Posted in : "2023 - March"

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  Shrines and Temples in Nikko

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  1073 Views

  There are three representative holy places (two shrines and a temple) in Nikko: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan Shrine, and Rinno-ji Temple. There is the architecture of great historical value, such as national treasures and important cultural properties at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, and Rinno-ji Temple, which features the grave of the third Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa. Visitors must see the gorgeous sculptures including Nemuri-neko (sleeping cat) and the...

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  Kinugawa Onsen

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  718 Views

  Kinugawa Onsen is a hot spring resort with a time-honored history. Discovered in 1691, only priests visiting Nikko and feudal lords were allowed to bathe in it at that time. After it was opened to the public in 1868, the resort became popular with tourists and developed into one of the largest resorts in the Kanto region, with numerous inns and hotels lining up along the gorge of the Kinugawa River.

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  Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  1259 Views

  Recognized as a Night View Heritage of Japan, the mesmerizing scenery of the Sawaguchi Riverbed with hundreds of candle-lit miniature kamakura snow houses is a fantastic sight like you have never seen. It is also chosen as one of the “Breathtaking Sights You Need to See Before You Die.”

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  Nasu Onsen Shikanoyu

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  810 Views

  The birthplace of the famed Nasu Onsen hot spring resort, Shikanoyu is the oldest hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture with around 1,390 years of history. The Shikanoyu public bathhouse is located near the Sessho-seki ("killing stone"), a tourist spot in Nasu. The sulfur spring water is characterized by its milky white color, and the surrounding distinctive fragrance helps to heighten the hot spring mood. The nostalgic building is reminiscent of its original appearance around a century ago,...

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  Kashima-Jingu Shrine

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  724 Views

  Kashima-Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the Shinto god associated with the founding of Japan and martial arts. Several of its structures including the shrine buildings are designated as important cultural properties of Japan. As the head shrine of approximately 600 Kashima Shrines throughout Japan, Kashima-Jingu is known as the ultimate power spot for praying to the god of victory for the strength to overcome obstacles and keep going forward during a turning point in life.

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  Hitachi Seaside Park

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  1116 Views

  Located facing the Pacific coast, Hitachi Seaside Park is a popular tourist spot in Ibaraki Prefecture. The expansive 200-hectare park is divided into seven areas, with a variety of ways to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. The most famous is the endless blooms of nemophila and kochia covering Miharashi-no-Oka Hill, a dreamy sight that will take you away into a land of fantasy.

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  Fukuroda Falls

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  989 Views

  As one of the three most renowned waterfalls in Japan, Fukuroda Falls is the famous tourist spot boasted by Ibaraki and the town of Daigo. From afar, the falls look gentle white strands of falling water. Come closer and observe violent splashes of water hitting the ground. The falls captivate visitors with its contrast of calmness and roughness.

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  Kairakuen Garden

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  758 Views

  Kairakuen Garden was constructed in 1842 by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth lord of the Mito domain. Most famous for its scenic plum trees, the Japanese garden also displays beautiful flower blossoms for every season, as well as a stunning view overlooking Lake Senba from the plum grove. Kodokan, a picturesque Japanese-style building, was a pioneering school of the Mito domain that taught a broad range of subjects comparable to the modern-day university.

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  Ryujin Suspension Bridge

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  1203 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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  Suigo Itako Iris Festival

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  804 Views

  Over the month from late May to late June, around one million irises of 500 varieties blossom all at once during the Suigo Iris Festival held in the Iris Garden of Itako, Ibaraki Prefecture. Back in the days, the "Robune" rowboat was the day-to-day mode of transportation through the canals of Itako. Today, the robune is brought back to life just during this festival for a pleasant cruise. In addition, enjoy a host of events including the Yomeiri-bune (marriage boat) carrying a beautiful...

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  Mount Tsukuba

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  1360 Views

  Situated in the Kanto Plain, Mount Tsukuba is the tallest mountain in Ibaraki Prefecture and is often compared alongside Mount Fuji for its stunning beauty as in the phrase "Fuji of the west, Tsukuba of the east." Its distinctive twin peaks are called Mount Nantai (male body) and Mount Nyotai (female body). The mountain surface continuously changes its color with the seasons and time of day and is also nicknamed Shihou (purple mountain) for its breathtaking purple shade when lit by sunset....

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  Tsuruga Castle

  Posted in: Tohoku, Fukushima

  606 Views

  Tsuruga Castle of Aizu is a famous one among castle in Fukushima Prefecture. Located in Aizuwakamatsu City, this castle became a stage of Boshin War. Beside the strong history that you can feel, Tsuruga Castle also popular with light up in the night. During spring and autumn, not only the castle but cherry blossoms and autumn foliage also colored by the light. As for the access, visitor can use a loop bus route.

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