Author: travel shop

Of the many hot spring resorts in Yamanashi Prefecture, Isawa Onsen is one of the largest with a plentiful supply of hot spring water offering numerous health benefits that attract visitors from all over Japan. The alkaline simple hot spring is said to improve neuralgia, bruises, and sensitivity to cold. It is gentle to the skin, so families of all ages can relax and enjoy a bath. In the spring, the Sakura Onsen Street lined with around 160 cherry blossom trees becomes flushed with pink,...

The Shingen-ko Festival is held every April when cherry blossoms bloom to commemorate Shingen Takeda, a warlord of Kai Providence (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) during the Sengoku period (mid-15th to early 17th century), and a renowned samurai hero very popular in Japan. Over 1,000 participants from all around the prefecture, authentically dressed as Sengoku-period samurai troops, gather at Maizuru Castle Park and reenact the samurai procession to the famous battle site of Kawanakajima....

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.

Established in 1330, Erin-ji Temple tells a rich history since the Warring States period (late 15th century to late 16th century). It is famous as the family temple of warlord Shingen Takeda, and on the 12th day of every month, his grave is open to the public, the same day of the month as the date of Shingen’s death. There are many highlights in the temple precincts, including valuable historical buildings and a garden designated as a national scenic beauty. Experience the deep history of...

Founded by Nichiren Shonin, the founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), this is the head temple of the sect. The weeping cherry trees, which are over 400 years old, are part of the 10 best weeping cherry trees in Japan. Many halls in the precincts, including the main hall with a painting on the ceiling that depicts a large dragon, featuring the history and culture of Kuon-ji Temple.

Nationally designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Shosenkyo is known as Japan's most beautiful gorge. It has a promenade along the valley where you can see unusual stones as well as enjoy the fabulous nature views of each season. The gorge is particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage season. The contrast of the autumn leaves with Kakuenbo, an oddly shaped rock 180 meters high, and the 30-meter-tall Senga Waterfall attracts a number of tourists.

Myotsu-ji is a temple with a very long history, which is said to have been built by general and shogun Tamuramaro Sakanoue in 806. Set deep in an ancient forest, the time-weathered main building and the three-storied pagoda, both designated a national treasure, are truly awe-inspiring. In addition, the temple enshrines some Buddha statues that are registered as important cultural properties.

Echizen oroshi soba, traditional cuisine of Fukui Prefecture, is a refreshing soba noodle dish served in dashi stock and topped with piquant daikon oroshi, or grated Japanese radish. Despite its simplicity, it is popular for its profound taste and also recently as a health food for longevity. There are three ways Echizen oroshi soba is served: serving the dashi stock and daikon oroshi separately; mixing the daikon oroshi into the dashi, and mixing the juice of daikon oroshi into the dashi.

An inn close to Zen, Eiheiji Hakujukan falls somewhere in between a traditional Japanese inn and a shukubo temple lodging, offering convenient facilities and services while introducing you to the world of Zen with authentic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and sitting meditation experience. The inn's Zen concierges, trained at the Soto Zen sect's head temple Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, will assist your journey to the world of Zen both at the Zen monastery and within Hakujukan.

Taking a tour boat is recommend to see Tojinbo in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. You can look up at the cliffs near the Lion Rock or the Candle Rock from sea level. Looking down from 25 meters above the sea-level and you will have one of the most splendid views in Fukui. The cliff wall has been honored since ancient times. It's said that there are only three places in the world, including Tojinbo, with rare geology such as unusually-shaped rocks stretched out about 1km along the coast and...

Nature tourism is a great way to enjoy the Mikata Five Lakes in Mikatakaminaka District, Fukui Prefecture. The Mikata lakes area is a highlight of Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park, offering excellent views across picturesque scenery from the Rainbow Line Summit Park. Mikata Five Lakes is the collective term for the five lakes of Kugushi, Suigetsu, Suga, Mikata, and Hiruga. Each of the lakes has different depths and different types of water, such as salt water, fresh water, and brackish water....

Awara Hot Springs is the leading hot spring in Fukui Prefecture, boasting a 130-year history since they opened. The plaza in front of Awara-Yunomachi Station is lined with attractions such as a foot bath and food stands. At the Traditional Performing Arts Center, you can try dressing up as a geiko or a maiko. You can also casually try out taiko performances and o-zashiki asobi (parties with geisha entertainment), while being taught by real geikos. You can also watch songs and dances performed...