If you have two days to spend in Kinosaki Onsen, allocate half a day to visit Izushi. The small township is a hidden gem close to the popular hot spring town. After enjoying the town’s famous local specialty, Izushi Soba, hike up to the top of Izushi Castle Ruins (出石城跡) for a panoramic view of […]
Izushi Castle: The Best Spot for a Scenic View of Izushi Read More »
When speaking of Izushi, the town is probably most famous for its Izushi Soba (出石そば). With around 40 soba restaurants in the small town, there is no doubt that soba noodles are one of the town’s biggest selling points. Unlike elsewhere in Japan, where you are served with one bowl or plate of noodles, in
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North of Toyooka City, there is a beautiful coastline with crystal-clear seawater suitable for various beach activities. Having the Sea of Japan located on one side, it has been said that Takeno Kaigan (竹野海岸) is considered to be one of the best beaches in Japan. With clean and highly transparent water, the beach is perfect
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Akō (赤穂) is a rural city that isn’t too far away from the most elegant castle in Japan, Himeji Castle. While it is certainly not a top must-see destination in Japan, it does have its charm. In spring, it is the place that you want to be for its beautiful cherry blossom in the coastal
Akō City – The Salt, The Castle, And The Sunset Read More »
If you are a student or in the process of learning a skill, Kitano Tenmangū (北野天満宮) is the shrine you need to visit. The shrine enshrining the God of Learning is the best spot to pray for academic success. Among all the Tenmangū shrines in Japan, Kitano Tenmangū in Kyoto is especially well-known. Not only
Kitano Tenmangū: One of the Most Scenic Shrines in Kyoto Read More »
Many people come to Japan for its magnificent old castles. However, when it comes to castle ruins, we find that many tourists end up skipping them. We picture tumbledown walls and rocky boulders when we think of castle ruins. Unless notable or famous historical events have taken place there, there aren’t many incentives for international
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Shinjō Village (新庄村) is a village located in Maniwa District, Okayama Prefecture. While the village itself doesn’t have many attractions, it was still able to attract large crowds of visitors each year in spring! If you come to West Japan during the cherry blossom season, Gaisen Zakura Street in Shinjō Village is one of the places that you wouldn’t want
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Maniwa City (真庭市), located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is the place to be for all dairy lovers. The soft-serve ice cream and the cheese made from hundreds of Jersey cows’ milk are a must-try, especially if you plan to go to the Hiruzen Highlands! The city is also known as one of
Maniwa City – Jersey Cows and the Cherry Blossoms in Autumn Read More »
Experience your first mixed-gendered onsen bath at Yubara Onsen Sunayu (湯原温泉砂湯) in Maniwa City for free! This outdoor hot spring that is at the end of Yubara Onsen Town is just in front of the Yubara Dam (湯原ダム), making it one of the reasons that it ranks first among the best outdoor open-aired bath in
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Hiruzen Highlands (蒜山高原) in Okayama Prefecture, also known as Hiruzen Plateau, is one of the best highland resorts in Western Japan. It is reminiscent of Karuizawa near Tokyo. While architecture might be less fashionable, it has much more capacity for you to enjoy nature. At the same time, there are still stylish boutique shops for
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