Amongst all the Satobō (residence of retired monks) in Sakamoto, the Former Chikurin-in (旧竹林院) is probably the most famous. Not only is it known to be one of the highest-rank temples in Enryakuji, but its garden was also designated National Place of Scenery Beauty in 1998.
The Tanesashi Coast (種差海岸) at the center of Sanriku Fukkō National Park (三陸復興國立公園) in Hachinohe City is an unusual beach. Instead of a sandy beach shore, it has a natural lawn that spreads all the way to the shoreline! As a designated National Place of Scenery Beauty, along the Tanesashi Coastline, you can admire more …
Tanesashi Coast – One of Hachinohe’s Best Places to Visit Read More »
Shukkeien (縮景園), a Japanese garden near JR Hiroshima Station, is said to be the garden that captures the beauty of China’s West Lake (西湖). With that being said, some might think the garden must be of a Chinese style. That isn’t the case!
Kamikōchi (上高地) in Japanese literally means “the ground that God descends upon”. It is the perfect name to describe how beautiful this area is. Surrounding by the magnificent Northern Japanese Alps, it is the ultimate tourist destination for nature lovers. There is not a single day that Kamikōchi looks the same because nature changes as …
Kamikōchi – The Heavenly Place Where God Descends Read More »
At the southwest of Nantan City in Kyoto, the Ruri River Valley Natural Park (京都府立るり渓自然公園) in the 4 km long Ruri River Valley (or Rurikei Gorge) is a designated National Place of Scenery Beauty. The valley has a delicate landscape with a 530-meter-tall plateau. The upstream of the valley is made of granite, whereas the …
Totsukawa Village (十津川村), the biggest village in Japan, is located in the southernmost part of Nara Prefecture. It is blessed with beautiful scenery. To its north is the Tanize Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Japan. Sasano Falls, located in the middle of the village, is one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in the …
Totsukawa – Japan’s Biggest Village and the Hidden Gems Read More »
Dorokyō Gorge (瀞峡) or Dorokyō Valley, located in the south of Totsukawa Village, is one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty (特別名勝). The picturesque valley remains a hidden gem to most. So if you enjoy various outdoor activities, Dorokyō can be the ideal destination to stop by when you visit the Kansai region!
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 »