Category: Japan
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PlusOne Nishikoen: Simple Hotel in Western Fukuoka
About PlusOne Nishikoen PlusOne Nishikoen (also written as Plus One Nishikoen), although it has a similar name to other hotels across Japan, is a one-off hotel located near Fukuoka City’s Nishikoen (or “West Park”), which is in the western part of the central district (hence the name). PlusOne Nishikoen is located in an older apartment…
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Inukai Falls: Largest Waterfall in Southern Kyushu
Near the southern tip of Kyushu lies Kirishima, a famous, holy place that is part of the founding mythology of Japan. In this area lies Inukai Falls, said to be one of the stops of Ryoma on his honeymoon – the first one in Japan! Inukai Falls is a 33-metre (approx. 108 ft) waterfall that…
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Motomachi, Hakodate: The Old Merchant District
Hakodate, in the southern part of Hokkaido, was originally intended to be the capital of Japan’s northernmost island. When the country opened up after the Meiji Restoration, merchants and important people from primarily China, Russia, the US and the UK (among others) flocked here to take advantage of the riches to be found here. As…
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Kumaso Cave: Psychedelic Cave Paintings
In Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu lies Kumaso Cave. Near the city of Kirishima, the cave is steeped in a combination of myth, history and legends. Today, you can visit the cave to see modern, psychedelic-like paintings on the cave walls. Myth, History and Legends of Kumaso Cave In the first and second centuries CE,…
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Sazaedo: Temple with a Double-Helix Staircase
In Fukushima Prefecture’s Aizu region lies Aizu-Wakamatsu, the largest town. In addition to hosting famous sites, such as the Tsuruga Castle: Eastern Japan’s Largest Castle, Aizu-Wakamatsu has something unique: Sazaedo. What is Sazaedo? Sazaedo, or the “Sea Snail Temple,” is a three-storey pagoda built in 1796 to house 33 statues of the goddess Kannon, an…
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Hotel Star Residence: Review of Unmanned Hotel in Fukuoka (Japan)
About Hotel Star Residence Hotel Star Residence is an independent, botique unmanned hotel located in Gofukumachi, Fukuoka. Featuring apartments (also known as an aparthotel), there are apartments of all shapes and sizes spread over 4 floors (approximately 4 per floor), so everyone from solo travellers to larger groups will find something here. Location Hotel Star…
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Tabinoyu: Ryokan in the mountains near Kirishima (Kagoshima, Japan)
About Tabinoyu Tabinoyu is an independent Ryokan located in the mountains north of Kirishima. You have to get to it by going up a mountain road, on which it sits near the end. In addition to traditional Ryokan rooms (multi-purpose tatami rooms that you rent for eating and sleeping), there are also mountain cabins that…
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Kirishima Jingu: Nikko of the West
Located in Kagoshima Prefecture near the slopes of Mt. Takachiho-no-mine, Kirishima Jingu is one of the holiest shrines in Japan. About 1.5 hours from Kagoshima Station and less than 30 minutes from Kagoshima Airport, a visit to Kirishima Jingu is definitely worth it. History of Kirishima Jingu Kirishima Jingu is dedicated to Ninigi-no-mikoto, the grandson…
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Ne Vegan Restaurant: Yakushima Hidden Gem
When we booked a week-long holiday to Yakushima for the end of October 2024, we thought we were going to have amazing weather. Summer is over, so the oppressive heat and humidity would be finished. Moreover, typhoon season is usually only until the beginning or middle of October, so we should have been fine. Unfortunately…
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Yokko Keikoku Valley: Nagata’s Massive Granite Boulders and Serene Pools
Near the settlement of Nagata on Yakushima is Yokko Keikoku Valley (横河渓谷), a nature reserve that contains the upper part of the Nagata River. The Yokko Keikoku Valley is a forested valley that has been cut over thousands of years by the river, creating a nature reserve where Yakushima deer and macaques, along with other…
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Yakushima UNESCO World Heritage Listed Coastal Road with Wildlife
With much of the island of Yakushima being a natural reserve, along with giant ancient cedar trees like Jomonsugi, it is not necessarily surprising that it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the west coast of the island is the World Heritage Listed Coastal Road with Wildlife, known as Seiburindou (支部林道, Western district…
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Jomonsugi: Ancient Cedar Trees and Hiking Yakushima National Park
On the island of Yakushima (Japan) in the Yakushima National Park stand many proud and ancient cedar tree of the genus Cryptomeria japonica, but none compare to Jomonsugi, the oldest of this species in the world. Dating between 2,170 and 7,200 years of age, its ancient wisdom is even reflected in the name; Jomon refers…
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Guest House Friend: Yakushima (A Review)
About Guest House Friend Guest House Friend is located in the town of Miyanoura, one of two ferry towns on the island of Yakushima south of Japan’s Kyushu island. Also known as “Minshuku Friendo” (民宿ふれんど) in Japanese, it is located in the middle of the town. Guest House Friend is a privately-owned guest house which…
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Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen: Yakushima’s Thermal Bath with a View
Part of Kagoshima Prefecture, Yakushima lies to the south of the Kyushu mainland. On the southern part of the island is Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen – an onsen which makes its debut at low tide. It is a rare underwater hot spring that is only accessible at certain times of the day. Underwater onsen The natural…
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Sauce Katsu from Aizu-Wakamatsu: A Review
In the town of Aizu-Wakamatsu (Fukishima Prefecture), you can find a special version of Katsudon called Sauce Katsu. Like a normal Katsudon, it is a bowl of rice with a breaded pork cutlet served on top, but what sets this one apart is the sauce. In a normal tonkatsu, the pork is covered in panko…
