Many people know that the Itsukushima Shrine, the shrine with a torii gate floating on the sea, is a World Heritage Site. But do you know it isn’t just the shrine itself that was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? And when you ask where to find deer in Japan, most people will tell …
The Ultimate Guide to Miyajima and the Great Torii Gate Read More »
Miyajima isn’t just about the Floating Torii Gate. Head to the most sacred part of Miyajima, Mt. Misen (弥山), for the magnificent scenery up at the summit and to explore Mt. Misen’s Seven Wonders!
Since its listing on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995, Shirakawa-gō (白川郷), also spelt as Shirakawagō in Gifu Prefecture, has been considered one of the most popular getaway spots in Japan. Located in a remote mountainous region in central Japan, the villages and their people were known to be isolated and hidden from the …
The Best Guide to the World Heritage Shirakawa-gō Read More »
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 »
Mt. Shirakami or Shirakami Sanchi (白神山地) is a vast mountain area of 130 hectares that spans from the north of Akita Prefecture to the south of Aomori Prefecture. Mt Shirakami has been listed as a world heritage site as of 1993. It is also a Pilgrimage site for Studio Ghibli fans as the forest in …
Shirakami Sanchi and the World-Class Virgin Beech Forest Read More »
Continuing from our article on Mt. Shirakami, which introduced the world-class virgin beech forest and beautiful waterfalls on the east side of the vast mountain area, this time, we want to introduce the gorgeous Jūniko Lake area on the west to you!
Hiraizumi Town (平泉町), which once rivaled Kyoto‘s refined culture and elegant surroundings in the 12th century, is now the hometown of a World Heritage, Chūsonji Temple (中尊寺). The same as Motsuji Temple not too far away, it was also founded by Jikaku Daishi (慈覚大師) in 850 based on Pure Land Buddhism.
When people talk about Himeji, they talk about the beautiful all-white Himeji Castle and the castle’s garden – Kōkōen. Both attractions can be easily accessed from the Himeji Station and are highly recommended. But if you have a day to spend in Himeji, extend your visit to one of Japan’s hidden gems – Engyōji Temple …
Mt. Shosha – The Beautiful Mountain Overlooking Himeji Read More »
Nowadays, many Japanese castles have been included in the World Heritage Register. But, when it comes to the ranking determined by the Japan Castle Foundation, there can only be ONE castle that is ranked first place. Himeji Castle (姫路城) in Hyōgo Prefecture was nicknamed the White Heron Castle or Shirasagi-Jō (白鷺城) in Japanese because the …
Himeji Castle – The Most Elegant Castle in Japan Read More »
Shurijō (首里城), a world heritage castle in Okinawa and Japan’s National Historic Site, was the residence of the Ryūkyū Kingdom’s king from 1429 to 1879. Prior to the last king of Ryūkyū surrendering Okinawa to the Meiji government, the castle was the center of the island’s political, diplomatic, and cultural center for centuries.