one at Cape Maeda (真栄田岬) on Okinawa’s main island is much more famous, but Irabu Island also has one! The Blue Cave (青の洞窟) on Irabu Island is a sea cave underneath a 70-meter cliff. As you enter the cave, you will enter a world of blue.
Blue Cave: Irabu Island’s Most Scenic Hidden Spot Read More »
