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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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  Nasu Onsen Shikanoyu

  Posted in: Kanto, Tochigi

  812 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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  Suigo Itako Iris Festival

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

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  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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  Sapporo

  Posted in: Hokkaido, Southern Hokkaido

  807 Views

  Sapporo (札幌市) is a large city in northern Japan. Sapporo has the fifth largest population and third largest area in Japan. Many people know Sapporo as the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. It is also the site of the yuki matsuri Snow Festival each winter, which usually attracts 2 million tourists from all over the world.

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  Matsumoto Castle

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  804 Views

  Matsumoto Castle stands watched over by the lofty mountains of the Northern Alps and Utsukushigahara Highlands. The national treasure was completed around 1593-1594, making it the oldest existing five structure-six story castle in Japan.

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  Kaho Theater

  Posted in: Kyushu, Fukuoka

  801 Views

  Kaho Theater is a small playhouse that opened in 1922 in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, which once flourished as a coal mining town that supported Japan’s modernization. Performers including actors, singers, and rakugo comedic storytellers have entertained a great number of audiences on the wooden stage that was modeled on the architectural style of kabuki theaters of the Edo Period (1603-1868).

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  Myoshin-ji Temple

  Posted in: Kyoto, Kansai

  799 Views

  Myoshin-ji Temple is one of the representative temples of Kyoto, serving as the headquarters of 3,400 temples across Japan of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen school. Founded in 1337 by the cloistered emperor Hanazono, its vast temple grounds include the important cultural property Garan temple complex from the south, the Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall and Dharma Hall, which are surrounded by 46 sub-temples. There is so much to see, including Japan's oldest bonsho bell decorating the Dharma...

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  Karatsu Castle

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

  798 Views

  Karatsu Castle was built by Terasawa Shima-no-Kami Hirotaka, vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, over seven years starting from 1602. It is said that materials from the dismantling of Hizen Nagoya Castle were used when building the castle. The sands extending from the east and west of the castle look like the outstretched wings of a crane, earning it the alternative name "Maizuru (Dancing Crane) Castle". It is also a famous place for cherry blossom trees and wisteria.

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  Lake Ashi

  Posted in: Kanto, Kanagawa

  798 Views

  Lake Ashi, with a shoreline of approximately 20 kilometers, spreads out widely with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. This vast lake is surrounded by resort areas with a number of tourist spots, including shrines, an aquarium, an art museum, and historical buildings. There are also many activities to enjoy, such as hot springs, cruises and a ropeway to the mountain top. This area offers many opportunities to enjoy its natural features, as well as local traditions.

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  Iya Valley

  Posted in: Shikoku, Tokushima

  795 Views

  The picturesque scenery of Iya in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture is known as one of the three most unexplored regions of Japan. The Iya River runs through the Iya Valley, popular for its autumn foliage. If you look down at this deep-cut V-shaped valley from above, you'll see the emerald green river running through, in dazzlingly far distance below.Iya Valley has been awarded as two stars Michelin Green Guide and it is also the only place in Japan that have been chosen by the US travel...

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  Utsubuki Koen Dango

  Posted in: Chugoku, Tottori

  795 Views

  Utsubuki Koen Dango from Ishitani Seikado. Local delicacies that have been preserved for more than 130 years, as a dedication to dango.

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  Himeji Castle

  Posted in: Hyogo, Kansai

  794 Views

  The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is also known as the White Heron Castle for its pristine white stature that stands out against the blue sky, resembling a white heron taking flight. Admire the dazzling castle tower and explore the many attractions including the various defenses against attack. In Koko-en garden founded on the grounds of the former West Residence, you can enjoy dining or tea while gazing at the majestic castle.

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