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  Kouyaji Temple

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

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  Kouyaji Temple in the town of Kitagata in Takeo is a "Rhododendron Temple," where 1,000 rhododendron bushes of 20 varieties bloom in April. Also known as "Shakunage Temple," this unique temple also has a Shakunage Kannon statue, which casts away the misfortunes of worshippers, and Bokefūji Kannon statue, which is said to ward off dementia. This historic area was part of the Nagasaki Trail. It has many charms, including areas of beautiful flowers and delicious food offerings.

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  Matsue Castle

  Posted in: Chugoku, Shimane

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  Discover tea ceremony and Japanese culture in a historic castle town with samurai residences and other traces of the Edo Period.

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  Takeda Castle Ruins

  Posted in: Hyogo, Kansai

  670 Views

  Takeda Castle Ruins is famous for its sea of clouds. The morning mist that forms around the castle during bright blue mornings from fall to winter is a seasonal symbol. The Takeda Castle Ruins are located on a mountain peak, at an altitude of approximately 353m. The appearance of the castle surrounded by a sea of clouds makes it look as if it were a castle in the sky, and many people from around Japan visit to catch a glimpse of this dreamlike scenery. You just have to see this breathtaking...

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  Iya Valley

  Posted in: Shikoku, Tokushima

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  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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  Katsurahama Beach

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

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  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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  Naruto Strait

  Posted in: Shikoku, Tokushima

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  Naruto Strait is located between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island, and it is famous for its tidal whirlpools. There is a promenade above the ocean spanning across the strait that serves as a tourist attraction. It is accessible from near the Onaruto Bridge, which offers up-close views of the whirlpools. Shikoku's famed Naruto whirlpools can also be viewed from other nearby observation decks.

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  Kakunodate Samurai Residences

  Posted in: Tohoku, Akita

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  During your trip to Kakunodate, Akita, enjoy viewing cherry blossoms and the townscape of Kakunodate Samurai Residences area. Kakunodate was built around 400 years ago and it prospered as a fortress city. The Kakunodate Samurai Residences, where Shidarezakura, a rare type of sakura, blooms in spring are lined with the former residences of samurais. A perfect harmony between the black fences of the residences and the colors of the cherry blossoms in spring or autumn foliage of the maples...

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  Karatsu Onsen Ryokan: Yoyokaku

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

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  Yoyokaku is an historic ryokan with a history of more than 120 years located in Karatsu Onsen, a hot spring resort town in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Enjoy popular meals featuring seasonal delicacies made from local ingredients, take advantage of the health benefits of soaking in the hot spring baths, and relax in delightful rooms featuring beautiful Japanese-style architecture.

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  Tensha-en Garden

  Posted in: Shikoku, Ehime

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  Date Munetada, the seventh feudal lord of the Uwajima domain who went by the pseudonym "Shunzan," constructed this garden as a place of retirement. The name of the garden comes from a poem Date Masamune wrote after his retirement. The poem goes, “I spent my younger days on a horse for battles, now the world is peaceful and my hair has turned gray, my aging body exists here because God in heaven forgave me and let me live."

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  Yutoku Inari Shrine

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

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  The most popular tourist attraction in Kashima City, Saga, is Yutoku Inari Shrine, also known as a spiritual site. You can also enjoy the specialty sake in the Hizen Hamashuku area as well as healing your mind and body at Torii Gates in the Sea and Takezaki Hot Springs in Tara Town.

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  Ishiyamadera Temple

  Posted in: Shiga, Kansai

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  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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  Karatsu Castle

  Posted in: Kyushu, Saga

  664 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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