traditional
One of Tokyo’s most important shrines, whose existence dates back to the Kamakura period, is located on a small hilltop of Nagatacho. Despite being at the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, the surrounding greenery fills this Shinto shrine with peace and tranquility. It has a special connection to the Tokugawa clan. When Lord Ieyasu Tokugawa made Edo Castle his residence, Hie jinja (shrine) was revered as the “protector of the Tokugawa family.” Home to one of Tokyo’s biggest festivalsThe enshrined deity of Hie shrine is called Oyamakui no Kami (the guardian and protector of the city o...
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Tucked away in the forests of Mount Koshio, Oharano Shrine is a green retreat less than an hour away from Kyoto Station. Also known as Kyoto Kasuga, the shrine is a small piece of Nara in a Kyoto mountain suburb. The 83,000 square meter forest property offers gentle walking trails and a peaceful respite from the regular Kyoto crowds. A Branch of Nara’s Famous Kasuga TaishaIn 784 AD the then Emperor, Kanmu, moved the capital from Nara to Nagaoka-kyo. There, his Empress consort, Fujiwara no Otomuro, established Oharano Shrine. It was a place to worship her clan’s deities, enshrined at Kasuga Tai...
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Thousands of Inari shrines exist throughout Japan, but Taikodani Inari is considered one of the five most important. Situated in the small town of Tsuwano, also known as Little Kyoto, Taikodani Inari draws visitors with promises of traditional cultural experiences minus the crowds of larger cities. Built to defendTaikodani Inari sits on a mountain northeast of where Tsuwano Castle once stood. According to traditional beliefs, the northeastern direction is the kimon–a demon gate where bad spirits can enter one’s life and wreak havoc. To counter the unlucky power of the northeast, cities in Japa...
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The quiet grounds of Gessho-ji Temple house the graves of the Matsudaira Clan, feudal lords who once ruled Matsue city and its surrounding domain. The temple is not simply a gloomy graveyard, however. Carefully tended gardens, intricately decorated gravesites, and a local ghost story make Gessho-ji a unique historical site that displays Matsue city’s natural beauty and traditional culture. Guarded by a ghost storyThe most famous feature of Gessho-ji Temple is its giant turtle statue. Turtles are a symbol of longevity in Japan, and it is believed that touching this statue’s head will bring good...
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Matsue Castle is the only remaining castle in Shimane Prefecture and one of only 12 in Japan that preserves its original centuries-old tower. Built atop a hill that overlooks the city, this is one of the best places in Shimane to enjoy cherry blossoms or take in views of Lake Shinji. Moreover, the castle is a must-see for fans of Japanese tea culture because Matsudaira Fumai, the seventh lord of Matsue and founder of the Fumai-ryu tea ceremony, once made his home here. A designated national treasureFrom 1638 until Japan’s modernization period in the 19th century, Matsue Castle was controlled b...
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With its collection of thatched roof farmhouses, stone-lined walking paths, and terraced farm plots that climb up the mountainside, Ochiai Village is an enduring example of a traditional Iya Valley hamlet.For anyone who has traveled around Japan, they will certainly know that the country is a land full of mountains. Actually, over 70% of the country is made up of mountains, and due to the steep inclines, inaccessibility, and other difficulties such places harbor, these areas are considered essentially uninhabitable (hence why most Japanese cities seem so densely packed). And while the Japanese...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
Each year, GaijinPot Travel compiles a list of Japan’s best destinations for the upcoming year based on current Japan travel trends and what local governments, business owners, and communities are doing to attract visitors. The 2020 list included wild river rapids, elegant train rides, and more cup ramen than you can ever imagine, but it was sacred Wakayama that won tourists’ hearts.Due to COVID-19, people have been cooped up for far too long. Thus, 2021 destinations are for anyone looking for an escape. Quiet towns, secluded woods, mammoth lakes, and lonely mountain tops, whether you want to ...
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Higashiyama Onsen is a historical onsen (hot spring) town located on the eastern outskirts of Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture. More than 1,300 years old, the town’s healing waters have been a respite for Buddhist priests, noble samurai, and weary travelers alike.Today, Higashiyama Onsen is known as one of Tohoku’s top three onsen resorts. About 15 different hot spring hotels and ryokan (traditional inn) and hotels sit along the tranquil Yu River, nestled in a scenic valley. The old-style wooden ryokan are the best option, as they give you the impression of stepping back in time and make yo...
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Get a real-life glimpse into the world described in Oku no Hosomichiby the famous Japanese poet Matsuo Bashoon the scenic Resort Shirakami trains. These extensive lines travel through the valleys and small villages of Japan’s northern Tohoku region, which is nearly overlooked by most tourists.Moreover, the affordability and convenience of the Japan Rail Pass make traveling around Tohoku by train arguably one of the most economical options for exploring the area.A scenic rideConnecting Akita and Aomori prefectures via a five-hour ride, the Resort Shirakami train is a breathtaking line that runs...
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The Aizu region, covering the western part of Fukushima, is old-fashioned Japan at its best. In Aizu, you’ll find perfectly restored settlements from the Edo Era in a forested mountain landscape that still can largely be called truly wild. Make sure to respect the numerous bear warnings when heading up those hiking trails into the deep woods.At the same time, Aizu is famous for its pristine lakes which are perfect for swimming and scenic boating. Just over two hours away from Tokyo and you are in a completely different world. Here are some of the top attractions.
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