Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima
The famous Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada are probably the mainstream destinations of Aomori Prefecture. But if you just take the JR bus from JR Aomori Station straight to Yakeyama (the entrance of Oirase Gorge), you are missing quite a few scenic ponds!
The 14 km Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流) in Aomori Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s most scenic spots. No matter which season you visit Oirase Gorge, you will definitely be amazed by its beauty. Apart from the artificial walking tracks, the whole gorge remains in its original form. The virgin forest, the rocks (big and …
Oirase Gorge – Discover the Most Picturesque Place in Japan Read More »
Besides the famous Akiu Onsen, if you are looking to enjoy a hot spring session in Sendai, Sakunami Onsen (作並温泉) is another great option to consider. Although the hot spring town has less exciting things to see and do, the weakly alkaline onsen is gentle on the skin and is nicknamed the Beauty-Making Onsen (美女づくりの湯)!
If you ever get a chance to head up to the observatory area at Sendai‘s SS30‘s top floor on a clear day, you should see this white Kannon statue sticking out of a residential area. The Sendai Ddaikannon (仙台大観音) is the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest is the Ushiku Buddha (牛久大仏) in …
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When you visit Sendai, the capital of the kingdom built by the famous samurai, Date Masamune, you will notice that wherever you go, supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes are all selling a particular traditional dessert with a creamy light green topping. That mysterious light green colored topping can also be found in various types of drinks!
If you visit Sendai between late February and late March, head to Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū Shrine (榴岡天満宮) to adore the lovely plum blossoms. Just like all the Tenmangū shrines in Japan, Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū enshrines Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because plum blossom is Michizane’s favorite flower, plum trees are planted here and there in the shrine’s precinct.
If you are a big fan of Japanese gardens, you would be interested in stopping at Rinnō-ji Temple when you visit Sendai. It is where you will find the city’s best garden!
Sendai, the Tōhoku region‘s biggest city receiving more than 20 million tourists each year, is an amazing destination that encompasses both city and countryside characteristics, even in the city center. This is why the locals proudly advertise their hometown as Forest City (Morio no Miyako, 杜の都). The city, with a good balance of urban and …
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If you are a Japanese history buff, the first attraction you will want to visit once you arrive at Sendai must be the Sendai Castle (仙台城). The castle, situated atop Mt. Aoba or Aobayama in Japanese, was built by Date Masamune (伊達政宗), one of the most famous feudal lords in the late 15th to early …
Sendai Castle – The Throne of Powerful Ruler, Date Masamune Read More »
Akiu Ōtaki Fall (秋保大滝), also known as the Akiu Great Fall, is the must-see spot in Akiu Onsen. The 55-meter tall waterfall is just spectacular no matter which season you visit. It was thus chosen to be one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls and a designated National Place of Scenery Beauty.