Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (川越氷川神社) is arguably the most famous and popular shrine in Kawagoe. The old shrine, more than 1,500 years old, is where the locals pray for marriage ties. In addition to the normal things you would do at a Japanese shrine, such as writing wishes on the back of an ema plaque, there […]
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine – The Must-Visit Attraction in Kawagoe Read More »
Tucked away in the scenic Sayama Hills of Tokorozawa in Saitama, Totoro Forest (トトロの森) and Kurosuke’s House offer Studio Ghibli fans a magical escape into the real-life landscape that inspired My Neighbor Totoro. Located just an hour outside of central Tokyo, this hidden gem allows you to wander through pristine nature trails and step inside a traditional Japanese home guarded
How to Visit Totoro Forest & Kurosuke’s House from Tokyo: A Complete Day Trip Guide Read More »
If you have a car and plan to visit Tokorozawa in late spring or autumn, visit Tamon-in (多聞院). The temple is a renowned spot for peony and the beautiful fall foliage. Besides the natural scenery, pilgrims can enjoy a couple of fun rituals. In addition, it is a temple filled with tiger elements!
Tamon-in Temple and the Cute Tiger Figure-Covered Precinct Read More »
Want to appreciate the picturesque 2km gorge with cliff walls of more than 100 meters high on both riverbanks, and all you need to do is relax on a boat? Geibikei Gorge (猊鼻渓) in Iwate Prefecture is the perfect place for you! Adding to this unforgettable experience is the traditional Japanese ballad that your boatman
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Renkeiji (蓮馨寺) is the temple in Kawagoe closest to Taishō Roman Yume-dōri. It is close to the street’s popular udon restaurant, Udon Tsumugi. The temple has a serene atmosphere and is rich in history. Since its establishment in the mid-16th century, the locals would go there and pray for various things, especially child-related matters, such
Renkeiji: A Temple to Pray for Child-Related Matters in Kawagoe Read More »
Kawagoe Hachimangū Shrine (川越八幡宮), the most prominent Hachimangū shrine in Kawagoe City, was erected over 1,000 years ago. Among more than 200 shrines in the city, it is the only one with Kawagoe in its name. Despite its location, Kawagoe Hachimangū is quiet and serene compared to other shrines in the historical township. So if
Kawagoe Hachimangū – The Spot to Swap Bad Luck for Happiness Read More »
Ichinoseki (一関市) is the southmost city in Iwate Prefecture. Having a wealth of beautiful natural landscapes, it is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from the big city’s hustle and bustle. If you are a foodie, Ichinoseki should also be of your interest. The city also has a unique mochi culture, meaning you will
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Shōeidō (松栄堂) is Ichinoseki‘s representative traditional confectionary maker, established in 1903. It is very good at creating gorgeously shaped sweets made from local ingredients, reflecting the local cultures and current seasons. Traditionally, the mochi rice cake can be found in all seasonal events in Ichinoseki. This is why the local traditional sweets makers, such as
Shōeidō: Ichinoseki’s Best Traditional Confectionery Maker Read More »
While rice cakes can easily be found across Japan, the mochi in Ichinoseki really stands out! When you visit the city, you will have your first mochi cuisine. The rice cake there isn’t just eaten as a dessert, but as a main dish too! So, if you ever visit Ichinoseki, check out the restaurants that
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Since ancient times, Ichinoseki has been blessed with abundant water and rice cultivation from the Ou and Kitakami mountains. Using the area’s high-quality rice and water, Sekinoichi Sake Brewery (世嬉の一酒造株式会社) was founded in 1919. It is a brewery that is good at using ingredients that don’t seem to go well with beer at first glance.
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