Hidden Gems

Funaks Beach: The Must-Go Hidden Gem on Ikema Island

On the north of Ikema Island, there is a compact beach that includes all the elements of Miyakojima‘s beautiful beaches within a small area. The white sandy beach shore, the crystal clear azure color seawater, coral reefs, and tropical fishes can all be found at Funaks Beach (フナクスビーチ). You can even hide behind the big […]

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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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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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Shoboji Temple Henjoto Pagoda Kyoto Japan

Shōbō-ji and Its Stunning Rock Garden and Plum Grove

Close to the mountainous area west of Kyoto Station, besides the weeping cherry blossom, Shōbō-ji (西山正法寺) is a hidden plum blossom spot in Kyoto that only a few know about. The temple is nicknamed a Rock Temple (石の寺) because unique rocks were collected from all over the country. Many of them are placed in its

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Dōmyōji Tenmangū: Osaka’s Hidden Plum and Cherry Blossom Spot

If you want to receive blessings for academic success, visit Dōmyōji Tenmangū (道明寺天満宮) in Osaka‘s Fujiidera City (藤井寺市). The shrine that enshrines the God of Learning, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), has a history of more than 1,400 years (founded in 947). Like most Tenmangūs in Japan, plum blossoms can be found in the shrine’s precinct.

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The Top 15 Attractions to Visit in Okayama Prefecture

If you are seeking a part of Japan that isn’t packed with tourists but is still culturally rich and filled with stunning scenery, Okayama Prefecture, which is just an hour from Kyoto and around 30 minutes from Hiroshima, could just be your ideal destination. In addition to the prefecture’s landmark, Okayama Castle and its garden

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The Top 12 Destinations in Aomori Prefecture

Aomori, Japan’s main island’s northmost prefecture, is filled with stunning landscapes and volcanic mountain ranges. In addition to its many off-the-beaten-path scenic destinations, it is also culturally rich and features two of the country’s best art museums. Read on and discover the top 12 places to visit when you visit Aomori!

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Okayama’s Top Spots to Enjoy Beaches and Ocean Views

If you are a beach lover and/or are after magnificent ocean views, consider visiting Okayama Prefecture when you visit Japan next time. Okayama has a plethora of amazing spots located on the Seto Inland Sea. Read on for our list of recommended destinations for stunning ocean views and beach activities in Okayama!

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Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – The Best Park in Fukuoka

If you are traveling away from Fukuoka’s city center, the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園) is another destination in Fukuoka City that has flowers blooming all year round. In fact, if you love taking photos in flower fields, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is the best place to be in Fukuoka! In addition, the park has a 12

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