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  Fujisan World Heritage Center

  Posted in: Kanto, Yamanashi

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  Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2013, the beautiful appearance of Mount Fuji has long been worshipped and continues to be a source of art. At the Fujisan World Heritage Center, you can appreciate the worldview of the sacred mountain through various images, lights, and sounds under the theme of faith and art. There are also souvenir shops and cafes featuring Yamanashi's specialty products, as well as spots where you can take photos of a superb view of Mount Fuji.

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  Nasu Onsen Shikanoyu

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

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  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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  Karatsu Castle

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

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  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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  Cape Higashi-Hennazaki

  Posted in: Okinawa

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  Cape Higashi-Hennazaki is a long, beautiful cape stretching approximately two kilometers on the eastern tip of Miyako Island. The breathtaking ocean view has been designated as one of the country's Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monuments. The scenery experienced from the lighthouse standing at the end of the cape is especially moving. Many flowers bloom in every season along the constructed walking trail, such as the tennoume plum blossoms, designated as the prefecture's...

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  The Great Buddha of Kamakura and Kotoku-in

  Posted in: Kanto, Kanagawa

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  Designated as Japan's National Treasure, the bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, which is the principal image of Kotoku-in, is commonly known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu in Japanese). The construction of the statue began in 1252 and it was originally enshrined in Daibutsu-den Hall. However, the building was destroyed due to several typhoons and ultimately by a huge tsunami in 1498. Since then, the Buddha has been standing in the open air. With a height of 13.35 meters...

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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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  Suigo Itako Iris Festival

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

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  Over the month from late May to late June, around one million irises of 500 varieties blossom all at once during the Suigo Iris Festival held in the Iris Garden of Itako, Ibaraki Prefecture. Back in the days, the "Robune" rowboat was the day-to-day mode of transportation through the canals of Itako. Today, the robune is brought back to life just during this festival for a pleasant cruise. In addition, enjoy a host of events including the Yomeiri-bune (marriage boat) carrying a beautiful...

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  Higashiyama Onsen

  Posted in: Tohoku, Fukushima

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  Higashiyama Onsen hot spring was discovered by Gyoki, a monk who was highly respected by many people around 1300 years ago. It has remained very popular for the quality of its waters, which are believed to be effective for maintaining beautiful skin, and also for the stunning natural features that surround it: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in early summer, colorful leaves in autumn and bountiful snowfall in winter. Other attractions are the entertainment offered by Higashiyama...

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  Myoshin-ji Temple

  Posted in: Kyoto, Kansai

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  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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  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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  Usuki Fugu

  Posted in: Kyushu, Oita

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  Enjoy a wide variety of delicious fugu (pufferfish) dishes, from fresh sashimi to the fugu-chiri hot pot and smoky flavored hire-zake (hot sake with fugu fin). Fugu cuisine is one of Usuki's delicacies its merchants have cultivated over many years in this town that historically prospered from trade.

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  Shiiba-son

  Posted in: Kyushu, Miyazaki

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  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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