Miyako-jima 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 Miyako-jima 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 Japan’s National PLaces of Scenery Beauty. The promenade stretches from the car park to the white lighthouse at the tip of the cape is going …
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). The park opened to the public in 1929 has been the city’s oasis. But, during the cherry blossom season, many of the locals will definitely flock to Maizuru Park (舞鶴公園), located …
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 »
At the foot of Mt. Sawa (佐和山), not too far away from Hikone Station, there are three temples that have a deep connection with Ii clan, which is in charge of the Hikone Domain. Because of their history, these temples are popular tourist destinations after visiting Hikone Castle. If you have more than half a …
Ryōtan-ji and the Surrounding Temples Related to the Ii Clan Read More »
One of the most famous attractions around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, is Hikone Castle (彦根城). The castle was never besieged and thus maintained its graceful appearance throughout the past 400 years. Because of its beautiful scenery, even those who aren’t interested in castles tend to pay it a visit when they travel to Shiga …
Hikone Castle – Hikone’s Best Cherry Blossom Destination Read More »