Posted in : "2023 - March"

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  Mitsumine Shrine

  Posted in: Kanto, Saitama

  625 Views

  Located in the mountains of Okuchichibu at 1,100 meters elevation, Mitsumine Shrine is dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the mythical deities said to have given birth to the country of Japan. The divine messenger Oguchi Makami is a wolf believed to have mysterious powers that protects against various misfortunes.

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  Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

  Posted in: Kanto, Saitama

  617 Views

  Located in the city of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is known to bring good luck in relationships (enmusubi) and happiness in the family. Believed to have been established around 1,500 years ago, it enshrines two couples of husband and wife deities, as well as Oonamuchinomikoto, another god of relationships from the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine.

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  Nagatoro River Cruise

  Posted in: Kanto, Saitama

  1123 Views

  Nagatoro, located in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, is a popular sightseeing spot where you can enjoy great nature such as Nagatoro Valley. A famous attraction there is the Nagatoro River Cruise with a history of over 100 years, which takes you down the Arakawa River that flows through the magnificent valley in a traditional Japanese boat. The powerful rapid stream, the unusual-shaped rocks formed by nature and the gorgeous mountains complete the scenery of Nagatoro. The boatman's skillful...

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  Myogi Shrine

  Posted in: Kanto, Gunma

  644 Views

  Boasting a history of 1,500 years, Myogi Shrine is situated on the hillside of Mount Hakuun, the highest peak of Mount Myogi. The main shrine is a lavish structure built in the rare black lacquered Gongen-zukuri style and embellished with impressive engravings by the same artisans as the famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Together with the Karamon gate and Urushi-Soumon gate, the structures are designated as an Important Cultural Property. In addition, the Treasure Museum exhibits such artworks as...

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  Shima Onsen

  Posted in: Kanto, Gunma

  902 Views

  Shima Onsen is a hot spring resort in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture, surrounded by rich nature and with a traditional onsen atmosphere. It is said to be named after the legend of a sacred hot spring that cures 40,000 ("Yonman," which can also be read as "Shima" when written in Chinese characters) diseases, and as the name suggests, the waters have healed many people. Many unique experiences await, such as amazing views, the quaint townscape and a variety of activities. Lake...

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  Kusatsu Onsen

  Posted in: Kanto, Gunma

  812 Views

  Located in Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's best three hot springs and constantly ranks as the top hot spring resort destination. At the center of the quaint resort town is the Yubatake (hot spring field), the symbol of Kusatsu. Day-trip visitors can also enjoy the large outdoor bath in Sai-no-Kawara Park.

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  Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple

  Posted in: Kanto, Gunma

  620 Views

  Founded in 1697, Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple is the home of Takasaki Daruma dolls, traditional round dolls used to make wishes in Japan. On the temple premises, you can find stacks of Daruma dolls that have been brought there, as they have fulfilled their duties. Experience making your very own Daruma by drawing in the eyebrows and mustache with a paint brush.

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  Tomioka Silk Mill

  Posted in: Kanto, Gunma

  1753 Views

  Located in Gunma Prefecture, Tomioka Silk Mill was established by the Japanese government in 1872 as a model factory equipped with Western silk-reeling machines aimed at advancing Japan's modernization. Its success in high-volume production of quality raw silk contributed greatly to the popularization of silk throughout the world. Today, much of the main facilities from its founding are still preserved in good condition. Highly acclaimed for its historical value, the mill was registered as a...

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  Fukiware Falls

  Posted in: Kanto, Gunma

  721 Views

  Fukiware Falls was named for the way the waters fall as if into a crack ("ware" in Japanese) in the riverbed. Located in Numata, Gunma Prefecture, the scenic site is designed as a national natural monument and ranks among the Best 100 Waterfalls of Japan. From fresh greenery to fall foliage, each season creates the magnificent scenery of nature, and visitors can enjoy the view from different angles along the riverside walking trail as well as from several lookout points.

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  Ashikaga Flower Park

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  813 Views

  At the Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga city, Tochigi Prefecture, is famous for the light up of Japanese wisteria flowers, and the "Garden of light flowers", which was selected one of Japan’s best three illuminations. The night light up in a fantastic atmosphere is really amazing. Especially in the garden filled with flowers that bloom in all seasons, the "Miraculous Wisteria" that has seen over 150 springs is reminiscent of the "soul tree" in James Cameron's "Avatar" and was chosen by CNN as...

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  Karasuyama's Yamaage-matsuri Festival

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  878 Views

  The Yamaage-matsuri Festival consists of the Karasuyama Yamaage Festival and the mikoshi (portable shrine) of the Yagumo Shrine. The festival is held for three days around the fourth Saturday of July in Nasukarasuyama City, Tochigi Prefecture. The Yamaage Festival boasts a tradition dating back over 450 years and features an extravagant open-air kabuki play unmatched even in Japan. The main attractions are the beautiful dance and the stage setting with the perfectly coordinated movement of...

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  Utsunomiya Gyoza

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  721 Views

  Gyoza is the signature food of Utsunomiya. Having claimed the highest annual spending on gyoza in Japan several times, Utsunomiya is literally the city of gyoza. You can enjoy its tasty delights cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling, boiling, and frying, as well as in size, ingredients, skin thickness and sauce at respective restaurants.

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