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 »
In Aizu-Wakamatsu City, if you want to walk on a street lined with buildings from over a century ago, head to Nanukamachi-dōri Street (七日町通り). The 800-meter-long street stretching west from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅) was a busy street in Aizu from the Edo period to the early 20th century. Historical warehouses and Western-style buildings are carefully
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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.
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Irabu Bridge (伊良部大橋) which connects Miyako Island to Irabu Island, is Japan’s longest toll-free bridge. The bridge doesn’t just have an artistic shape, but the scenery from the bridge is just simply awe-inspiring! Irabu Bridge has a total length of 3,540 meters. With many coral reefs underneath and the breathtaking azure-colored ocean, any photo with
Irabu Bridge in Miyakojima: Japan’s Longest Toll-Free Bridge Read More »
Aizu-Wakamatsu is Aizu region‘s biggest city. Besides the area where Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle is located, Nanukamachi nearby is also worth checking out. Once a lively area until the late 19th century, the town preserves the historical vibe. In addition to shopping for local specialties and taking photos, it has a couple of cafes and restaurants perfect
The Recommended Cafes and Restaurants in Nanukamachi Read More »
Miyakojima is one of the top destinations in Okinawa. But you might not be aware that there are a couple of smaller islands around Miyako Island, with three of them connected to Miyako-jima by a very long but majestic bridge! Ikema Island is one of the islands that can be reached from Miyako-jima without a
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On the north of Ikema Island, there is a compact beach that includes all the elements of Miyakojima‘s beautiful beaches within a small area. The white sandy beach shore, the crystal clear azure color seawater, coral reefs, and tropical fishes can all be found at Funaks Beach (フナクスビーチ). You can even hide behind the big
Funaks Beach: The Must-Go Hidden Gem on Ikema Island Read More »
You might have heard of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs. Well, Japan has something similar, but just smaller in scale. The Japanese version of the Great Barrier Reef is the Yabiji Reef (八重干瀬), also known as Yae-Kise. It is located north of
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The stunning Miyakojima City consists of six islands. Besides the main island, Miyako-jima, the next best island to visit is Kurima-jima. Connected by Kurima Ōhashi (来間大橋), one of Okinawa‘s longest bridges, Kurima Island is just a 15-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港). In addition to popular attractions such as the Ryūgūjō Observation Deck, there are
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