High in the mountains of northern Japan stands one of the country’s most breathtaking temple complexes: Risshaku-ji, widely known as Yamadera. Located in Yamagata, this historic Buddhist temple is famous for its dramatic cliffside buildings, 1,000 stone steps, and its … Read More
If you want to experience old Japan away from crowds and neon lights, the historic townscape of Omori in 石見銀山 (Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine) is a hidden treasure. Located in 島根県 (Shimane Prefecture) in western Japan, this beautifully preserved mining … Read More
Good news for travelers in Japan — Tokyo Skytree will resume operations on February 26, 2026, after a temporary closure caused by an elevator (EV) system issue. If you’re currently planning your Tokyo itinerary, here’s what happened — and most … Read More
On February 12, a striking new destination opened in Tokyo’s stylish Daikanyama: the Dior Bamboo Pavilion.More than a luxury boutique, this unique space is a new concept store by Dior, blending Parisian elegance with Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary art. Located … Read More
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 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
Makoto STokyo Skytree, completed in 2012, is not only a broadcasting tower but also one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. Standing at 634 meters, it is the tallest tower in the world and the second tallest structure overall, after Dubai’s … 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