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  Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival

  Posted in: Tohoku, Fukushima

  2186 Views

  On the first Saturday, Sunday and Monday of October every year, Nihonmatsu Shrine’s annual festival is held, which has a tradition of more than 350 years. The main attraction is the 3,000 brightly glowing red paper lanterns. On the eve of the festival, seven large floats called Taikodai are gathered from neighboring towns, and a ceremony is held to light the sacred flame of Nihonmatsu Shrine to the red paper lanterns. The 11-meter tall Taikodai are each decorated with 300 lanterns, and they...

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  Asahiyama Zoo

  Posted in: Hokkaido, Center of Hokkaido

  2175 Views

  Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, is a popular sightseeing spot and surrounded by many interesting places. At the closest, there is Asahiyama Yuki-no-Mura, where you can enjoy Hokkaido specialty foods such as ramen and “Genghis Kan” mutton hotpot. At Asahiyama Zoo, you can see penguins, seals, polar bears, hippos, and other animals, and observe their natural behavior in the exhibits.

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  Kumamoto Castle

  Posted in: Kyushu, Kumamoto

  2172 Views

  Kumamoto Castle is one of the three premier castles in Japan. Built by Kiyomasa Kato, a great commander in the Sengoku period. It took seven years to complete, starting in 1601.

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  Togakushi Shrine

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  2169 Views

  Located at the base of the mystic Mount Togakushi where the god of water Kuzuryu (or nine-headed dragon) is said to live, Togakushi Shrine has been appreciated as a sacred place since its founding around 2,000 years ago. Absorb the spiritual energy of the shrine blessed with abundant nature.

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  Ryujin Suspension Bridge

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  2168 Views

  One of the longest pedestrian bridges in Japan, Ryujin Suspension Bridge is a V-shaped, 375-meter-long suspension bridge that stretches over the beautiful Ryujin Lake in the Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park in Ibaraki Prefecture. While you may cringe at the terrifying height of 100 meters from the ground, the view from the bridge is super, including the mountain ranges of Yamizo and Abukuma in the distance and the village of Suifu below. Especially thrilling is looking down at the Ryujin Dam...

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  Moegi-no-Mura Village

  Posted in: Kanto, Yamanashi

  2167 Views

  For anyone looking for a relaxing time in the great outdoors, the perfect place is Moegi-no-Mura Village in Kiyosato Plateau, expanding at the southern foothills of the picturesque Yatsugatake Mountains. In the village are a hotel with an authentic bar, restaurants serving all types of specialties such as curry and craft beer, as well as shops offering handmade goods and workshops. In addition, the village is famous for the ballet performance in the beautiful natural environment in the...

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  Fushimi Inari Taisha

  Posted in: Kyoto, Kansai

  2161 Views

  Fushimi Inari Taisha is found in Fukakusa, Fushimi Ward in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. It is a highly popular shrine in Kyoto with a long history. The shrine is also open at night, allowing you to visit at any hour of the day. The shrine features thousands of torii gates, fox statues placed in various locations, an awe-inspiring main shrine building, and other highlights. Many people visit this shrine to pray for divine favors and acquire an amulet or other charms.

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  Kinosaki Onsen

  Posted in: Hyogo, Kansai

  2157 Views

  Located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture, Kinosaki Onsen is one of the leading hot spring resorts in the Kansai region with a history of 1,400 years. Visitors can dress in traditional yukata (cotton kimono) and hop around various spas while strolling around the picturesque town that extends along a river. Baths in Japanese-style inns are called uchiyu (inner baths), and public baths without accommodation are called sotoyu (outer baths). Kinosaki Onsen is famous for its seven sotoyu...

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  Historic Sekigahara Battlefield

  Posted in: Chubu, Gifu

  2152 Views

  The Sekigahara Battlefield became a pivotal setting in Japanese history on September 15, 1600, when the Eastern Army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Western Army led by Ishida Mitsunari battled for political power following the demise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Today, various historic sites related to the monumental battle still remain in the town of Sekigahara, including nine government-designated historical sites.

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  Yonago Castle Ruins

  Posted in: Chugoku, Tottori

  2136 Views

  Yonago Castle was built on top of the 90-meter high Minatoyama in central Yonago City, and is sometimes called "Kume Castle". From the ruins, you can look out over West Hoki. The view from the castle mound is loved by the local populace.

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  Okayama Korakuen

  Posted in: Chugoku, Okayama

  2134 Views

  Korakuen is a garden created by a daimyo (feudal lord) that represents the Edo period. It is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.

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  Kurume Ramen Alley

  Posted in: Kyushu, Fukuoka

  2132 Views

  Tonkotsu ramen, popular for the savory pork marrow soup, is now a standard dish across Japan, but it is not so well known that Kurume in Fukuoka Prefecture is its birthplace in 1937. To master tonkotsu ramen, let’s start by visiting the Kurume Ramen Yokocho!

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