Adventures on Monkey Island Introduction Located not far from the port of Yokosuka, Sarushima or Monkey Island is a popular day-trip destination for tourists and locals alike. This small island offers a range of attractions, including beaches, ruins, and breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay. Despite its name, Monkey Island does not actually have any monkeys. … Read more
Skiing, soaking, and snow monsters Zao Ski Resort, located in Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi-ken, is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this small hot-spring village offers a unique experience for visitors with its charming atmosphere and breathtaking mountainous landscape. One of the highlights of the resort is the presence of … Read more
A Perfect Rest Stop for Weary Shoppers and Temple Explorers Maruyama Park is a popular destination located in the heart of the Gion district in Kyoto. It offers a peaceful and relaxing retreat for visitors who are tired from shopping or exploring the nearby temples. This expansive park is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms … Read more
Lion dogs, a potent snake liquor, and shopping, food, and fun into the wee hours Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a unique blend of traditional Okinawan culture and modern entertainment. One of the highlights of Naha is Kokusai-dori, a 1.6-kilometer street that stretches through the … Read more
Kumamoto Castle: The Last Great Rebellion and a Daimyo’s Palace Introduction Kumamoto Castle, despite the damage it suffered in the 2016 earthquakes, remains the top tourist attraction in Kumamoto City. Known for its imposing black exterior and steep ramparts, the castle was designed to deter enemies and make it difficult to breach its defenses. This … Read more
The definition of Zen and a historic center for Japanese tea ceremony Daitokuji Temple, located in northern Kyoto, is the largest temple and a significant site for the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. This temple is not only a place of spiritual significance but also a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage … Read more
Rooftop Aquarium and Underwater Oasis in the Sky Located on the top floor of Sunshine City’s World Import Mart Building in Ikebukuro, Sunshine Aquarium offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. With a collection of around 550 species and a total of 23,000 aquatic animals, this modern aquarium is not only educational but also … Read more
There are 11 ski fields in Echigo Yuzawa—let us help you choose Echigo Yuzawa is the setting for “Snow Country” by Yasunari Kawabata, the first Japanese author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Echigo Yuzawa is internationally-known for its abundance of fluffy, powder snow. Accessible from Tokyo in under two hours, this area is … Read more
This traditional mountain town is a great escape Miyama, located fifty kilometers north of central Kyoto, is a hidden gem known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional Japanese thatched roof farmhouses called kayabuki. With its fresh mountain air, serene atmosphere, and old-world vibe, Miyama is the perfect place to escape from the bustling city and … Read more
Kyoto’s Best Autumn Display and an Unusual Buddha Introduction Kyoto, the cultural capital of japan, is known for its stunning autumn foliage and historical temples. One such temple that stands out for its brilliant fall display is Eikando. Located in central Higashiyama, Eikando offers a mesmerizing sight of vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves during … Read more