Imugya Marine Garden (イムギャーマリンガーデン) is a seaside park by the natural rocky cove. It is one of the top hidden gems on Miyako-jima Island that we love the most. While the beach isn’t very large, it is calm and perfect for children to swim in. It is also another beach on Miyako Island that is […]
Imugya Marine Garden: The Hidden Gem on Miyako Islan Read More »
If you are after a beach where you can swim anytime during the year on Miyako-jima Island, Boraga Beach (保良泉ビーチ) would be your ideal beach. It is also a beach that has a swimming pool attached. Another special thing about this pool is that it sources water from underground water instead of seawater. In addition,
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Close to Yonaha Maehama Beach, there is a tropical orchard that keeps all fruit lovers happy. Maipari Miyakojima Tropical Orchard (まいぱり 宮古島熱帯果樹園) doesn’t just have fruit trees but also farm animals that you can meet! The orchard also has a cafe, perfect for a rest from swimming and other beach activities!
Maipari Miyakojima Tropical Orchard: Fruit-Picking & Animals Read More »
Besides the famous Akiu Onsen, if you are looking to enjoy a hot spring session in Sendai, Sakunami Onsen (作並温泉) is another great option to consider. Although the hot spring town has less exciting things to see and do, the weakly alkaline onsen is gentle on the skin and is nicknamed the Beauty-Making Onsen (美女づくりの湯)!
The Top 10 Places to Visit or Stay in Sakunami Onsen Read More »
If you love whisky and would like to tour around a Japanese whisky factory, jump onto a train and head to Sendai city‘s outskirts and visit Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (ニッカウヰスキー 宮城峡蒸溜所). The distillery holds factory tours throughout the day to show visitors how their delicious whisky is made. And the best thing is that
Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory: Sendai’s Hidden Gem for Alcohol Read More »
The Japanese and Chinese cultures and architecture share many similarities, and Naha is probably the Japanese city that has received the most impact from China. In fact, Naha’s sister city is Fuzhou in China. So if you would like to kill two birds with one stone by visiting a Chinese garden in Japan, Fukushūen (福州園)
Fukushūen Garden: The Must-Visit Fusion Garden in Naha Read More »
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
Shōkadō Garden Art Museum: The Birthplace of the Shokado Bento Read More »
If you are passionate about hiking and historical and cultural spots, you might want to have the Iimori Shrine (飯盛神社), south of Hakata, on your itinerary. The shrine has three sub-shrines scattered in Mt. Iimori. There are things to do and see across the precinct, so you surely won’t be bored during your hike. In
Iimori Shrine: An Interesting Shrine to Visit Near Hakata Read More »
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
Shōbō-ji and Its Stunning Rock Garden and Plum Grove Read More »
If you land at the Kansai Airport between late February and early March, don’t jump on the train straightaway for Osaka’s city center. The plum blossoms close to Kinyūji might be blooming beautifully upon your arrival. How about starting your trip by detouring to the small temple for the plum blossoms up the hill?
Kinyūji: The Plum Blossom Temple Close to the Kansai Airport Read More »
