Author: travel shop

Inuyama Castle was initially constructed by Oda Nobuyasu, uncle of Oda Nobunaga, in 1537. As you gaze out from the castle tower, you’ll clearly be able to see that it is the northernmost part of the Nobi Plains - looking north, you can see the magnificent Kiso River and mountains, and looking south, you can see the expansive Nobi Plains. Inuyama Castle is the pride of Aichi. Its imposing castle tower is the oldest among Japan’s remaining castles.

Renowned for its gorgeous fall foliage, Korankei Valley attracts numerous visitors coming to marvel at the vibrant red and yellow leaves beautifully reflected on the Tomoe River. During the Korankei Valley Maple Festival in November, various events are held mostly on the weekends, including Japanese taiko drum performances, tea ceremonies, and music performances.

Minamichita Hot Spring Village is comprised of Utsumi, Yamami and Toyohama hot springs in the Ise Bay area in the southern end of the Chita Peninsula. The breathtaking sight of the sun setting over the Ise Bay and the airplanes landing at or taking off from Chubu Centrair International Airport are the pride of Minamichita Hot Springs. The chloride-rich hot spring waters containing sodium and calcium are said to be effective in alleviating fatigue and chronic skin inflammation.

A sure sign of the arrival of spring on the Atsumi Peninsula is the Canola Flower Festival held every year from the middle of January through March. During this period, yellow carpets of canola flowers appear in several locations around the peninsula. Particularly, the Irago canola flower garden that serves as the main venue is a must-visit as it offers various attractions such as the huge labyrinth of canola flowers and flower picking event.

The Fujinokuni Tea Museum is a rare prefectural museum dedicated to tea, located in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Founded on the Makinohara Plateau, the largest tea farming region in Japan, the museum introduces both Japanese tea and teas from around the world and also has a beautiful Japanese garden and a tea ceremony house. There are also restaurants and shops where you can enjoy menus using tea while gazing at the magnificent Mount Fuji, so take your time to look around and relax.

Hidden deep in the mountains of Shizuoka Prefecture, Sumata Gorge is a large valley around the Sumata River, a tributary flowing into the grand Oi River. One after another natural beauty delights visitors as they stroll on the walking pathway or cross the "Dream Suspension Bridge" above a stunning emerald green lake. The area offers various attractions including hiking, hot springs and nostalgic steam locomotives on the Oigawa Railway.

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine was founded upon Ieyasu Tokugawa's instruction before his death to bury his remains in Kunozan and is the oldest of the Toshogu shrines in Japan. The shrine buildings, with their original Gongen-zukuri style and lavish lacquer decorations, were designated as a National Treasure in 2010.

Shimizu boasts the largest catch of frozen tuna in Japan. The Shimizu Fish Market Kashi-no-Ichi, conveniently located from Shimizu Station's East Exit, offers amazing deals on fresh seafood that you can buy and eat on the spot. Shop for quality ingredients carefully selected by professional dealers in the Ichiba-kan building, or if you are ready to eat, head to the seafood restaurants in the Maguro-kan building.

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.

Mishima Skywalk in Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s longest suspension bridge.There are also facilities for enjoying shopping and lunch, including local cuisine such as Mishima-brand curry and croquettes. This pedestrian-only suspension bridge is easily accessed by car and train. This popular spot is also conveniently located close to some of Japan’s most famous tourist areas, such as Izu and Hakone.

Miho-no-Matsubara, known for its ties to the legend of Hagoromo, is located in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture. A pine known as Hagoromo-no-Matsu is famous for being the site of the legend. Miho-no-Matsubara was designated a World Cultural Heritage site along with Mount Fuji’s designation in June 2013.

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.