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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Amagasaki is an industrial city in western Hyōgo Prefecture. While its tourist attractions are not mainstream, it is the closest city to Osaka. If you plan to stay around Osaka/Umeda Station in February, we highly recommend taking a short trip to visit the plum blossom spots in Amagasaki!
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If you have heard about or have been to the Kumano Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture, you might wonder if Naniwa Kuamno Shrine (なにわ熊野神社) is related to the renowned Kumano Shrine. And your guess is correct! So, if you don’t have time to complete the pilgrimage, start your journey from Naniwa Kumano Shrine and get blessings
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For anyone out there who wants to be at the summit of a mountain the lazy way but doesn’t want to splurge on some fancy transportation mode (i.e., a gondola lift), check out Mt. Akita-Komagatake (秋田駒ヶ岳) in Akita Prefecture! Although you have to hike a bit longer than Mt. Iwaki in Aomori Prefecture, it only
The Best Guide to Mt. Akita-Komagatake and the Moomin Valley Read More »
Nyūtō Onsen (乳頭温泉郷) is a rural hot spring resort in Akita Prefecture (秋田県) that consists of six ryokans and one hotel, each having its history, style, and spring quality. Listed as one of the 100 Japan Hidden Scenic Spots (日本の秘境100選), the resort is quietly nestled deep in the mountain at the base of Mt. Nyūtō.
Nyūtō Onsen and the 7 Unique Ryokans Deep in the Mountain Read More »
Kyūkamura Nyūtō Onsenkyō (渡假村 乳頭溫泉鄉) is one of the 37 hotels owned by the National Park Resort Chain. Although the hotel itself doesn’t have the secrecy element like the other six ryokans in Nyūtō Onsen, the facilities in Kyūkamura are suitable for families or the elderly due to its level of service, modern facilities, and
Kyūkamura: The Only Western-Style Hotel in Nyūtō Onsen Read More »
