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  Utsubuki Koen Dango

  Posted in: Chugoku, Tottori

  1638 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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  Tono Furusato Village

  Posted in: Tohoku, Iwate

  1636 Views

  A traditional mountain village with these thatched roof magariya houses built after the middle of the Edo period, have been relocated to and restored in this facility, this recreation of the unspoiled landscape of old Tono include a water wheel, rice patties and a charcoal burner’s hut. Amid the bucolic landscape, visitors can try their hand at "Mochitsuki" (pounding rice cakes), "Sobauchi" (making soba noodles), and other activities of a farming village (reservation required), to gain a...

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  Karatsu Onsen Ryokan: Yoyokaku

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

  1635 Views

  Yoyokaku is an historic ryokan with a history of more than 120 years located in Karatsu Onsen, a hot spring resort town in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Enjoy popular meals featuring seasonal delicacies made from local ingredients, take advantage of the health benefits of soaking in the hot spring baths, and relax in delightful rooms featuring beautiful Japanese-style architecture.

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  Cape Soya

  Posted in: Hokkaido, Dohoku

  1634 Views

  Located at a latitude of 45 degrees, 31 minutes, 14 seconds north, Cape Soya is Japan's most northern point. The point is marked by a 5.44 m tall triangular pyramid-shaped monument that features the North Star as its motif. It is illuminated at night as a further symbol of its celestial inspiration. The monument is a popular spot for people to take photos to commemorate their visits. Visitors can also purchase a certificate to show that they had reached the northernmost point of Japan as a...

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  Ishiyamadera Temple

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  1633 Views

  Ishiyamadera Temple is the 13th stop of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route said to have been established in 747. The temple's display of seasonal flowers and nature are so beautiful that it has been referred to as the "Temple of Flowers." Ishiyamadera is also famous as a moon gazing spot, as depicted in the famous ukiyo-e painting "The Autumn Moon at Ishiyama." Built on a huge wollastonite rock designated as a natural monument, there are numerous national treasures and important cultural...

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  Shuzenji Onsen

  Posted in: Chubu, Shizuoka

  1624 Views

  Tokko-no-Yu is the oldest hot spring in the Shuzenji Onsen resort in Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Legend has it that in 807, when renowned Buddhist priest Kukai visited the area, he was deeply touched by the deeds of a son caring for his sick father and struck a river rock with his tokko (a Buddhist ritual tool) to produce the famous hot spring. Today, Tokko-no-Yu is only open for observation, and dipping your hand and feet or bathing in the water is not allowed.

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  Karatsu Castle

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

  1623 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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  Visiting the Shimanto River

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

  1620 Views

  Discover a variety of ways to enjoy the Shimanto River, the longest river in the Shikoku area, which flows through Shimanto City in Kochi Prefecture. You can try canoeing or rafting, board a sightseeing tour boat, or pass under the chinkabashi (bridges designed to be submerged during flooding) in a yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat). You can also try tasting local dishes made from wild eel or ayu (sweetfish) caught in the river or revel in the magnificent natural landscape created by...

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  Shiretoko Cruise

  Posted in: Hokkaido, Eastern Hokkaido

  1620 Views

  If visiting Shiretoko, don't miss the "Shiretoko Peninsula Utoro Cruise: Brown Bear Course." The cruise departs from Utoro Port, and reservations can be made at Gojiraiwa Sightseeing located in Shari Town in the district of Shari in Hokkaido Prefecture. You will be able to spot the wild brown bears of Shiretoko from Rusha Bay. Enjoy a cruise to see the natural wonders of Shiretoko and the wild bears that inhabit this area.

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  Kibitsu Shrine

  Posted in: Chugoku, Okayama

  1619 Views

  Every Japanese grew up hearing the folklore of Momotaro, a boy hero who sets off to fight a band of ogres. The tale is said to have been modeled after the ogre-fighting mythology of Ohkibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto enshrined in Kibitsu Shrine, called the "Tale of Ohkibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto and Ura." Kibitsu Shrine itself is known for the beautiful Kibitsu-zukuri architectural style that appears as if a bird is spreading its wings, and the main building and worship hall are designated as national treasures.

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  Ponshukan Sake Museum

  Posted in: Chubu, Niigata

  1616 Views

  The Ponshukan Sake Museum is inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Here, you can enjoy famous Niigata products such as sake and rice to your heart’s content at sake tasting sessions and the souvenir stands.

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  Wakayama Electric Railway's Kishigawa Line

  Posted in: Wakayama, Kansai

  1615 Views

  Wakayama Electric Railway's Kishigawa Line connects Wakayama Station in Wakayama City with Kishi Station in Kinokawa City. Unique-themed trains travel the line, and at the last stop of Kishi Station, you can greet the famous cat stationmaster Nitama. Kinokawa is one of the country's leading fruit production areas and is also famous as the birthplace of Hanaoka Seishu, the first surgeon in the world to successfully perform a surgery under general anesthesia.

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