Aragusuku-Beach-Rental-Shops-Miyakojima-Okinawa-Japan

Aragusuku Beach: The Beach to Snorkel on Miyakojima

For snorkeling on Miyako-jima Island, Aragusuku Beach (新城海岸) on the west is recommended. If you don’t have the necessary equipment, rental shops are around the shore. Compared to Yoshino Kaigan Beach (吉野海岸), you can expect fewer crowds at Aragusuku Beach. The shower, changing room, and toilet facilities are free of charge. The same goes for […]

Aragusuku Beach: The Beach to Snorkel on Miyakojima Read More »

Maipari-Miyakojima-Tropical-Orchard-Tropical-Guide-Tour-Miyakojima-Okinawa-Japan

Maipari Miyakojima Tropical Orchard: Fruit-Picking & Animals

Close to Yonaha Maehama Beach, there is a tropical orchard that keeps all fruit lovers happy. Maipari Miyakojima Tropical Orchard (まいぱり 宮古島熱帯果樹園) doesn’t just have fruit trees but also farm animals that you can meet! The orchard also has a cafe, perfect for a rest from swimming and other beach activities!

Maipari Miyakojima Tropical Orchard: Fruit-Picking & Animals Read More »

Sakunami-Onsen-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

The Top 10 Places to Visit or Stay in Sakunami Onsen

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 »

Nikka-Whisky-Sendai-Factory-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory: Sendai’s Hidden Gem for Alcohol

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 »

Statue-of-Date-Masamune-Sendai-Castle-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Sendai Castle – The Throne of Powerful Ruler, Date Masamune

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 »

Yawata City Shōkadō Garden Art Museum Yawata Kyoto Japan

Shōkadō Garden Art Museum: The Birthplace of the Shokado Bento

While the crowds flock to Arashiyama, a quiet, historical treasure awaits just south of Kyoto in Yawata City. Shōkadō Garden & Art Museum (松花堂庭園) is far more than a simple Zen retreat. It is a cultural crossroads where culinary history, world-changing invention, and seasonal beauty meet. From its origins as the spiritual home of the

Shōkadō Garden Art Museum: The Birthplace of the Shokado Bento Read More »

Nishida-Familys-Gyokusen-en-Garden-Kanazawa-Ishikawa-Japan

The Top Attractions to Visit in Ishikawa Prefecture

Are you considering visiting Japan and want an itinerary with a nice mix of mountainous and coastal destinations? You might want to consider a trip to Ishikawa Prefecture. Located on the Sea of Japan, the prefecture is filled with mountain resorts, beaches, national parks, and plenty of cultural elements. Read on for a list of

The Top Attractions to Visit in Ishikawa Prefecture Read More »

Iimori Shrine: An Interesting Shrine to Visit Near Hakata

If you are passionate about hiking and historical and cultural spots, you might want to have the Iimori Shrine (飯盛神社), south of Hakata, on your itinerary. The shrine has three sub-shrines scattered in Mt. Iimori. There are things to do and see across the precinct, so you surely won’t be bored during your hike. In

Iimori Shrine: An Interesting Shrine to Visit Near Hakata Read More »