Area

Ishiguro-Samurai-House-Bukeyashiki-Street-Kakunodate-Akita-Japan

Bukeyashiki Street – Kakunodate’s Perfect Spot for History Buffs

May 24, 2024 / Akita Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Tōhoku Region

Just like its name, the houses where samurai used to reside are lining up on Bukeyashiki Street (武家屋敷通り) in Kakunodate! A couple of these 200-year-old traditional houses are open to the public. Finding the differences in the construction of the houses between the home of top-ranked samurai, middle-ranked samurai, and lower-ranked samurai can be really fun!

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Saijo-Inari-Torii-Gate-Okayama-Japan

Saijō Inari – One of the Top Three Inari Shrine in Japan

April 15, 2024 / Chūgoku Region, Okayama Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

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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Kibitsu Shrine – The Shrine that Represents Okayama

April 13, 2024 / Chūgoku Region, Hydrangea, Okayama Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

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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The Complete Guide to Okayama Castle and Kōrakuen Garden

August 10, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Chūgoku Region, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Okayama Prefecture, Top 100 Japanese Castles

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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Katsuoji-Front-Gate-Osaka-Japan

Minō – A City Great for Onsen & Nature Getaways from Osaka

April 12, 2024 / Chūbu Region, Kansai Region, Osaka Prefecture

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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Yachi Onsen: One of Japan’s Three Secret Onsen

April 11, 2024 / Accommodation, Aomori Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring, Tōhoku Region

Located around the middle between Suiren-numa Pond and Tsuta-numa Pond, Yachi Onsen (谷地温泉), which has a history of more than 400 years, is one of Japan’s Three Secret Onsen (日本三秘湯). The other two are the Iya Onsen (祖谷温泉) in Tokushima and Niseko Yakushi Onsen (ニセコ薬師温泉) in Hokkdaidō.

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Kurashiki-Haruyo-Akari-Okayama-Japan

Your Best Kurashiki City Travel Planning Guide

April 10, 2024 / Chūgoku Region, Cultural Experiences & Activities, Hidden Gems, Okayama Prefecture

Kurashiki City (倉敷市) is more than just the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区). Not too far from this popular attraction, there are a couple of unique spots that might excite you if you are a collector or a Japanese sword admirer. Just a 40-minute train ride away, you will be able to source Japan’s best

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