A Timeless Stage of Prayer and Sunset in Nara When visiting Todai-ji Temple, most travelers focus on the famous Great Buddha Hall.Few continue deeper into the temple grounds. That is a mistake. Hidden on the eastern hillside of Todai-ji lies … Read More
Mojiko Retro is one of Kitakyushu’s most charming historical districts, preserving the atmosphere of a port town that flourished from the Meiji era to the early Showa period. With its red-brick buildings, Western-style architecture, and scenic waterfront views, Mojiko once … Read More
A Guinness World Record You Can Visit in Just One Step Did you know that Japan is home to the world’s smallest park?In Nagaizumi Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, you’ll find a tiny but officially recognized park that holds the Guinness World … Read More
A Unique Temple Unlike Any Other in Japan Hidden in the historic city of Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, Aizu Sazae-dō (会津さざえ堂) is one of Japan’s most fascinating architectural wonders. Officially called Entsū Sansō-dō (円通三匝堂), this wooden pagoda was built in … Read More
Every winter, the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go in Gifu becomes a dreamlike wonderland. During the special Winter Light-up, the traditional gassho-style houses are illuminated against the snow, creating one of the most breathtaking winter sceneries in Japan. For … Read More
A Brief History Goryokaku (五稜郭), located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is Japan’s first Western-style fortress. It was completed in 1864 during the late Edo period, designed by Takeda Ayasaburō under the order of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its purpose was to protect … Read More
Japan has more than a hundred original castles, but only five are designated as National Treasures by the Japanese government. These castles are recognized for their historical, cultural, and architectural importance. Visiting them offers a rare opportunity to step back … Read More
Hidden within the grounds of a serene temple in Hiroshima Prefecture lies a breathtaking white marble paradise that looks like something from another world. Welcome to Miraishin no Oka (未来心の丘), or “Hill of Hope,” a unique open-air art space where … Read More
A Brief History Yūtoku Inari Shrine, located in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, was established in 1687 by the wife of the ruling Nabeshima lord. It enshrines Inari Ōkami, the deity of prosperity, agriculture, business success, and good fortune. It is … Read More
Experience the serene beauty of a traditional Japanese summer at two historic samurai residences in Fukui Prefecture: the Former Tamura Residence in Echizen City and the Former Uchiyama Residence in Sabae City. These heritage sites are now home to special … Read More