For those who've been interested in traveling to Japan, Nikko needs no introduction. Famous for its magnificent waterfall and many temples, Nikko is definitely a place to visit when in Japan. Less popular yet really worth experiencing is Nikko’s amazing National Park, especially in winter or autumn. [...]

Read more

Kyorinbo Temple (Shiga) is said to have been built by Crown Prince Shotoku in 605 and named as such for being originally a place of teaching ("Kyo") surrounded by a forest ("Rin"). Featuring gorgeous moss-covered stones lined-up all over its garden, Kyorinbo temple is reminiscent of the famous Japanese artist [...]

Read more

Hyakusaiji Temple is the oldest temple in Shiga. It was erected in 606 in what used to be the town of Omi. Omi merged into the expanded city of Maibara in 2005. Portuguese missionary Luís Fróis called Hyakusiji, “Heaven on Earth” when he visited Japan in 1563. [...]

Read more

Tarobogu is a picturesque shrine located about halfway up the 350m high Mt. Akagamiyama in Shiga prefecture. Tarobogu is known by the nickname "Tarobo-san" in Japanese. Said to have been founded around 1,400 years ago, it is connected to warding off disaster and bringing good luck and success in business. [...]

Read more

Known now as Ama or “sea-women”, these ladies have been recognized for their importance in the development of Japan after the Mikimoto Kokichi discovery and unique production of cultured pearls in 1983. [...]

Read more

Having been around since the beginning of the Kamakura period (1192 - 1333) Saimyoji represents beautiful examples of architecture from that time featuring a nail-free structure. Saimyoji is also Japan’s first National Treasure! The temple includes a stunning approach of over 1,000 maple trees and a gorgeous three-tiered pagoda. [...]

Read more

On many occasions, we’ve covered the beautiful private garden that is Happo-En that is located in the center of Tokyo. But today’s video of Happo-en is a bit different. Every night from November 1st to December 15th, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful illumination [...]

Read more

Located near Meoto Iwa in Ise Shima (Mie), Hinjitsukan is a former guesthouse built-in 1887. Originally constructed to host the most important guests of the time such as members of the Imperial family. Primarily made of wood, Hinjitsukan was built in a record time of just three months. [...]

Read more

Located off the shores of Futami city in Mie 10km away from the Ise Grand Shrine, Meoto Iwa (also known as the Married Couple Rocks), are a couple of small rocks sitting peacefully. According to the Shinto Futami Okitama Jinja, the rocks represent the union of the creators of Izanagi-no-Okami [...]

Read more

Today we wanted to share with you a 27-minute long video of our top 20 attractions and activities in Wakayama prefecture. It includes around 30% never published before footage that we’ve been keeping just for the occasion [...]

Read more

The former Ikeda Family Garden is a Japanese style garden located in a rural area of Daisen City in Akita prefecture. The garden was arranged by the Ikeda family who was one of the major landowners in the Tohoku region during the Edo period. [...]

Read more

Located in the mountains of the Akita Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Tamagawa Onsen is a unique hot spring resort! Indeed the onsen is famous for having Japan’s most acidic hot spring water with a pH of around 1.  It features a very rare radioactive stone, known as Hokutolite. [...]

Read more