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 »
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.
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 »
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 …
Cape Higashi-Hennazaki – Miyako Island’s Most Stunning Spot Read More »
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 …
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.
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.
If you ask a local who lives in Hakata where they would take a leisurely stroll, they will probably tell you Ōhori Park (大濠公園). Since the park opened to the public in 1929, it has been the city’s oasis. But, during the cherry blossom season, many of the locals will definitely flock to Maizuru Park …
The Best Guide to Fukuoka’s Ōhori Park and Maizuru Park Read More »
Ainoshima Island (相島) is a small heart-shaped island around 7.5 km off the coast of Shingū Town (新宮町) north of Fukuoka City. The island that used to host up to 500 Korean emissaries is now one of the world’s most famous cat spots. So if you are a cat lover, how about a trip to …
Ainoshima – A Guide to Kyūshū’s Most Famous Cat Island Read More »