Places to Visit

Artwork at Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum

Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum: A Must-Go Spot in Akiu Onsen

Embark on a mesmerizing journey into a world of shifting colors and intricate patterns at the Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum (仙台万華鏡美術館). Located in Akiu Onsen Town in Sendai, Japan, this unique destination is one of the few museums in the world dedicated exclusively to the art of the kaleidoscope. Visitors of all ages can explore […]

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Tenshukaku Natural Park North Gate in Autumn

Tenshukaku Natural Park: A Hidden Gem in Akiu Onsen, Sendai

If you are like us, who love traditional Japanese gardens, afternoon tea in a nice cafe, or even camping, Tenshukaku Natural Park (天守閣自然公園) is a must-visit spot. In autumn, the park is beautifully illuminated, making the visit to Akiu Onsen more worthwhile. Moreover, there are two free foot spas and a public onsen bathhouse for

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Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park and the Hot Spring Monkeys

The Snow Monkey Park, or Jigokudani Yaen Kōen (地獄谷野猿公苑), formally in Japanese, is the world’s only wild monkey onsen resort. The park, nestled in the snowy mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1964. It offers an unforgettable glimpse into the unique lives of the Japanese hot spring monkeys. This world-famous attraction is the

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Ōsaki Hachimangū: The Magnificent Guardian Shrine of Sendai

When visiting Sendai, a must-see shrine is Osaki Hachimangu Shrine (大崎八幡宮). It is the only place in the Tohōku region that houses a National Treasure. The shrine was erected in 1607 as the guardian shrine of Sendai and carries Date Masamune’s (伊達政宗, the first lord of Sendai Domain) hope of bringing happiness to his subjects.

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Saihōji – One of Hanyu Yuzuru’s Favorite Spots in Sendai

Buried deep in the mountain, whether it is in Sendai City or within the Miyagi Prefecture, Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple (定義如来 西方寺) is one of the top tourist attractions. It is no wonder Hanyu Yuzuru and his family were willing to visit the temple regularly. The temple, located in the west of Sendai City, can

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Rinnoji Temple Japanese Garden and Pagoda Sendai Miyagi Japan

Rinnoji: The Temple that Houses Sendai’s Best Garden

If you are a big fan of Japanese gardens, you would be interested in stopping at Rinnō-ji Temple (輪王寺) when you visit Sendai. It is where you will find the city’s best garden! In addition, the temple holds free meditation sessions on Saturday nights. Moreover, it is probably the only temple in the world that

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Sendai Daikannon – Explore Japan’s Tallest Kannon Statue

If you ever get a chance to head up to the observatory area at Sendai’s SS30‘s top floor on a clear day, you should see the white Kannon Buddha statue sticking out of a residential area. The Sendai Daikannon (仙台大観音) is the second-tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest is the Ushiku Buddha (牛久大仏) in

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Hida Furukawa and the Famous Anime Movie, Your Name

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

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Tsukishima-Tokyo-Bonchan-Jiant-Tortoise

Meet Tsukishima’s Most Popular Pet, Jiant Tortoise – Bonchan

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

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The Three Arch Bridges from Miyashita Arch Sankyodai Bridges Viewpoint Near JR Aizu Miyashita Station in Fukushima Japan

Beyond the 1st Bridge: The Ultimate Tadami Line Travel Guide

While the First Tadami River Bridge is undoubtedly the “postcard shot” of Fukushima, the true magic of the Oku-Aizu region lies in the lesser-known spans that most travelers overlook. From the unique three-tiered view at the Miyashita Arch Sankyodai to the remote, striking red truss of the Kanozu River Bridge, these “hidden” locations offer breathtaking

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