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 small, […]
Oirase Gorge – Discover the Most Picturesque Place in Japan Read More »
Agatsuma Gorge (吾妻渓谷) is a must-visit scenic spot in Kawarayu Onsen. The stunning gorge tucked away in the mountains of Gunma is a designed National Place of Scenery Beauty. Especially during the autumn leaves and fresh green seasons, the sheer valley is so beautiful buried amongst the red and light green trees.
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On Shimoji-Shima Island, there are two round ponds with colors changing by the tidal conditions, known as Tōriike Pond (通り池). The ponds were formed by seawater erosion of the limestone layer. Because they are connected with the sea, don’t be surprised if you see people popping out of the pond. They are definitely not mermaids
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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
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You might have heard of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs. Well, Japan has something similar, but just smaller in scale. The Japanese version of the Great Barrier Reef is the Yabiji Reef (八重干瀬), also known as Yae-Kise. It is located north of
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While Miyakojima is filled with scenic nature, the most beautiful part of the island has to be Cape Higashi-Hennazaki (東平安名崎). The cape, located on the eastmost of Miyako Island, is a designated spot of Japan’s National Places of Scenery Beauty. The promenade that stretches from the car park to the white lighthouse at the tip
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In addition to the buildings in the Shurijō Castle Park, Shikina-en Garden (識名園) was another spot that was registered as a part of the World Heritage, Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryūkyū (琉球王国のグスク及び関連遺産群) in 2000. The villa complex, also a designated Special National place of Scenery Beauty, has architecture and gardens
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Shurijō (首里城), a world heritage castle in Okinawa and Japan’s National Historic Site, was the residence of the Ryūkyū Kingdom’s king from 1429 to 1879. Prior to the last king of Ryūkyū surrendering Okinawa to the Meiji government, the castle was the center of the island’s political, diplomatic, and cultural center for centuries.
A Guide to Shurijō Castle – The Spiritual Symbol of Okinawa Read More »
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 »
Kyoto has many beautiful traditional gardens that are not known to many international tourists, and the garden in Yawata City Shōkadō Garden Art Museum (松花堂庭園) is one of them! Yawata City has long been known as a bamboo production area. Thus, the garden has bamboo groves that are stunning to look at throughout the year.
Kyoto’s Hidden Gem: Yawata City Shōkadō Garden Art Museum Read More »