Area

Kyukamura-Nyuto-Onsen-Gate

Kyūkamura: The Only Western-Style Hotel in Nyūtō Onsen

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 »

Tae-no-Yu-Nyuto-Onsen

Tae no Yu and the Luxurious Onsen Experience in Nyūtō Onsen

If comfortability is more important to you when staying in a hot spring town, consider spending a night at Tae-no-Yu (妙乃湯). The luxurious ryokan offers high-quality service and facility. Soon after you enter this ryokan, you should be able to smell a strong woody aroma from its wooden interior decoration, making it popular amongst female

Tae no Yu and the Luxurious Onsen Experience in Nyūtō Onsen Read More »

Tsurunoyu-Nyuto-Onsen-Gate

Tsuru no Yu: Nyūtō Onsen’s Oldest But Most Popular Ryokan

If you plan to visit Nyūtō Onsen, one of the top hot spring towns in Akita Prefecture, we highly recommend booking a night with Tsuru no Yu (鶴之湯). It is the oldest ryokan in town and was once a spa for the lords of the Akita domain. Thus, besides the guestrooms and public baths, a

Tsuru no Yu: Nyūtō Onsen’s Oldest But Most Popular Ryokan Read More »

Farmers-Market-Odate-Akita-Japan

Fun Activities at Yōkina Kasan no Mise Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets can be found everywhere in the world, with some of them being the size of a football stadium. The ones that you have been to may have a range of fresh products, but probably none of them offers cultural activities like Yōkina Kasan no Mise (陽気な母さんの店) in Ōdate city (大館市)!

Fun Activities at Yōkina Kasan no Mise Farmer’s Market Read More »

Tsunashiki Tenmangu Plum Blossoms Kobe Hyogo Japan

Tsunashiki Tenmangū: The Plum Blossoms & Interesting Rituals

Speaking of plum blossoms in Japan, many Japanese would think of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). The famous scholar from the Heian period (794 – 1185) is known for his love towards plum blossoms. Therefore, most, if not all, of the Tenmangū shrines in Japan have plums planted. The Tsunashiki Tenmangū (綱敷天満宮) in Kobe isn’t an

Tsunashiki Tenmangū: The Plum Blossoms & Interesting Rituals Read More »

Sekainoume-Park-Tatsuno-Hyogo-Japan

Hyōgo Prefecture and Tatsuno City’s Best Plum Blossom Spots

Many come to Japan for its cherry blossoms, but do you know plum blossoms are just as beautiful as cherry blossoms? Tatsuno City, located in the southwestern part of Hyōgo Prefecture, is home to two of Kansai region‘s best plum blossom spots. While getting there is more than just a train ride from the region’s

Hyōgo Prefecture and Tatsuno City’s Best Plum Blossom Spots Read More »

Kitanocho-Square-Kobe-Hyogo-Japan

Kitano Ijinkan-gai and the Most Interesting Old Houses You Will Ever Find

If sightseeing is what you are after in Kobe, stopping by the Kitano Ijinkan-Gai (北野異人館街) is a must, even if you come from a European country with similar house features. The old houses open to the public have all been renovated into museums with different themes. From the ones where you get to peek into

Kitano Ijinkan-gai and the Most Interesting Old Houses You Will Ever Find Read More »

Platon Decorative Arts Museum: The Must-Go Spot in Kitano Ijinkan-gai

If you only have time to visit a few houses in Kitano Ijikan-gai, ensure the Platon Decorative Arts Museum (プラトン装飾美術館) is on the list. The fundamental difference between the Platon Decorative Arts Museum and the other Western-style houses in the area is that this one is privately owned. Probably because of this, the staff welcoming

Platon Decorative Arts Museum: The Must-Go Spot in Kitano Ijinkan-gai Read More »

Kitano Tenman Shrine and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms

If you have been to Kyoto, you might have heard of or been to Kitano Tanmangū Shrine (北野天満神社). So when you hear of the Kitano Tenman shrine, you might wonder if they are related. And you are right. The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto is the origin of the Kitano Tenman Shrine in Kobe! Besides

Kitano Tenman Shrine and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »