Posted in : "2023 - March"

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  Omi Beef

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

  892 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

  742 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

  951 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

  1058 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

  847 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

  631 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

  649 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

  685 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

  1202 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

  708 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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  Inuyama Castle

  Posted in: Chubu, Aichi

  1548 Views

  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.

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  Korankei Valley

  Posted in: Chubu, Aichi

  1428 Views

  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.

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