Naka-Harima: Delve into the mythical lands of Japanese folklore
So you have gone to the must-see Himeji Castle and you are wondering if there is anything else worth checking out. Well, hidden away in the mountains and waters of Himeji are some of...
Another 3hr trip – Asakusa
Situated in Asakusa, Sensoji is an attraction that paints a perfect picture of what the bustling streets of Tokyo’s old town area were like during the Edo Period. Chonin, a class of townsmen including...
【Ibaraki】Modern Technology and Japanese Nature in Ibaraki
Japanese Nature and Modern Technology in Ibaraki
Tsukuba Science City / Mt.Tsukuba / Kasumigaura
Modern Technology
On the more modern side of Ibaraki, the studious city of Tsukuba has become influential in the world of science and...
【Ibaraki】Alluring Traditional Crafts and the Learning Spirit of the Last Samurai
Alluring Traditional Crafts and the Learning Spirit of the Last Samurai
Kasama / Yuki / Mito
Traditional Crafts
Over the years, Ibaraki has carved out its identity as the patient craftsman of some of Japan’s greatest art,...
Yamadera, Mogamigawa and Kisakata
Nostalgic and Picturesque
Yamadera and Mogamigawa
On our way to Yamagata-ken, we made a detour to drop by Hojin- no-ie Inn, the only remaining inn out of the ones that Matsuo Basho stayed in.
According to records,...
Encounter Pure Land Buddhism in Hiraizumi
After arriving at Iwate-ken, we enjoyed a calming cruise down Geibikei, a gorge with impressive limestone features stretching two kilometres long. As we sailed down the river, we took the chance to soak in...
Spectacular Views of Matsushima Bay
Upon arrival at Miyagi-ken, we headed to our first stop at Shiogama Jinja Shrine. With a long history dating back to the 9th century, the shrine houses a collection of ancient votive lanterns that...
Journey with Matsuo Basho: Haiku master and adventurer
Spanning 2,400 kilometres, the trail mentioned in Oku-no-hosomichi consists of roads that lead to Nikko ( 日光 ), Oshu ( 奧州 ), Dewa ( 出羽 ) and Hokuriku ( 北 陸 ). Two of...
A day in Sumida Ward： Following in the footsteps of Hokusai
For the typical foreign tourist to Tokyo, a stop at Asakusa’s temples and souvenir shops is a must. Visitors tend to stop by the edge of the Sumida river and take pictures with the...
Pilgrimage to the 33 Kannon Buddha Temples
Aizu Culture through the eyes of a pilgrim
Aizuwakamatsu, or Aizu for short, is a historic castle town known as the “land of the last samurai” in the Aizu district of Fukushima Prefecture in Tohoku....
