Author: Japan Guides
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Ryotanji Temple and Garden
The Ryotanji Temple was founded in the year 733 by Gyoki, Bodhisattva. There are many cultural assets here, such as the garden designed by Enshu Kobori, and the sculpture of a dragon carved by Jingoro Hidari. The li family’s Temple is called Munenaga Shino and the grave of Prince Munenaga Shino who died about 500…
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Yamanashi Onsen Hot Springs Guide
Not only is Yamanashi blessed with beautiful mountains and scenery, but within the mountains lay many soothing hot springs for people to enjoy year-round. It has been said for many years that hot springs make the body healthy. The secret lies in the dissolution of medicinal substances into the groundwater, which seeps through long passages…
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Toba and Ago Bay Cruises & sightseeing Guide
Toba Bay provides a serene view of three green islands arranged like stepping stones in the blue sea. Beautiful Ago Bay in contrast offers a rugged coastline and floating rafts used for pearl cultivation. Ago Bay, with its floating pearl-culturing rafts, is famed for its scenic evening views. Visitors can take a sightseeing cruise to…
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About Brown Bears in Hokkaido’s National Parks
With regards to encountering a brown bear while climbing, usually, Brown bears will notice humans in advance and will hide out of sight in the thickets waiting for the people to leave the area, without showing their presence. However when visibility is bad due to heavy rain and the sounds of approaching climbers cannot easily…
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The Fuji Yoshidaguchi Climbing Trail Guide
The Yoshidaguchi Climbing Trail stretches 19km from Fujiyoshida City (Fujiyoshida-shi) to the summit of Mt. Fuji. Though there are 3 trails to the summit, this one is the oldest. It was first used over a thousand years ago by mountain mendicants, but their favored footpath didn’t make its name until the heyday of the Edo…
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Honen Matsuri Harvest Festival Guide
This Shrine is dedicated to the God of harvest which is five staple grains (rice, wheat, etc.) and the prosperity of future generations. The Bumper Harvest Festival is where a huge wooden phallus is paraded, then offered at the shrine, also called Tagata Jinja (Tagata temple). It is well-known for its uniqueness. This Honen Matsuri…
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Visiting Shrines and Temples of the Ashikaga Clan
Ashikaga is the home of the Ashikaga clan that became the mainstream of Seiwagensei family. Ashikaga has many shrines and temples with the Ashikaga clan connections. We recommend this course include other traditional sites in the Kamakura era and the Muromachi era ( the 14th c. – the 17th c.). Bannaji Temple Bannaji, a Temple…
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Why Real Fuji Climbers Hike The Yoshidaguchi Trail
The Yoshidaguchi Climbing Trail starts in Fujiyoshida City at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine. After tying up your laces and adjusting your pack, soak up the atmosphere amidst towering trees and then offer some prayers to Konohanasakuya Hime no Mikoto, the principal deity of the holy peak and patron goddess of fires and childbirth. With…
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Things To Do And See In Ueda City And It’s Surrounds
Ueda City (Ueda-shi/上田市) is surrounded by nature and you can enjoy it in a relaxed way. Shinshu Ueda is a city of castle towns, hot springs, and snow resorts, and the history and traditional landscape of the middle ages are still alive today. A Japan you haven’t imagined is waiting for you. From Ueda Castle…
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Isawa Onsen Guide
The Isawa and Kasugai hot springs are among Japan’s leading hot spring spa areas, and they are Yamanashi Prefecture centers for tourism and accommodations which draw many tourists year-round. Fuefuki City has four municipally operated hot spring facilities (Nagomi, Misaka, Momonosato, and Yamayuri) and hot spring foot baths which take advantage of these abundant hot…
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Things To Do In Tochigi City
Tochigi City (Tochigi-shi/ 栃木市), with a population of 144,541 (December 1, 2011), is located about 80km north of Tokyo. The area is 284.83 km2 (109.97 sq mi) and is unique in character. Possessing cultural and social diversity, our city has flourished throughout its long history as an important regional hub. Each season provides a natural…
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Yabitsu Onsen Zuisenkaku, Hot Spring Spa
Yabitsu Hot Spring, situated about two kilometers downstream from the Yabitsu Dam, boasts some water that is slightly hotter than most. Guests can enjoy the taste of every season nestled among the lush mountains. Hot springs that come out from the historical mountain are said to have spiritual powers. 25 minutes drive to the World…
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Aotsuka Kofun: Ancient Burial Mounds
Aotsuka Ancient Burial Mound is a 117-meter-long square-head-round-foot ancient tomb located southeast of Inuyama, on the ridge of the diluvial upland 31 meters above sea level. The mound is 58 meters wide and 7.5 meters high at its head, 74.5 meters across, and 10.5 meters high at its foot. It is the second-largest burial mound…
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Iwana-no-Sato (Char fish center) Cottage
Its extensive site contains a fish farm, a Japanese garden, a summerhouse, a water mill, and an area designed to provide a picnic atmosphere. Toilets offering wheelchair access are provided. Rooms with wheelchair users in mind are also available. Trout fishing for everyone. Don’t miss Kawauchi-no-yu (Kawauchi Hot Spring Spa Bath). Also, Takatsuka-yama (Takatsuka Mountain)…
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Iga Area Guide: Birthplace Of The Ninja
Surrounded by mountains, Iga at one time prospered as a castle town and is famous as the home of ninja spies. It is also the birthplace of the famous Japanese haiku poet Matsuo Basho. There are several historical places and vestige of the past around the area, some of which still have the mystery and…
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Toba Aquarium
At this ultra-large aquarium, one of the biggest in the world, you can see some 850 species of aquatic life. This world-class aquarium is home to over 850 species of 20,000 different sea animals. It is the only aquarium in the world with dugongs. Features: Toba Aquarium consists of 12 individual zones. Each zone is…
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Shiobara Hot Springs Village
Shiobara is the second largest hot spring area in Tochigi. This quiet mountain village became a popular destination for scholars during the Meiji Period. Shiobara-onsen-kyo Hot Spring Village is located slightly to the southwest of Nasu along the Shiobara Valley at the upper reaches of the Houki-gawa River, and is commonly known simply as “Shiobara’s…
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Hunter Mt. Shiobara – Ski & Snow Resort
JapanGuides.net Hunter Mountain Shiobara is one of the largest snow resorts in the Tokyo region, has 12 trails for you to enjoy including a 3km downhill trail. There is also the ‘Snow Park’, which has rails, boxes kickers and a half pipe, a ‘Slalom’ trail, the ‘Family Park’, where children can enjoy skiing and snowboarding,…
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Outskirts of Hamamatsu Area, Hamamatsu City
Hamamatsu is well-known for its industrial production, particularly musical instruments, motorcycles, and textiles. In this area, there are plant and flower theme parks, history museums, and industrial tourism facilities where you can visit local factories. The Enshu Coast, Nakatajima Sand Dunes, and some unique theme museums are located on the outskirts of Hamamatsu. Found on…
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Tenryu in Hokuen (Northern) Area, Hamamatsu City
The Hokuen (Northern) Area (Tenryu, Haruno, Sakuma, Misakubo, Tatsuyama), 90% of which is surrounded by forests, is abundant in greenery and home to lakes and rivers. Through the center runs the mighty Tenryu River. The area displays history and traditional culture as influenced by these surroundings. A wide variety of outdoor leisure can be enjoyed…
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Mikomoto Island Diving of Izu Peninsula
Mikomoto Jima (Mikomoto Island) is a small windswept rocky island some 9km off the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula. Barely large enough to support the lighthouse, which is its distinguishing feature, Mikomoto Jima ascends from deep water. It is continuously washed by the cold current that rises from the nearby ocean trench. The trench…