Hirosaki City (弘前市) is located on the western side of the Aomori Prefecture. The city is most well-known for Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) and Hirosaki Park (弘前公園), which is one of the top three cherry blossom viewing spots as well as one of the three most popular illuminated cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The city, […]
Hirosaki – The Most Attractive City in Aomori Prefecture Read More »
When you need a break from the exploration in Hirosaki Park, Fujita Memorial Garden (藤田記念庭園) next to the park is a perfect spot for a rest. The memorial garden is an example of how Western and Japanese cultures can exist in harmony. Thus, if you are interested in unique architectural styles, check out the main
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When the Japanese think about Aomori, the apple is probably one of the first things that will pop up in their mind. Hirosaki, home to most apple productions in the country, naturally has several orchards that are great for sightseeing. The most popular apple-related attraction in Hirosaki is the Hirosaki Apple Park (弘前市りんご公園). If you
Hirosaki Apple Park – An Unusual Orchard that You Must Visit Read More »
Those who know Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) or Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) in Aomori Prefecture probably know them because of their reputation for stunning cherry blossoms. More than two hundred thousand people visit Hirosaki for its Cherry Blossom Festival (弘前さくらまつり) each year! No wonder it was chosen as one of the top three cherry blossom viewing spots
Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park – A Romantic Spot to Be Read More »
Inujima (犬島) is an artistic island in Okayama City. Fine-quality copper and granite used to be produced from the island’s copper smelter and granite quarry. The foundation stones of famous castles, such as Osaka Castle, across Japan might be coming out from Inujima!
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Saijō Inari (最上稲荷山妙教寺) in Okayama City is a special place as it is one of the only few spots in Japan that combine Buddhism and Shintoism. It is also one of the major Inari Shrines in the country (the other two are Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari (豊川稲荷) in Aichi).
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For those who know a bit about Japanese folktales, you most likely have come across the story of Momotarō (桃太郎, “Peach Boy”). And if you haven’t, familiarise yourself with Momotarō’s heroic life before you come to Okayama, especially if you are paying a visit to Kibitsu Shrine (吉備津神社)!
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Many people know about Okayama because of the famous black Okayama Castle and the garden Kōrakuen, which was chosen to be one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. But the city is more than just these two top attractions. There is a shrine where you can hear a god’s answer in a boiling pot,
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If you like Japanese traditional gardens and the country’s magnificent castles, Okayama City, a 45-minute train ride away from Osaka, is an ideal destination for you to visit. Not only is Okayama Castle one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, but its garden was chosen to be one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan!
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If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Osaka City and get back to nature, consider coming to Minō / Minoo / Minoh city (箕面市). It is in Osaka prefecture, less than 30 minutes by the Hankyū Train from Umeda Station (梅田駅)! Right next door to Minō is Ikeda city (池田市) which
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