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  Tea Museum in Yame

  Posted in: Kyushu, Fukuoka

  1035 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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  Mount Yoshino

  Posted in: Nara, Kansai

  1032 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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  Utsubuki Koen Dango

  Posted in: Chugoku, Tottori

  1031 Views

  Utsubuki Koen Dango from Ishitani Seikado. Local delicacies that have been preserved for more than 130 years, as a dedication to dango.

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  Himeji Castle

  Posted in: Hyogo, Kansai

  1031 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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  Kumano Hongu Onsen Village

  Posted in: Wakayama, Kansai

  1030 Views

  Kumano Hongu Onsen Village, situated in the mountains of Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture, is known for its three hot springs: Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen and Wataze Onsen. This area is home of the World Heritage site Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. It's a perfect place to enjoy both the historic hot springs and hiking along the Kumano Kodo trails in the beautiful terrain surrounded by rivers.

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  Okuhida Hot Springs Village

  Posted in: Chubu, Gifu

  1030 Views

  Okuhida Hot Springs is a term encompassing five hot springs nestled in the Northern Alps - Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shin-Hotaka. The area attracts many local and international tourists who are seeking out high-quality hot springs surrounded by abundant, changing seasonal nature of the mountains, with fresh greenery in early summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow in winter.

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  Wakayama Castle

  Posted in: Wakayama, Kansai

  1026 Views

  A historic landmark of the city of Wakayama, the area is designed as a park with various attractions including a garden, history museum and zoo. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the lush green Mount Torafusu, sparkling white castle tower and beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. Since its construction in 1585, Wakayama Castle was the longtime residence of the Kishu Tokugawa clan, one of the three branches of the ruling Tokugawa clan.

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  Tensha-en Garden

  Posted in: Shikoku, Ehime

  1025 Views

  Date Munetada, the seventh feudal lord of the Uwajima domain who went by the pseudonym "Shunzan," constructed this garden as a place of retirement. The name of the garden comes from a poem Date Masamune wrote after his retirement. The poem goes, “I spent my younger days on a horse for battles, now the world is peaceful and my hair has turned gray, my aging body exists here because God in heaven forgave me and let me live."

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  Hida-Takayama Old Town

  Posted in: Chubu, Gifu

  1022 Views

  A culinary tour is one great way to enjoy Hida-Takayama, in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Dine in various eateries serving local Takayama delicacies that line the streets while looking for a souvenir. You could treat yourself to Hida Beef as part of your lunch and sample sake at local breweries. Take in the traditional atmosphere of the streets of Hida-Takayama as you enjoy its local delicacies, and you’re sure to leave with both your hunger and your mind satisfied.

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  Lake Ashi

  Posted in: Kanto, Kanagawa

  1022 Views

  Lake Ashi, with a shoreline of approximately 20 kilometers, spreads out widely with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. This vast lake is surrounded by resort areas with a number of tourist spots, including shrines, an aquarium, an art museum, and historical buildings. There are also many activities to enjoy, such as hot springs, cruises and a ropeway to the mountain top. This area offers many opportunities to enjoy its natural features, as well as local traditions.

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  Mount Rokko

  Posted in: Hyogo, Kansai

  1020 Views

  Mount Rokko extends from the western to the northern parts of the urban area of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Commonly, Mount Rokko refers to the entire Rokko Mountain Range, which includes various sized mountains spanning not only Kobe but also the surrounding cities of Ashiya, Nishinomiya and Takarazuka. At the mountaintop, there are many relaxing sightseeing spots such as a pasture farm and an ancient temple with a wonderful view. The night view from Mount Maya is famous as one of the three best...

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  Kitakata Ramen

  Posted in: Tohoku, Fukushima

  1020 Views

  Kitakata Ramen is known as one of Japan’s three major ramen noodle dynasties, with the essential base of the soy-sauce soup that has varies widely at each store, and there is no particular standard that defines the brand. Kitakata ramen is characterized by its unique noodles, known as "Hirauchi Jukusei Takasuimen" (Matured Flat Noodles with Lots of Water). They are about four millimeters wide, flat and curled and have been matured for a long period of time, they’re firm, filling, and have a...

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