Hida Furukawa (飛騨古川), a quaint, unassuming town, has become a lot more lively since Makoto Shinkai’s movie – Your Name (君の名は) hit the theater. The town serves as the inspiration behind many iconic scenes from the film! It can be accessed just two stations away from Hida Takayama City, a popular tourist destination in its […]
Hida Furukawa and the Famous Anime Movie, Your Name Read More »
Tsukishima (月島) is an area in Tokyo that is best known for its Monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き) restaurants. Monjayaki is the Tokyo version of Okonomiyaki. Both Monjayaki and Okonomiyaki are basically savory types of Japanese-style pancakes. If you are thinking of making them at home, you get to mix all the ingredients you like with the batter
Meet Tsukishima’s Most Popular Pet, Jiant Tortoise – Bonchan Read More »
Checking out traditional confectionery shops is a must in an area like Nanukamachi, which is filled with traditional buildings. While the types of confectionery usually don’t vary too much, each region has its way of making sweets; hence, they can taste different. You might even have some unique or rare finds as you browse through
The Top Shops to Get Traditional Sweets in Nanukamachi Read More »
In addition to the eight bridges over the Tadami River, trains on the Tadami Line cross a couple of more bridges, surrounded by stunning nature. While the photos of those scenic bridges might not be as spectacular as those taken from the First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint, these hidden spots are also loved by photographers.
The Other Scenic Bridges That the Tadami Line Crosses Read More »
Kappa Bridge (河童橋) is the landmark of Kamikochi. The most important facilities in the area are located close to the bridge, including the Kamikochi Bus Terminal and visitor centers. This part of Kamikochi is almost like a transport hub that allows tourists to gain the necessary information to explore the area and rejuvenate. The suspension
The Best Guide to Kappa Bridge and the Nearby Facilities Read More »
The World Heritage Shirakawa-gō is now a really popular tourist destination in Japan. Often, people visit this fairytale-like village by catching a bus or driving from Kanazawa. Many tourists take the normal highway. But unbeknownst to them (and us when we first visited Shirakawa-gō), there is also a really scenic toll road that goes through
Hakusan Shirakawa-gō White Road Complete Guide Read More »
Planning a visit to Enoshima Island? One must-see attraction is the mysterious Enoshima Iwaya Cave (Iwaya Grotto). Carved by the waves over centuries, these historic sea caves are steeped in legend, including tales of dragons and Buddhist pilgrims. Discover why the Enoshima Iwaya Cave is a top destination on the Shonan Coast and how to
Enoshima Iwaya Cave Guide: History & Must-See Japan Grotto Read More »
Upon commencement of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics yacht competition, the previously hidden beauty of a small island floating on Sagami Bay was suddenly revealed to the world. A sacred religious destination, Enoshima’s history centers on the Enoshima Shrine (江島神社). Before the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism, Enoshima was the precinct of Kinkizan Yogan-ji Temple (金亀山与願寺)
The Complete Guide to Enoshima Shrine Read More »
Mt. Hiei or Hieizan (比叡山), a mountain lying on the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, is considered one of the Three Holiest Places in Japan together with Kōyasan (高野山) and Mt. Osore (恐山). The worship halls and pagodas of the World Heritage Enryakuji Temple (延暦寺) are scattered throughout the mountain. The temple, which is
The Best Guide to Mt. Hiei: Enryaku-ji and Mount Hiei Hike Read More »
Ready to find your “winning luck” in Japan? Venture beyond the buzz of Osaka’s city center to the serene, forested hills of Minoh City and discover Katsuo-ji Temple (勝尾寺), famously known as the Temple of Victory or the Daruma Temple in Osaka. This extraordinary 1,300-year-old site has a powerful history of granting success to everyone
Katsuo-ji: The Daruma Temple in Osaka to Pray for Victory Read More »