Popular posts

• 

  Lake Okutama

  Posted in: Kanto, Tokyo

  1323 Views

  Lake Okutama in Okutama, Tokyo, has a total storage capacity of 180 million tons and supplies about 20% of the water used by Tokyo residents. The lake is located inside Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park and is popular as an oasis of the metropolis as it changes its appearance beautifully from season to season with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, fall leaves, and winter snowscapes. The lakeside is dotted with various historic sites and antique houses with a nostalgic atmosphere. It is also a...

  Read more
• 

  Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

  Posted in: Chubu, Ishikawa

  1318 Views

  The 8-kilometer sandy beach is the only beach in Japan that can be driven on by a car. Not only is it famous as driving spot, but is also a great swimming beach that attracts visitors from around the country during the summer. Enjoy a refreshing drive in the great outdoors, with a spectacular view of the Noto Peninsula when the weather is nice.

  Read more
• 

  Tsunoshima Bridge

  Posted in: Chugoku, Yamaguchi

  1316 Views

  Tsunoshima Bridge was opened in the year 2000, and it is Japan’s longest (1780m) bridge to an isolated island that you can cross for free, as it is a non-toll road.

  Read more
• 

  Shigaraki Pottery Village

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  1310 Views

  Recognized as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, Shigaraki pottery boasts a long history centered around Shigaraki in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. It is perhaps best known for the comical raccoon dog ceramic statues found at many storefronts in Japan. Shigaraki Pottery Village is a long-standing potter with over 100 years of history, with some of the few completely preserved climbing kilns built using the slope of a mountain, as well as old-fashioned cave kilns.

  Read more
• 

  Irabu Bridge

  Posted in: Okinawa

  1309 Views

  Located just west of Miyako Island, Irabu Island is a quaint, far-off isle with a population of around 5,000. Previously accessible only by ferry, the Irabu Bridge was constructed in 2015 to connect the two islands, thus becoming a hugely popular tourist destination for marveling at the wonders of nature unique to the remote island.

  Read more
• 

  Hozan-ji Temple

  Posted in: Nara, Kansai

  1308 Views

  Hozan-ji Temple is located on the hillside of Nara Prefecture's Mount Ikoma, worshiped as a mountain where gods reside since ancient times. With the enshrinement of Shoten, a Buddhist guardian god, Hozan-ji Temple has been affectionately called Ikoma Shoten. The deity Shoten is also called Kangiten and is said to grant all wishes in the present world. At Hozan-ji Temple, the Kangiten Festival is held on the first and 16th day of every month, and the temple becomes bustling with visitors...

  Read more
• 

  Juwari Soba Etsu Bungotakada Soba Noodles Shop

  Posted in: Kyushu, Oita

  1303 Views

  Bungotakada, located on the western side of the Kunisaki Peninsula, is known for its delicious Bungotakada soba noodles. A unique feature of this local specialty is that the season for newly harvested soba (buckwheat) comes twice a year. In particular, the crop acreage of Harusoba, the soba planted in the spring, is the largest in the country. This is a staple dish you should definitely try when visiting Bungotakada.

  Read more
• 

  Jodogahama Beach

  Posted in: Tohoku, Iwate

  1303 Views

  Jodogahama Beach in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, is a place of scenic beauty on the Sanriku Fukko National Park. Its stunning views can be enjoyed from sightseeing boats. Jodogahama Beach is a popular swimming spot in summer, but can be enjoyed throughout the year. There, you can enjoy and beautiful sunrise that change in every season.

  Read more
• 

  Usa Jingu Shrine

  Posted in: Kyushu, Oita

  1301 Views

  Usa Jingu Shrine, a power spot of Oita Prefecture, is a shrine located in Minami Usa in the city of Usa, Oita Prefecture. It is known as the origin of the Rokugo-Manzan, a syncretic religious culture that fuses Buddhist and Shinto traditions. Many worshippers come to Usa Jingu Shrine to receive goshuin stamps and omamori amulets. The divine blessings they bestow are related to the divine virtues of the great god Hachiman and the other various deities that are enshrined within the shrine grounds.

  Read more
• 

  Omura Park

  Posted in: Kyushu, Nagasaki

  1300 Views

  Spring is the most lively season in the rich natural world of Omura. Approximately 2,000 cherry trees burst into bloom in Omura Park, signaling the start of spring. The park is listed as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Cherry Blossom-viewing Sites. The trees are lit up during the Omura Flower Festival from March 25 to June 20 so visitors can enjoy the blossoms at night.

  Read more
• 

  Sendai Tanabata Festival

  Posted in: Tohoku, Miyagi

  1294 Views

  Every year from August 6 to 8, the famous Sendai Tanabata Festival is held over three days in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Recognized as one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, the historical festival has been continued from the era of Masamune Date (1567-1636), the founder of the Sendai domain. A crowd of visitors from both around and outside of Japan fill the streets of Sendai during this period to enjoy the gorgeous Tanabata paper ornaments adorning the city.

  Read more
• 

  Akita Kanto Festival

  Posted in: Tohoku, Akita

  1290 Views

  A summer tradition to pray for a bountiful harvest, the Kanto Festival has been held since about 270 years ago and is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region. Performers called Sashite parade the streets while forcefully holding up Kanto poles, which are long bamboo poles with 46 hanging lanterns and weighing 50 kilograms altogether. Around 260 Kanto poles are held up by the Sashites by their palms, foreheads, shoulders and lower backs with amazing skills. The stunning festival...

  Read more