Got a day to spare? Check out some things to do in Nikko, Tochigi. Whenever people think about traveling to Japan, they only consider visiting Tokyo and Kyoto. And while these two, without a doubt, represent the Japanese culture very well and consist of the majority of the important tourist spots of Japan, there are other lesser-known cities as well…
The historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are a huge tourist attraction and have been declared to be one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Japan in the year 1995. These historic villages are situated in the mountainous region of Japan that had been cut off from the rest of the world for many years. Mulberry trees & Silkworms…
Lake Kawaguchiko is situated at the border of the Japanese towns of Fujikawaguchiko and Minobu in southern Yamanashi Prefecture that sits near the famous Mount Fuji. Kawaguchiko is the most famous of the “Fuji Five Lakes” of Japan and perhaps the most easily accessible because it has many train and bus connections that lead to the lake to and from…
Hanano Miyako Koen is a must-visit spot for views of Mt. Fuji. Located near the Lake Yamanakako in Yamanashi Prefecture, the park has a beautiful flower garden and several amenities. Depending on what season you visit, there are different flowers in bloom, so make sure to check the official website. As well as flower viewing, the park has a cafe,…
In Japanese Gotō means “ five-island”, and hence the Goto Islands are the 140 islands located on the western coast of the East China Sea. Among these islands, there are 5 main islands known as Fukue Island, Naru Island, Wakamatsu Island, Hisaka Island, and Nakadori Island. These islands have deep historical roots in the Christian community of Japan and how…
One of the most sacred sites in Japan is the Koyasan Okunoin Temple. It is where you will find the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, who was the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Legend says that he remains in a state of continuous meditation inside. What makes the area around Okunoin Temple unique is the number of souls who want to be…
Enoshima is a small island in Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture. Providing respite from city life, Enoshima is located only 1.5hours away from Toyko. The island itself is quite small and can be entirely walked around at a leisurely pace within the day. Although Enoshima can get busy, it’s well worth the journey for the views alone. If you can, try going…
Miyajima is a stunning island located just off the coast of Hiroshima that is most famous for its ‘floating’ crimson Torii gate. But beyond this iconic World Heritage Site, you’ll also find gorgeous coastal walks, serene mountain temples and dozens of friendly deer. Read on to learn more about what this island gem has to offer! Itsukushima Shrine Miyajima Island…
The capital of feudal Japan from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is dotted with countless temples and shrines and imbued with a traditional Japanese feel. Explore teahouses, meet geishas and immerse yourself in a world of bamboo groves and ancient shrines. Fushimi Inari Shrine No trip to Kyoto is complete without a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Home to over 10,000…
The Goto Islands are located in the East China Sea, off the eastern coast of Japan’s Kyushu region. From southwest to northeast, they’re known as Fukue, Hisaka, Naru, Wakamatsu, and Nakadori. Fukue, the largest of the islands, is easily accessible by ferry or small plane from Nagasaki and Fukuoka. Fukue Island Fukue island reaches an average temperature of 30 degrees…