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  Ashikaga Flower Park

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  1153 Views

  At the Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga city, Tochigi Prefecture, is famous for the light up of Japanese wisteria flowers, and the "Garden of light flowers", which was selected one of Japan’s best three illuminations. The night light up in a fantastic atmosphere is really amazing. Especially in the garden filled with flowers that bloom in all seasons, the "Miraculous Wisteria" that has seen over 150 springs is reminiscent of the "soul tree" in James Cameron's "Avatar" and was chosen by CNN as...

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  Mount Yoshino

  Posted in: Nara, Kansai

  1151 Views

  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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  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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  Katsuren Castle Ruins

  Posted in: Okinawa

  1149 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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  Nasu Onsen Shikanoyu

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  1148 Views

  The birthplace of the famed Nasu Onsen hot spring resort, Shikanoyu is the oldest hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture with around 1,390 years of history. The Shikanoyu public bathhouse is located near the Sessho-seki ("killing stone"), a tourist spot in Nasu. The sulfur spring water is characterized by its milky white color, and the surrounding distinctive fragrance helps to heighten the hot spring mood. The nostalgic building is reminiscent of its original appearance around a century ago,...

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  Hokkaido Cuisine

  Posted in: Hokkaido

  1146 Views

  Some special dishes in Hokkaido

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  Tanegashima Space Center

  Posted in: Kyushu, Kagoshima

  1145 Views

  Visitors to JAXA Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane-cho can look around its facilities on their own or join a guided tour led by a full-time guide.

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  Guest House LAMP Nojiriko

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  1143 Views

  Situated on Lake Nojiri in Nagano, Guest House LAMP Nojiriko is the perfect getaway to enjoy a range of outdoor activities for all seasons, from mountain vegetable picking in the spring to stand-up paddleboard, kayaking, and rafting in the summer; mushroom hunting in the fall; and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Be sure to also enjoy the delicious seasonal dishes and the Finnish sauna.

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  Tea Museum in Yame

  Posted in: Kyushu, Fukuoka

  1137 Views

  Green tea is deeply rooted in the lives of Yame City, its culture, history, and tradition. At the Tea Museum located in Hoshino village in the area known as Okuyame, you can enjoy the traditional Hon-Gyokuro green tea “Shizuku tea,” an original tea from the region. Other tea products such as Gyokuro, tea noodles, tea leaf rice, matcha ice cream, rice-cake stuffed with bean jam and steamed sweet buns are also available. Enjoy the rich and mild flavors of the tea that Hoshino village has to offer.

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  Himeji Castle

  Posted in: Hyogo, Kansai

  1137 Views

  The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is also known as the White Heron Castle for its pristine white stature that stands out against the blue sky, resembling a white heron taking flight. Admire the dazzling castle tower and explore the many attractions including the various defenses against attack. In Koko-en garden founded on the grounds of the former West Residence, you can enjoy dining or tea while gazing at the majestic castle.

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  Myoshin-ji Temple

  Posted in: Kyoto, Kansai

  1137 Views

  Myoshin-ji Temple is one of the representative temples of Kyoto, serving as the headquarters of 3,400 temples across Japan of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen school. Founded in 1337 by the cloistered emperor Hanazono, its vast temple grounds include the important cultural property Garan temple complex from the south, the Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall and Dharma Hall, which are surrounded by 46 sub-temples. There is so much to see, including Japan's oldest bonsho bell decorating the Dharma...

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  Karatsu Castle

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

  1136 Views

  Karatsu Castle was built by Terasawa Shima-no-Kami Hirotaka, vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, over seven years starting from 1602. It is said that materials from the dismantling of Hizen Nagoya Castle were used when building the castle. The sands extending from the east and west of the castle look like the outstretched wings of a crane, earning it the alternative name "Maizuru (Dancing Crane) Castle". It is also a famous place for cherry blossom trees and wisteria.

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