Since ancient times, Japan has relied heavily on commerce by the seas to link the chain of islands. Today there are many ways the country can be crossed, from bullet trains to planes, but boats are still important to the identity of Japan. Docked in Aomori Bay is a ferry ship that played an important role in the identity of northern Japan, the Hakkoda-Maru.
SightseeingTohoku
Daniel Adams
December 10, 2018
Shimane Prefecture sits on the southwestern portion of Japan's main island, and is the perfect spot to visit if you're looking for an off the beaten path travel experience. Often overlooked by visitors in favor of better known destinations, the region has culture, nature and history by the bucketload – just without the massive crowds to battle!
SightseeingTravel TipsChugoku
Kim
July 14, 2018
My lungs thanked me as fresh air flooded my insides. Sun rays caressed my face, and droplets of water sprayed my hair as my head strained to glimpse Sakushima. The ferry ride was approximately 25 minutes long, from Isshiki Ferry Port.
NatureSightseeingChubu
Melicia Hewitt
July 9, 2016
If you go to Sapporo, never skip this beautiful port city. Otaru, situated in the western part of Hokkaido, the city has developed and prospered as "the sea entrance of Hokkaido" over the last 100 years and it has gained the nickname "Wall Street of the North".
SightseeingHokkaido
Gita Pramesari
June 27, 2016
Taking a water bus on the Sumida River, one of the most famous rivers in Tokyo, is a great experience especially for tourists visiting Japan for the first time.
SightseeingKanto
Vi Phan
June 22, 2016
Have you ever been to Nagatoro City in Saitama prefecture? If not, you should go there this summer on your holiday! There, you can enjoy canoeing, hiking and praying in the shrine all combined in a small city.
Food & DrinkNatureSightseeingKanto
Ayako
May 24, 2016
The Tokyo Yakatabune Association is promoting a new spin on the traditional ride. Not only will you be able to enjoy a luxurious yakatabune ride, you’ll be doing it dressed as a ninja, playing with ninja weapons, and partaking in ninja games.
EventsSightseeingTravel TipsKanto
Janglish Jerry
April 5, 2016
Just a ten-minute ferry ride from Yokosuka is Sarushima Island – billed as the only natural island in Tokyo Bay. The ferry leaves once an hour from Mikasa Pier near the US Yokosuka Navel Base, approximately a kilometre from the JR Yokosuka station.
NatureSightseeingKanto
Alyson
November 11, 2015
Japan has a deeply established maritime tradition. From the myths of its foundation (islands rising out of the sea as a product of the union of the primordial gods and goddesses) to the still world-leading harvesting and consumption of marine products, when you are in Japan, rivers, lakes, and of course, the ocean are ever-present themes in daily life.
EventsFood & DrinkNatureKanto
Lorne Fetzek
November 6, 2015
Shiga Prefecture, located in the Kansai Region of Central Japan near Kyoto and Nara is an area rich in natural beauty and historical attractions. It is home to more temples and shrines than Kyoto, making it a must see destination for any fans of Japanese history and culture.
CultureNatureSightseeingKansai
John Asano
August 14, 2015
We took a two-hour bear-watching cruise along the Shiretoko coast in the sea of Okhotsk, from the small fishing port of Utoro.
NatureSightseeingHokkaido
Alyson
July 31, 2015
We took a whale-watching cruise from the small fishing town of Rasau on the eastern side of the Shiretoko Peninsula in northern Hokkaido. Several companies run boat trips from here, varying in length, and each with a slightly different focus.
NatureHokkaido
Alyson
July 24, 2015
Stunning scenery aside, the islands of Itsukushima and Ōkunoshima have one big thing in common – nobody has heard of them. Mention Itsukushima, famous for its iconic ‘floating’ orange torii (‘gate’), and you may well be faced with a blank look.
CultureNatureSightseeingChugoku
Clare Midgley
June 10, 2015
The Japanese Coast Guard Museum is housed in a distinctive white building tucked away almost unnoticed behind the busy Red Brick Warehouse area of Yokohama. The centrepiece of the museum display is a North Korean trawler that sunk whilst it appeared to be spying in Japanese waters.
CultureKanto
Alyson
May 27, 2015
Matsushima Bay is called one of the Japan’s three most scenic views together with Miyajima in Hiroshima and Amanohashidate in Kyoto.
NatureSightseeingTohoku
IzzaDP
May 26, 2015
Located in one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, Japan is also famous for its onsens (hot springs). If you’re interested in viewing Mt. Fuji, Japan’s iconic volcano, and soaking in some soothing waters, Hakone is a must visit destination and this guide is going to give you the inside knowledge to help you plan it.
NatureSightseeingKanto
Cyrus Janssen
April 8, 2015
Yanagawa is a peaceful and historic city at the southwest part of Fukuoka Prefecture, south of Japan. This city was known as a castle town in the late 16th century.
EventsFood & DrinkNatureKyushu
Mark I. Quijano
March 30, 2015
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Memorial Ship Hakkoda-Maru: A Vessel of Aomori’s Past and Culture
Trekking Through The Sands of Japan: A Visit Tottori Prefecture’s Sand Dunes
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Historic Ruins and Reconstructed Street
In the Footsteps of Basho – Soka Matsubara Promenade
The Splendor of Enkoji, Overlooked Temple of Northern Kyoto
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101 Reasons to Visit the Sea of Japan Coast
5 Fantastic Parks in Okinawa
15 Things to Do in Nagasaki
