While koto is the national instrument, shamisen is undeniably a part of Japanese culture that also can’t be separated from the country's image.

Snugged in the little Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, is a shopping district named Showa no Machi (Showa’s Town), where the streets and shops are modeled in the classic style of 50-60s Japan. Almost like a movie set, this Showa no Machi takes you back in time as you stroll around.

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.

Jigokumushi (地獄蒸し, literally means "Hell Steam"), is what this cooking method is called. A very simple yet unique way of cooking that has been practiced since the Edo Period. Jigokumushi restaurants are popular for tourists coming to the Kannawa area, which main attractions are the Jigoku of Beppu, boiling ponds that are open for viewing. In some of these restaurants, customers could also try cooking the food themselves, an interesting experience when you go with friends or family.