Okawachiyama, Saga. As soon as you get off the bus, sightseeing starts. You see the mountains in the background, narrow roads, pottery and porcelain everywhere, a stream and cute little bridges over it.

Here is the center of Rokugo Manzan, where Buddhism and Shintoism intertwined, blending along with local mountain worshipers and creating its own unique religious culture.

Boarding the train leading to Shibamata Station, I can smell and notice the sudden change in my surroundings and the crowd around me. The usual hundreds, populated Tokyo center is slowly turning into a 2-car train with fewer people in it, a few tourists and some old men and women.

The religion Buddhism has deep roots in Japanese culture beginning thousands of years ago. Present day, Japan is now the home of some of the most famous Buddha statues in the world. They are often referred to as "Daibutsu" meaning giant or grand Buddha. Aichi prefecture has some magnificent Daibutsu's which are less known to people but worth visiting. 

Layered between the civic surface of Tokyo’s landscape lie scores of dedicated shrines and graves dotting the city, each one offering a much more intimate view of the samurai. Home to vengeful spirits, ninja protectors and aristocratic war heroes, here are five resting places of Tokyo’s legendary warriors.

Enkoji Temple is not usually listed in popular tourist guides, which makes it all the more alluring. Yet, it can be found in some of the top autumn attraction rankings of Kyoto, and perfectly captures the refined balance of a garden park, viewing hall, art display, bamboo grove, and mountain hike.

You can avoid the long waits outside temple entrances and bus stops by avoiding the guidebook-recommended spots, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Nanzenji, Heian Shrine or Arashiyama. Indeed, these gorgeous sites reveal Kyoto’s most treasured maple views; yet, there are other 1,600 and more temples and shrines in Kyoto that likewise exude charming beauty in their simplicity, solace, and natural landscapes.

Nagasaki is a fascinating prefecture with a long and colourful history. It was the first part of Japan where foreign explorers were allowed to trade with and has thus been a testing ground for the future of the country.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ll almost certainly have Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple visit on your itinerary—and if not, you should. If you want a one-of-a-kind souvenir, a goshuin is just what you’re looking for!

Known for its annual snow festival, Sapporo is one of Japan’s most vibrant cities and is extremely visitor-friendly. It has fantastic food and plenty to do. Here’s a sampling.

Don't fear the crowds of Kyoto! It is easy to slip down a backstreet and find a little-known shrine or temple all to yourself. Here are three for you to find and explore...

The summer may be the best time to hike in the area and the autumn may be its' most famed time for viewing, but winter in Oku-Nikko has a special feel to it – and the total lack of tourists makes that even better.