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Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana Shotoen Garden Yanagawa Fukuoka Japan

Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana: The Must-Visit in Yanagawa

If you take the Normal Yanagawa River Cruise Course, the cruise finishes near Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana (柳川藩主立花邸 御花). The spot where over 400 years of history and nature blend together is the must-visit in Yanagawa. Surrounded by a moat, like a castle, the complex was the villa of the Tachibana clan (立花家) that led the […]

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Agatsuma Gorge: The Most Amazing Gorge Close to Tokyo

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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Tōriike Pond: The Most Scenic Pond on Shimoji Island

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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The Complete Guide to Ikema Island and Yabiji Reef

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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Yabiji Reef: Japan’s Largest Stunning Coral Reef System

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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Cape Higashi-Hennazaki – Miyako Island’s Most Stunning Spot

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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Sendai Castle – The Throne of Powerful Ruler, Date Masamune

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

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Yawata City Shōkadō Garden Art Museum Yawata Kyoto Japan

Shōkadō Garden Art Museum: The Birthplace of the Shokado Bento

While the crowds flock to Arashiyama, a quiet, historical treasure awaits just south of Kyoto in Yawata City. Shōkadō Garden & Art Museum (松花堂庭園) is far more than a simple Zen retreat. It is a cultural crossroads where culinary history, world-changing invention, and seasonal beauty meet. From its origins as the spiritual home of the

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The Best Guide to Fukuoka’s Ōhori Park and Maizuru Park

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

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Tashiro Marsh Morning Frost Kamikochi Nagano Japan

The Best Guide to Tashiro Marsh and Tashiro Pond in Kamikōhi

While not as famous as Kappa Bridge or Taishō Pond, Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池) located between the two scenic spots are picturesque throughout the year. Especially in the morning of the colder months, you will find these two spots extra stunning because the plants are covered by a thin layer of frost!

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