If you are coming to Fukuchiyama City by train, you might notice a castle up on the hill from the train window. Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城) is a popular destination and a landmark in Northern Kyoto. It was also listed in the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (続日本100名城) by the Japanese Castle Foundation (日本城郭協会)!
Fukuchiyama Castle and Why Akechi Mitsuhide Was a Good Man Read More »
Izushi (出石) is a quaint town in Toyooka City where you can find traces of Japanese history dating back to the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Although it might not seem like it now, the castle town used to be incredibly prosperous. This prosperity earned it the title of Tajima Province’s Little Kyoto! Because the
Izushi – A Castle Town that Retains the Past Eras’ Remnants Read More »
If you have two days to spend in Kinosaki Onsen, allocate half a day to visit Izushi. The small township is a hidden gem close to the popular hot spring town. After enjoying the town’s famous local specialty, Izushi Soba, hike up to the top of Izushi Castle Ruins (出石城跡) for a panoramic view of
Izushi Castle: The Best Spot for a Scenic View of Izushi Read More »
Akō (赤穂) is a rural city that isn’t too far away from the most elegant castle in Japan, Himeji Castle. While it is certainly not a top must-see destination in Japan, it does have its charm. In spring, it is the place that you want to be for its beautiful cherry blossom in the coastal
Akō City – The Salt, The Castle, And The Sunset 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 »
Maniwa City (真庭市), located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is the place to be for all dairy lovers. The soft-serve ice cream and the cheese made from hundreds of Jersey cows’ milk are a must-try, especially if you plan to go to the Hiruzen Highlands! The city is also known as one of
Maniwa City – Jersey Cows and the Cherry Blossoms in Autumn Read More »
Kanba Falls (神庭の滝) in Okayama Prefecture, a 20-meter-wide waterfall with water falling from a 110-meter cliff, is the biggest waterfall in Western Japan and one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in the country! Together with the surrounding nature, the spot was also designated to be one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Kanba Falls – One of the Best Waterfall in Western Japan Read More »
Okayama Prefecture, in the western part of Japan’s main island, is definitely not known for its limestone caves. However, if you drop by Niimi City (新見市), you will encounter a few of the most fascinating limestone caves you will ever see! During summer, there is a relaxing marsh for you to trek on and even
Niimi City and the Amazing Limestone Caves Read More »
Have you ever wondered what the world would look like after you die? Well, we have. According to Japanese folk tales, those who die will pass a bridge to cross the Sanzunokawa River. It has been said that the river divides our world from another world. As we all need to cross that river one
Mt. Osore – Welcome to the World After Death Read More »
If you are after some hidden gems in the Chūgoku region, come to Sōja City (総社市) in Okayama Prefecture for the beautiful natural wonders that the non-locals might not be aware of. Apart from the scenic places, you will also find a castle that used to house demons. And on the other side of the
Sōja City and the Scenic Hidden Gems that Many Don’t Know Read More »
