Essential to Japanese cuisine, shoyu, or soy sauce originated from the city of Yuasa in Wakayama. Legend has it that in the 13th century, the Zen Buddhist monk Shinichi Kakushin discovered the wonders of soy sauce totally by accident while making kinzanji miso, a type of bean paste. [...]
Read moreOne of Wakayama’s geological wonders, the Sandanbeki rock formation, known as the Sandanbeki Cliffs hide one of Wakayama’s most interesting secret temples in a cave full of history and pirates! [...]
Read moreUwajima Castle, located in Uwajima city Ehime, is one of only twelve original castles that survive intact from the Edo Period (1603-1867). Built around 1596 by the daimyo Todo Takatora and later refurbished in 1615 by the Date clan, Uwajima Castle was the pinnacle of the Date family [...]
Read moreBuilt by the seventh feudal lord of the Uwajima domain, Date Munetada, also known as “Shunzan”, Tensha Park is a small garden located in the center of Uwajima city. Date Munetada used it for his own personal pleasure as a place for him to rest during his retirement. [...]
Read moreLocated near the river in Uwajima City, Ehime, Taga Shrine is small and quite particular. Indeed locals come and pray at the shrine not only for longevity and good health but in particular, fertility. The shrine is famous among foreign tourist for its many phallic ornaments, including a two meter […]
Read moreOsaka Castle was built by Daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple. It was originally intended to be the center of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s vision where he would rule a unified Japan. As such Osaka Castle was, at the time, Japan’s largest castle. [...]
Read moreLocated in the outskirts of Osaka city, Sumiyoshi Taisha, also known as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine is actually one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Founded in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi Taisha displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, that is free of influence from the Asian mainland. [...]
Read moreLocated in the city of Sakkai in Osaka prefecture, JIKKO Kitchen Knives Cutlery is one of the best and most famous companies for anyone looking for the finest Japanese cutlery. JIKKO started relatively recently in 1901. Sakkai has been known for the past 600 years for its knife craftwork […]
Read moreJapan is full of amazing small and unique matsuris, or festivals. Kinusaki City Kebesu fire festival is by far one of the most interesting Matsuri we had the chance to see. [...]
Read moreThe Dotonbori area in Osaka needs no introduction. It’s one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations thanks to its unique and frankly, gaudy neons. Dotonbori is one spot you should not miss when traveling in Japan. [...]
Read moreLocated in the south part of Hokkaido in the town of Noboribetsu Onsen, the Hell Valley, also known as Jigokudani, is divided in into two amazing natural wonders. Jigokudani and Oyunuma. Oyunuma Pound a sulfurous pond with a surface temperature of 50 degrees Celsius [...]
Read moreJigokudani or Hell Valley is one of the most stunning scenic areas of Noboribetsu in southern Hokkaido. Located just above the Noboribetsu Onsen village, Jigokudani displays hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activity. It's the main source of water for the Onsen village! While beautiful all year […]
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