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  Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

  Posted in: Chubu, Shizuoka

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  Kunozan Toshogu Shrine was founded upon Ieyasu Tokugawa's instruction before his death to bury his remains in Kunozan and is the oldest of the Toshogu shrines in Japan. The shrine buildings, with their original Gongen-zukuri style and lavish lacquer decorations, were designated as a National Treasure in 2010.

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  Etchu-Yatsuo Tourist Center

  Posted in: Chubu, Toyama

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  Passed down for centuries from the 1740s, the Hikiyama Festival in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, is a spring tradition. It represents the merchant culture of Yatsuo that thrived from production and trade of raw silk, silkworm eggs, Japanese paper, and charcoal. The rich culture of Hikiyama floats and local performing arts has been handed down as a symbol of the prosperity of Yatsuo. In the museum, visitors can enjoy traditional Hikiyama-Bayashi music together with three beautiful Hikiyama...

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  Nagareyama Honcho Edo Corridor

  Posted in: Kanto, Chiba

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  Located along the Edogawa River of Nagareyama, Chiba Prefecture, the area known as Nagareyama Honcho flourished from its mirin (sweet sake) brewing industry since the 18th century. It is recognized as the birthplace of Shiromirin (clear mirin), which was carried to Edo by water transportation of the Edogawa River and brought prosperity to Nagareyama. The area retains the atmosphere of those years, dotted with shrines and temples as well as buildings, long-standing shops, and storehouses from...

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  Nakaoyama Pottery Village

  Posted in: Kyushu, Nagasaki

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  Hasami is known as a pottery town, and the area of Nakaoyama has a particularly high concentration of potteries. The village features many nostalgic scenes of yesteryear, including one of the world's largest climbing kilns, which made mass production of ceramics possible in the Edo Period (1603 - 1868), brick chimneystacks, and back alleyways. Experience first-hand the history of this pottery village as you tour its potteries and explore its alleyways.

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  Nyuto Onsen Village

  Posted in: Tohoku, Akita

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  Nyuto Onsen Village is accessible from the Lake Tazawa area in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture. This hot spring village, tucked away in a secluded location, is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan, and offers baths of differing spring water quality depending on the accommodation. Here, we offer helpful information on trying the different hot spring baths.

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  Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

  Posted in: Kyushu, Kumamoto

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  ne of the famous power spots in Aso in Kumamoto is the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. As you climb up the approach road, along which there are nearly 100 lanterns, you feel as if you’ve entered a different world. It also became famous as a setting in a popular manga, and many people visit from all over the country.

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  Sakurajima

  Posted in: Kyushu, Kagoshima

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  Sakurajima, the major tourist destination in Kagoshima Prefecture, is one of the world's major active volcanoes, with the smoke still rising from its crater. It is located about 4 km from central Kagoshima City and a 15-minute ferry ride from the downtown area. Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park, just a 10-minute walk from the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal, has a foot bath where you can relax and enjoy your experience.

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  Yachimun-no-Sato

  Posted in: Okinawa

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  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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  Yanagawa River Cruising

  Posted in: Kyushu, Fukuoka

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  Located in the southern part of Fukuoka, Yanagawa is a castle town boasting over 400 years of history. When the castle was built, water-filled moats were also constructed throughout the town to protect the castle, which gave rise to Yanagawa’s reputation as the city of water. Today, it offers a leisurely tour that cruises down a 4-kilometer-long stretch of these moats that lasts about an hour.

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  Sefa Utaki

  Posted in: Okinawa

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  Sefa Utaki is the most sacred place of the former Ryukyu Kingdom located in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. Utaki is a collective term for the sacred grounds where rituals are performed in the Nansei Islands of Okinawa. Among them, Sefa Utaki was the venue of the Oaraori, which was the most important ritual of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and still emanates a special atmosphere. The site is registered as a World Cultural Heritage, acclaimed for the Ryukyu Kingdom’s distinctive belief system based on...

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  Kochi Castle History Museum

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kochi

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  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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  Gero Hot Springs

  Posted in: Chubu, Gifu

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  Gero Hot Springs in Yunoshima, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, is one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs. While you can’t go wrong staying the night in the area, it’s also a great place to enjoy a day trip. There are also free foot baths and public baths, allowing visitors to casually enjoy bathing as they stroll around. The area is well-connected, and easily accessible by train. The silky-smooth, high-quality waters of Gero Hot Springs have long gained its many fans. You could stay over in...

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