Like other Tenman shrines in Japan, the Sanda Tenman Shrine (三田天満神社) has Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) as the main god. His favorite flower, plum blossom, is thus planted in the precinct. In fact, the 200-year-old plum isn’t just another plum on the street. The plum is called Tobi-Ume (飛び梅), the same plum as the one […]
A Guide to Sanda Tenman Shrine and the Plum Blossoms Read More »
Tamagawa Onsen (玉川温泉) in Akita Prefecture is a special hot spring resort. It consists of two ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) nestled in the mountains of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Why is it special? Because it is ranked number one for both the acidity of the spring at pH1.2 and the amount of spring water gushing out
Tamagawa Onsen – Japan’s Best Onsen Town for Recuperation Read More »
Anyone who has been to or even heard of Shibuya Station (渋谷駅) knows there is a Hachikō statue there. Hachikō wasn’t just another Akita around the corner. Due to his fierce loyalty to his first owner, he gained the deepest respect from the community that even a statue of him was made and then placed
The Ultimate Guide to Hachikō’s Hometown – Ōdate City Read More »
Ōdate City (大館市) in Akita Prefecture is where loyal Hachikō came from. Although most of his life was spent in Tokyo, you can find Hachikō’s statues all over the city! So, one of the reasons that people visit his hometown is to see the Akitas. It is hard to resist to not love those cute,
Where to Meet the Akitas in Hachikō’s Hometown: Ōdate City Read More »
After exploring Hirosaki, you might feel like you haven’t experienced enough of the Tsugaru region’s hospitality. You decide to hop on a train and are on your way to the sister-like city, Kuroishi. During the 50-minute train ride, you might look out the window and think, “I wonder whether there is anything interesting to see along this
The Ultimate Guide to the Attractions in Hirakawa City Read More »
When we first saw a picture of the rice field art (or rice paddy art), we thought, “Ah, who destroyed the rice field by putting paint on those poor plants…”. And then, when we were told the drawings were formed by planting various types of rice to create different colors at different spots of the
A Guide to the Amazing Inakadate Village Rice Field Art Read More »
While not as famous as Kobe, Awaji Island across the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is one of the top tourist destinations in Hyōgo Prefecture. Many visit the island for the stunning scenery. It is also a historical and cultural rich part of the Kansai region. So, if Awaji Island is on your itinerary and you plan to
The Top Plum Blossom Spots on Awaji Island Read More »
If you are a history buff who loves ocean views, visit Oishi Park (生石公園) at the southeastern tip of Awaji Island. The park, located on a hill, was built from the Yura Fortress (由良要塞跡). In early spring, you can see the plum blossoms blooming on the slope leading to the sea from the Oishi Strait
Oishi Park: The Stunning Historical Spot on Awaji Island Read More »
Just minutes from JR Akita Station, Senshū Park (千秋公園) isn’t just another park you can find in Japan. In the park, you will find a castle, a tea ceremony tea house, three shrines, a museum, an art gallery, and even a library! What is even more awesome is that the castle has been recognized as one
Senshū Park – An Unusual Castle Park in Akita City Read More »
Hachimantai (八幡平) in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is a magnificent patch of nature on the prefectural border between Iwate (岩手) and Akita (秋田). While the fall foliage scenery is better on the Akita side of Hachimantai, the summit of Mt. Hachimantai and many of the natural wonders are located in Iwate prefecture.
Hachimantai – The Dragon Eye and the Amazing Natural Wonders Read More »
