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  Eiheiji Hakujukan, an inn close to Zen

  Posted in: Chubu, Fukui

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  An inn close to Zen, Eiheiji Hakujukan falls somewhere in between a traditional Japanese inn and a shukubo temple lodging, offering convenient facilities and services while introducing you to the world of Zen with authentic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and sitting meditation experience. The inn's Zen concierges, trained at the Soto Zen sect's head temple Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, will assist your journey to the world of Zen both at the Zen monastery and within Hakujukan.

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  Kushiro Swamp

  Posted in: Hokkaido, Eastern Hokkaido

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  Kushiro Shitsugen National Park (釧路湿原) is the largest marsh in Japan located in Hokkaido, spreading over an area of 29,000 hectares, of which 7,900 hectares are protected under the Ramsar Convention.

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  Kutani Ceramic Art Village

  Posted in: Chubu, Ishikawa

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  Kutani Ceramic Art Village is packed with all kind of charm inherent in Kutani ceramics (Kutaniyaki), a form of pottery with a 360-year history. Visitors can gaze at famous works at a Kutani ceramics museum and art gallery, buy things at shops in the ceramic art village featuring rich lineups of products, get actual hands-on experience when it comes to making Kutani ceramics and painting them, and take a peak at workshops. There’s something for everyone to enjoy their visit in their own way....

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  Hoshitoge Rice Terraces

  Posted in: Chubu, Niigata

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  Niigata is a famous rice-producing region. Tokamachi City is dotted with many rice terraces, giving way to vast, beautiful rural scenery. The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are particularly famous, and are often called the best rice terrace in Tokamachi.

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  Matsuyama Castle

  Posted in: Shikoku, Ehime

  1649 Views

  You can easily access the castle tower of Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama, Ehime via ropeway or lift, and the castle is lit up at night. Matsuyama Castle sits atop Mount Katsuyama (132 meters above sea level) in central Matsuyama city.

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  Kaho Theater

  Posted in: Kyushu, Fukuoka

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  Kaho Theater is a small playhouse that opened in 1922 in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, which once flourished as a coal mining town that supported Japan’s modernization. Performers including actors, singers, and rakugo comedic storytellers have entertained a great number of audiences on the wooden stage that was modeled on the architectural style of kabuki theaters of the Edo Period (1603-1868).

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  Katsuren Castle Ruins

  Posted in: Okinawa

  1646 Views

  The city of Uruma is located at the center of the Okinawa main island, and the Katsuren Castle Ruins can be found atop a hill on the eastern coast of Uruma, on the Katsuren Peninsula jutting out onto the Pacific Ocean. Amawari, the lord of Katsuren Castle, attacked the royal palace of Shuri Castle in hopes to take over the kingdom, but suffered a major defeat and perished in 1458. Climb the steep steps of Katsuren Castle and you'll rewarded with a grand panoramic view of the ocean.

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  Takachiho Shrine

  Posted in: Kyushu, Miyazaki

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  Takachiho Shrine enshrines the deities of the other 88 main local shrines of Takachiho. Built approximately 1,900 years ago, the shrine has a long history. It enshrines deities of good harvests, marriage prospects, transport safety, and lifting of bad luck, and attracts many faithful. Huge trees tower over the shrine premises, such as the 800-year-old "Chichibu Cedar" and the "Couple Cedar", which is said to be good for fortune in marriage. "Takachiho Kagura" is also performed every night in...

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  Kasuga-taisha Shrine

  Posted in: Nara, Kansai

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  Kasuga-taisha Shrine is a World Cultural Heritage site with a history of 1,300 years, and is the head shrine of the over 3,000 Kasuga Shrines to be found all around Japan. Surrounded by a primeval forest stands an impressive bright orange shrine building on the premises, which are also famous for the many gorgeous wisteria trees that come into full bloom in the spring. The shrine is located in Nara Park, and there are over a 1,000 deer roaming the grounds that are considered messengers from...

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  Mount Yoshino

  Posted in: Nara, Kansai

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  Mount Yoshino in central Nara Prefecture has long been famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. On the ridge extending about 8 kilometers at the north end of the Omine mountain range, varieties of cherry blossoms start to bloom from the foothills and travel upwards in the order of Shimosenbon, Nakasenbon, Kamisenbon and Okusenbon. Around 30,000 cherry blossom trees are said to cover the valleys and ridges, and come into full bloom from the beginning to the end of April. In particular,...

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  Yamadera Hojuzan Risshaku-ji Temple

  Posted in: Tohoku, Yamagata

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  Officially known as Hojuzan Risshaku-ji, Yamadera was founded in 860. At the base of the mountain sits the main Konpon Chudo Hall, a designated important cultural property of Japan, followed by the 1,015 stone steps that lead to the summit. It is a form of ascetic training that leaves your worldly desires behind as you ascend each step. The views of the mountains and surrounding villages from the mountaintop are truly captivating.

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  Shiiba-son

  Posted in: Kyushu, Miyazaki

  1637 Views

  The village of Shiiba-son in Higashiusuki-gun, Miyazaki, is one of Japan’s three major hidden scenic spots. It has numerous sightseeing spots such as the Tsurutomi Yashiki residence and Shiiba Itsukushima Shrine. The warriors of the Heike Clan, who had fled to the area after their resounding defeat at the hands of the rival Genji Clan in the 12th century, sought refuge and lived in Shiiba-son.

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