Kaga City (加賀市), also commonly referred to as Kaga Onsen (加賀温泉), can be sub-divided into six areas, including three main onsen towns, each with unique selling points. The hot spring resorts have a history dating back 1,300 years. There are onsen ryokans with high-quality service and various beautiful local handicrafts waiting for you to discover …
Kaga Onsen – The Charming Onsen Resorts Close to Kanazawa Read More »
Many people come to Japan for its magnificent old castles. However, when it comes to castle ruins, we find that many tourists end up skipping them. We picture tumbledown walls and rocky boulders when we think of castle ruins. Unless notable or famous historical events have taken place there, there aren’t many incentives for international …
The Best Guide to Akō Castle Ruins and Akō Ōishi Shrine Read More »
Gōkei (豪渓) was designated as one of Japan’s National Site of Scenery Beauty in 1923. It is a beautiful valley located upstream of the Makidani River (槙谷川), a tributary of the Takahashi River (高梁川). The valley is still considered a hidden gem as most of the tourists who come to the valley are locals. With …
Gōkei Valley – One of the Most Picturesque Valley in Okayama Read More »
The Noto Peninsula (能登半島) close to Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is rich in nature. The entire peninsula is designated as a national park. The diverse landscape created a unique rural culture that differs from the close-by popular destination – Kanazawa. The best way to explore the peninsula is to do a loop course and discover …
The Ultimate Guide to the Stunning Noto Peninsula Read More »
People with a bit of knowledge of Aomori Prefecture will most likely have heard about the famous Hirosaki City. What they might not know or hear of is its sister-like city, Kuroishi (黒石市), which prospered with Hirosaki City as Hirosaki Castle’s castle town.
Hiraizumi town (平泉町), once Kyoto‘s rival for its refined culture and elegant surroundings in the 12th century, still retains its charm and traces of former greatness. If you are after a cultural and scenery feast, it is the destination that you don’t want to miss!
From ancient times, the people who lived in Beppu (別府) in Ōita Prefecture suffered from the heat generated by volcanic activities. Crops could hardly be grown on the field, causing serious food shortage problems. And because the terrifying landscapes shaped by volcanic activities are nowhere to be found elsewhere in Japan, various myths and legends …
A Tour to the Hells of Beppu – Japan’s Scariest Onsen Town Read More »
Have you heard of the Okayama Prefecture? It is just a 45-minute train ride away from Osaka! Most importantly, you get to visit one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and one of the Top 100 Castles in one go (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ
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 »
Miyakojima is one of the top destinations in Okinawa. But you might not be aware that there are a couple of smaller islands around Miyako Island, with three of them connected to Miyako-jima by a very long but majestic bridge! Ikema Island is one of the islands that can be reached from Miyako-jima without a …
The Complete Guide to Ikema Island and Yabiji Reef Read More »