While Kakunodate isn’t the most well-known cherry blossom destination in the Tōhoku Region, it is highly recommended. In addition to the cherry blossom in the town center, the cherry trees also lined the Kinokinai River (桧木内川) for two kilometers! Moreover, the cherry trees’ foliage also paints the town in vivid color when the temperature starts […]
The Cherry Blossom and Fall Foliage Spots in Kakunodate Read More »
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.
Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
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!
Bukeyashiki Street – Kakunodate’s Perfect Spot for History Buffs Read More »
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!
The Complete Guide to Okayama Castle and Kōrakuen Garden Read More »
Planning a memorable day trip from Tokyo to Tokorozawa? If you are searching for the best things to do in Saitama with kids (especially things to do in Tokorozawa), look no further than Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park (所沢航空記念公園). Spanning a massive 50 hectares of lush green space, this vibrant park is built directly on the
A Day Trip from Tokyo to Tokorozawa Aviation Park Read More »
The mountains from Arashiyama to Kameoka have some of the most spectacular scenery in Kyoto. To adore the scenery that changes each season, the best seats are provided by Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道). The company’s Sagano Romantic Train runs along the Hozu River (保津川), which flows through the scenic Hozu Gorge (保津峡). Especially during the
The Best Guide to Sagano Scenic Railway Read More »
Looking to experience Japan’s iconic spring beauty without the overwhelming Kyoto crowds? While most travelers flock to the packed parks of Arashiyama, the best-kept secret of the cherry blossom season is just a 10-minute train ride away in Shiga Prefecture. Boasting breathtaking lakeside views and historic castles, Shiga offers a peaceful, authentic alternative for those
Shiga Sakura Spots: 19 Spots to Escape Kyoto Crowds Read More »
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区), also known as Japan’s “Little Venice”, is a historical area comprising classical Japanese architecture with a few outside influences such as the Ōhara Museum of Art, which looks like a Greek temple. It is situated along the Kurashiki River in the Okayama Prefecture. The Kurashiki River was originally used
Discover Ancient Japan at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Read More »
