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  Irabu Bridge

  Posted in: Okinawa

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  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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  Shimonoseki Shunpanro Main Restaurant

  Posted in: Chugoku, Yamaguchi

  410 Views

  The Shimonoseki Shunpanro Main Restaurant is a prestigious kappo ryokan (inn serving traditional Japanese cuisine) that has welcomed many members of the Imperial Family as its guests. Located in Amidaiji Town in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, it was the first restaurant to receive a public license to serve fugu (blowfish). Enjoy the seasonal delicacies of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and take pleasure in gazing out at the ocean from your guestroom or while soaking in the bath.

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  Kutani Ceramic Art Village

  Posted in: Chubu, Ishikawa

  409 Views

  Kutani Ceramic Art Village is packed with all kind of charm inherent in Kutani ceramics (Kutaniyaki), a form of pottery with a 360-year history. Visitors can gaze at famous works at a Kutani ceramics museum and art gallery, buy things at shops in the ceramic art village featuring rich lineups of products, get actual hands-on experience when it comes to making Kutani ceramics and painting them, and take a peak at workshops. There’s something for everyone to enjoy their visit in their own way....

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  Akizuki Onsen Seiryuan

  Posted in: Kyushu, Fukuoka

  408 Views

  Seiryuan is a peaceful ryokan with a prestigious Japanese restaurant surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden in Akizuki, a town known as the Little Kyoto located close to Fukuoka City. The garden that can be seen from the large hall and the guestrooms display painting-like, beautiful views every season. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can spend a relaxing time surrounded by the calming sound of the river, which is ideal for sleep, while songbirds wake you up in the morning.

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  Tofuku-ji Temple

  Posted in: Kyoto, Kansai

  408 Views

  Famous for its gorgeous display of autumn leaves, Tofuku-ji Temple is one of the Kyoto Gozan, the five great Zen temples of Kyoto. The complete seven-structured temple compound (Shichido Garan) was constructed over 19 years from 1236, and while destroyed by fire numerous times, it was rebuilt each time. Valuable structures are preserved on the temple grounds, such as the Sanmon gate, a national treasure, as well as the Yokushitsu (bathing room), Tosu (lavatory) and Zendo (meditation hall),...

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  Matsumoto-toge Pass

  Posted in: Chubu, Mie

  408 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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  Suigo Itako Iris Festival

  Posted in: Kanto, Ibaraki

  408 Views

  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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  Akita Kanto Festival

  Posted in: Tohoku, Akita

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  A summer tradition to pray for a bountiful harvest, the Kanto Festival has been held since about 270 years ago and is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region. Performers called Sashite parade the streets while forcefully holding up Kanto poles, which are long bamboo poles with 46 hanging lanterns and weighing 50 kilograms altogether. Around 260 Kanto poles are held up by the Sashites by their palms, foreheads, shoulders and lower backs with amazing skills. The stunning festival...

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  Dorogawa Onsen Townscape

  Posted in: Nara, Kansai

  407 Views

  Located in the village of Tenkawa in Nara Prefecture, Dorogawa Onsen has long flourished as a hot spring retreat for Shugendo practitioners who were visiting Mount Omine for ascetic training. The entire hot spring town is cloaked in a quaint atmosphere, but in particular, the "engawa" boarded floor running along the outside of traditional Japanese inns lets you feel the remnant of the Showa Period (1926-1989). It is perfect to sit and take a short rest. At night, the streets are lit up with...

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  Zao Onsen Ski Resort

  Posted in: Tohoku, Yamagata

  407 Views

  Sitting on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, Mount Zao is a complex volcano that forms part of the Ou Mountain Range. The Yamagata side is a popular destination dotted with ski resorts, ropeways and hot springs endowed with rich nature. Various activities can be enjoyed all year round such as observing alpine flora in spring, trekking in lush greenery in summer and colorful leaves in autumn, as well as skiing and viewing frost-covered trees known as "snow monsters" in winter...

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  Korankei Valley

  Posted in: Chubu, Aichi

  406 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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  Nagatoro River Cruise

  Posted in: Kanto, Saitama

  406 Views

  Nagatoro, located in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, is a popular sightseeing spot where you can enjoy great nature such as Nagatoro Valley. A famous attraction there is the Nagatoro River Cruise with a history of over 100 years, which takes you down the Arakawa River that flows through the magnificent valley in a traditional Japanese boat. The powerful rapid stream, the unusual-shaped rocks formed by nature and the gorgeous mountains complete the scenery of Nagatoro. The boatman's skillful...

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