Featured posts

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  Hikone Castle

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  962 Views

  For over 400 years, Hikone Castle has been one of the few castles in Japan to survive wars and disasters and maintain its original condition. This historic building looks even more beautiful in spring when it is surrounded by the approximately 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom, and its adorable mascot, Hiko-nyan, is also very popular.

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  Lake Biwa

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  911 Views

  Sitting proudly at the center of Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, and was created approximately four million years ago. Due to its size, it offers a wide variety of unique seasonal scenes in different areas. "Biwa-ichi" is a popular recent activity which involves cycling in a loop around this large lake. It has now been selected as one of the National Cycle Routes certified by the national government.

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  Omi Beef

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  849 Views

  Now popular around the world, Japanese wagyu beef consists of over 200 brands, and Omi, Matsuzaka and Kobe are renowned as the top three wagyu brands. Omi beef is a Japanese Black cattle raised in the rich natural environment and waters of Shiga Prefecture. With a fine texture and sweet flavored fat, the tender meat is best enjoyed as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu hot pot dishes.

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  Ishiyamadera Temple

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  685 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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  Shigaraki Pottery Village

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  894 Views

  Recognized as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, Shigaraki pottery boasts a long history centered around Shigaraki in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. It is perhaps best known for the comical raccoon dog ceramic statues found at many storefronts in Japan. Shigaraki Pottery Village is a long-standing potter with over 100 years of history, with some of the few completely preserved climbing kilns built using the slope of a mountain, as well as old-fashioned cave kilns.

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  Ogoto Onsen

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  1017 Views

  At a pH value of 9.0, the hot spring water of Ogoto Onsen in Shiga Prefecture is a simple alkaline hot spring that exceeds standard levels and has a skin smoothing effect after bathing. The gentle water is safe even for people with sensitive skin and pregnant women.

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  Futami Okitama Shrine

  Posted in: Chubu, Mie

  806 Views

  The Futami Okitama Shrine is located in the town of Futami in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. This is a famous shrine where women pray for a felicitous marriage, and where married couples pray for matrimonial happiness. The amulets and goshuin (shrine's seal stamped onto a notebook) are also popular. The custom from ancient times is to purify oneself at this Futami Okitama Shrine before going on to pray at the nearby Ise Grand Shrine.

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  Magose-toge Pass

  Posted in: Chubu, Mie

  589 Views

  Considered to be the most beautiful part of Kumano Kodo, the Magose-toge Pass is paved with gorgeous stones and lined with hinoki cypress trees. From the pass, there are additional climbing paths leading up to the Mount Tengura and Mount Binshi peaks, both commanding spectacular views from the top.

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  Ise Grand Shrine "Ise Jingu"

  Posted in: Chubu, Mie

  607 Views

  The Ise Grand Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, has been known as “Oise-san” from a long time ago, and surrounded by great spots such as Okage Yokocho and Oharai Machi. Visitors can enjoy Akafuku Mochi and lot of great sightseeing even after visiting the Shrine.

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  Matsumoto-toge Pass

  Posted in: Chubu, Mie

  631 Views

  Matsumoto-toge Pass, part of the ancient pilgrimage route Kumano Kodo Iseji Route in Kumano, Mie Prefecture, offers a great hike even for novice mountaineers. Enjoy walking on the beautiful stone-paved pathways and bamboo forest, and be greeted by a life-size Jizo guardian statue at the mountain top.

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  Chausuyama Plateau

  Posted in: Chubu, Aichi

  1163 Views

  The Chausuyama Plateau is located in the Chausuyama area in Toyone Village, Kitashitara District, Aichi Prefecture. The plateau is home to Aichi Prefecture’s only skiing area, and it attracts many visitors for skiing in winter. This isn’t the only season to visit the plateau, though - it offers attractions to enjoy all year round, such as the sight of the ground covered with shibazakura flowers (moss pink) in spring, outdoor activities such as camping and hiking in summer, and autumn foliage...

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  Handa Canal

  Posted in: Chubu, Aichi

  669 Views

  Handa Canal is considered one of Japan’s three best canals. From the Edo period, the canal exported goods such as sake and vinegar from Chita and cotton to Edo (present-day Tokyo). Even today, the area’s streets are lined with black-paneled breweries and scenery that helps you picture how Handa used to prosper as a base for distribution.

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