Posted in : "2023 - May"

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  Cape Higashi-Hennazaki

  Posted in: Okinawa

  766 Views

  Cape Higashi-Hennazaki is a long, beautiful cape stretching approximately two kilometers on the eastern tip of Miyako Island. The breathtaking ocean view has been designated as one of the country's Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monuments. The scenery experienced from the lighthouse standing at the end of the cape is especially moving. Many flowers bloom in every season along the constructed walking trail, such as the tennoume plum blossoms, designated as the prefecture's...

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  Irabu Bridge

  Posted in: Okinawa

  952 Views

  Located just west of Miyako Island, Irabu Island is a quaint, far-off isle with a population of around 5,000. Previously accessible only by ferry, the Irabu Bridge was constructed in 2015 to connect the two islands, thus becoming a hugely popular tourist destination for marveling at the wonders of nature unique to the remote island.

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  Ishigaki Stalactite Cave

  Posted in: Okinawa

  718 Views

  Located 400 kilometers southeast of the Okinawan capital city of Naha, Ishigaki Island is the center of the Yaeyama Islands and one of Japan's top beach resorts. The Ishigaki Island Stalactite Cave is the largest tourist cave on the island and the southernmost in Japan, a natural wonder created over 200,000 years. 

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  Yachimun-no-Sato

  Posted in: Okinawa

  584 Views

  Yachimun is the traditional earthenware of Okinawa, characterized by its thick texture and unique, rustic painting. Over 70 pottery workshops can be found in Yomitan Village in the central part of Okinawa main island. Located in the mountains of the village is Yachimun-no-Sato, where 19 workshops are gathered. Take your time in perusing each workshop to find your favorite piece of pottery.

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  Minatogawa Stateside Town

  Posted in: Okinawa

  1529 Views

  Minatogawa Stateside Town is a new attraction in Urasoe City featuring shops and cafes in renovated American-style buildings which used to be housing for U.S. military personnel. With streets named after American states, the popular area is photogenic from every angle with the retro-chic townscape and stylish shops.

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  Katsuren Castle Ruins

  Posted in: Okinawa

  829 Views

  The city of Uruma is located at the center of the Okinawa main island, and the Katsuren Castle Ruins can be found atop a hill on the eastern coast of Uruma, on the Katsuren Peninsula jutting out onto the Pacific Ocean. Amawari, the lord of Katsuren Castle, attacked the royal palace of Shuri Castle in hopes to take over the kingdom, but suffered a major defeat and perished in 1458. Climb the steep steps of Katsuren Castle and you'll rewarded with a grand panoramic view of the ocean.

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  Visiting the Shimanto River

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

  659 Views

  Discover a variety of ways to enjoy the Shimanto River, the longest river in the Shikoku area, which flows through Shimanto City in Kochi Prefecture. You can try canoeing or rafting, board a sightseeing tour boat, or pass under the chinkabashi (bridges designed to be submerged during flooding) in a yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat). You can also try tasting local dishes made from wild eel or ayu (sweetfish) caught in the river or revel in the magnificent natural landscape created by...

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  Kochi Castle

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

  1596 Views

  Kochi Castle was built by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a feudal lord who was assigned by Tokugawa Ieyasu the whole province of Tosa for the contribution to the Battle of Sekigahara. In 1601, Yamauchi started newly building the castle on Otakasaka Hill, and entered the castle upon completing the main enclosure and the second circle of defense in 1603.

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  Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

  601 Views

  Sakamoto Ryoma, born in Tosa, was a patriot at the end of the Edo Period and dedicated his life to early modern Japan. The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum was opened in November 1991 to commemorate his achievements, and collect and exhibit items relating to him.

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  Katsurahama Beach

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

  747 Views

  Katsurahama beach is one of the most picturesque locations in Kochi. This arch-shaped beach is located at the entrance of Urado Bay, in between Cape Ryuzu and Cape Ryuo. The backdrop of thick pine greenery, the five-colored beach gravel, and the deep blue sea come together to form a picturesque scene almost like a miniature garden.

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  Niyodo Blue

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

  564 Views

  The Niyodo River in Kochi has the most beautiful blue water in all of Japan and is known as Niyodo Blue. This mystical blue basin was the location of a Japanese legendary tale between a mythical serpent and a beautiful daughter.

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  Kochi Castle History Museum

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

  576 Views

  Kochi Castle History Museum is a new hub for the culture and history of Tosa. This museum is the main venue of the Shikoku Kochi Bakumatsu Restoration Exhibition, and visitors can enhance their understanding of the Bakumatsu-Meiji restoration period.

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