Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter: Live the Edo Period in Okayama
Kurashiki is one of the most beautiful places in Japan, and yet remains unknown to many people.
CultureAttractionsShoppingChugoku
August 31, 2017
Tag: History｜Taiken Japan
Kakazu Ridge: From Intense Battle Ground to Popular Relaxation Spot
Kakazu is such a famous historic battle ground, that regularly tour groups visit and explore the area. The extremely steep hills of the area were defended by the Japanese troops during the war.
July 8, 2017
A History of Japanese Yen
In less than 200 years, this currency went from a strict assortment selected by the Shogun to one of the world's most valuable mediums of exchange.
June 15, 2017
A Guide to Edo Tokyo Museum
For Japanese history lovers, Edo-Tokyo Museum would provide you with much information and you will find it interesting for sure. Just spend more time hanging around there!
May 25, 2017
Seki-Juku: An Ancient Outpost in Modern Japan
If you actually want to stay in Seki-Juku for a day or two then you have the chance to really experience historic hospitality as only the Japanese can provide.
April 10, 2017
Castle Ruins in Hyogo Prefecture
Takeda Castle is now one of the top 100 famous castles in Japan due to its stone walls and spectacular views, despite being in ruins. It is possible to witness a sea of clouds surrounding the castle, making it appear as a castle floating in the sky, commonly referred to as “Castle in the Sky” or “The Machu Picchu of Japan”.
March 4, 2017
Tanegashima: The Island of History, Nature, & Food
Let me convince you to visit the beautiful island for the following reasons!
February 11, 2017
Feels Like Being Inside The Meiji Era!: A Visit to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery
With each picture being 3 meters high, you would feel like being inside a Meiji Period picture book!
January 2, 2017
Koriyama: From Castle Town to Goldfish Wonderland
Other than the castle, the city is a nice town expressing Japan's undying love of the once prized fish in Japan: the goldfish. Koriyama being just a few stops away from Kintetsu Nara Station (area of Todai-ji and Nara Park) this city is worth a look.
December 7, 2016
Aokigahara - Japan's Most Haunted Forest
A forest so haunted and dreadful that many won’t go near it. Aokigahara, 35 sq. kms. of forest with a dark and terrible past.
October 26, 2016
Matsumoto-jo: Japan’s Oldest Castle
From humble fort to national treasure. Matsumoto Castle is beautiful any time of the year, but in April the cherry blossoms make for a wonderful setting while January brings an annual ice sculpture contest.
September 17, 2016
Namamugi: A Familiar Locale
Tons of Flashbacks were triggered haunting my memory in the search for remembering the origin of my familiarity with the word Namamugi. As the train slowly progressed to Tsurumi station, which was my final destination, I struggled hard to get rid of my superstitious misgivings starting with ‘what if in my previous life, Namamugi was…’.
September 17, 2016
A Peace Studies Tour of Nagasaki
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, and the Peace Park were born out of the collective yearning to communicate what it’s like to live through a nuclear explosion so that hopefully, these horrific experience will never be repeated. Sakue Shimohira, who survived the bombing of Nagasaki, said, “I think the basic idea of peace is to have some understanding of others’ pain.” It is in this spirit that we started our journey at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.
September 10, 2016
Kyoto Temples and Philosopher’s Walk
Usually when we hear about Kyoto, we think of a city mostly undisturbed, placid and preserved in the richest and most authentic setting of traditional Japan - and rightfully so! Many travelers usually go straight to Kinkakuji. We cannot blame them, however, on the other side of the town are a handful of other amazing temples. Nanzen-ji and Zenrin-ji are worth a mention. Take the Philosopher's Walk and get off the beaten track!
AttractionsShoppingCultureKansai
August 27, 2016
5 Lesser Known Japanese Cities
Most visitors to Japan like to visit the best-known spots, or what I call the “Big 5” destinations, which are Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima. While these are all must see places in Japan, some of the smaller cities like Kanazawa and Kawagoe are often overlooked, and usually do not make it onto a tourist’s itinerary. I recommend checking out these “Next 5” destinations, which aren’t as big or well known as the “Big 5”, but pack a punch and offer you some amazing experiences and memories of Japan.
August 26, 2016
Homotsuden: The Treasure Museum of the Meiji Era
Meiji Shrine may already be on the top of anyone's “must-visit” list when visiting Tokyo. Make sure that your visit is scheduled on the weekend so as not to miss one of the highlights of this 700,00 square meter Shinto shrine located in the middle of Tokyo. Amidst all of that property, there is one part of the shrine that cannot be discarded.
August 25, 2016
The Hidden Temple Gardens of Nara
Many of these temples have magnificent gardens in their precincts that are sanctuaries of peace and tranquillity from all the crowds and noise of the big cities in Japan. In this article, I will highlight some of the less well-known temple gardens in Nara that offer you a chance to experience this peace and tranquillity for yourself.
August 13, 2016
15 Things to Do in Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Besides getting to know more about Japan through major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Japanese culture also can be seen from historical prefectures, such as Ishikawa Prefecture, located in Japan's central Honshu. To visit Kanazawa, capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, is to explore the well-preserved Edo Period districts, samurai culture as well as Japanese handicrafts products and beautiful nature.
August 4, 2016
