Hidden at the foot of one of Japan’s most sacred mountains, Haguro-san, you will find the beautiful Gyokusen-ji temple. Founded in 1251 by Ryonenhomyo. Inspired by his years long pilgrimage, he acquired a unique sense of beauty and aesthetics that helped him design Gyokusen-ji temple. [...]
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Walking distance from Yamagata’s amazing Somaro Tea House and its gorgeous Maiko, you will find in the city of Sakata and the Homma Art Museum Garden. Built in 1813 by the head of the Homma clan, the property includes the actual main house, the Seienkaku, and the Kakubu-en [...]
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Located in the heart of Yamagata prefecture mountains, Ginzan Onsen or in English the Silver Mountain Hot Spring, is a secluded little hot spring town with a rich history in silver mining! [...]
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Dewa Sanzan (出羽三山) which literally means: the three mountains of Dewa, are sacred mountains in Yamagata Prefecture, each with a shrine on or near its peak including Haguro-San representing birth, Gas-san representing death and Yudono-san representing rebirth. [...]
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Opened on October 30th, 2006, the Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge is 390 meters long, 173 meters high, 1.5 meters wide and it is the highest suspension bridge purely designed to offer a unique 360-degree view of the surrounding area including Narukogawa-Keikoku forest and the majestic Shindo-no-taki […]
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Nestled in the hills overlooking Beppu city, Myoban Onsen one of Beppu’s eight hot spring areas famous for its “Yu-no-Hana” or “Hot Spring Flowers” compounds made from iron and aluminum minerals said to have positive effects on hemostasis and diarrhea. [...]
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Nioza Historical Road is a real gem that you have to visit when travelling in Usuki. This 200 meter photogenic narrow alley running along temples and residences built in Edo period style architecture, gives us a quick, yet accurate glimpse of the past. [...]
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Tsuka No Ma Onsen, formerly Shoya No Yakata, is a gorgeous Onsen Ryokan located in the spring resort area of Yufuin in Oita prefecture and renowned for its natural blue hot springs. Overlooking both Mt. Yufu Dake and Mt. Kuju this roughly 16500m2 area offers […]
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During the Edo period, the Inaba residence was the house of the local feudal lord and home of the Inaba Clan once they moved from Tokyo during the Meiji Period. The Inaba residence is a beautiful wooden structure set in a quiet garden in the middle of Usuki City. [...]
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Overlooking Beppu, Mount Tsurumi, is a 1375 meter high mountain accessible by walk if you are really motivated or via a very convenient ropeway. On top of Mount Tsurumi you will find a little park with a quick hike around the top. [...]
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What used to be a small island is Usuki city and its most beautiful castle. The Usuki Castle ruin and its keep are today a nice and quiet park overlooking the city. The only part of the gates, its turrets, and a small temple remain of the main structure.
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Usually made of wood or metal, the Usuki Stone Buddhas are unique in many ways. Created around the Heian Period (794-1185), the Usuki Stone Buddhas are carved from soft volcanic rocks from Mount Aso, giving sculptors a soft and highly workable material to work with. [...]
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