honshu
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Hiroshima Castle: Japan’s Carp Castle
Located in the famous city of Hiroshima in eastern Japan, Hiroshima Castle has played an important part in Japan’s history. One of the most accessible castles, it is not to be missed! History of Hiroshima Castle Sengoku Period The castle’s story begins between in the late 1500s when one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s councillors, Mori Terumoto,…
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Kanazawa Central Hotel: A Review
About Kanazawa Central Hotel Kanazawa Central Hotel is a 3-star hotel in downtown Kanazawa that caters to a wide range of clientele. The hotel has the main building and the “Annex” or “East Building”. Kanazawa Central Hotel is billed as a Japanese business hotel but also offers gender-segregated public baths, its own restaurant, laundry facilities…
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Kanazawa Castle: Museum of Stone Walls in Historic Kanazawa
In Japan’s Hokuriku region lies an excellent example of a Japanese castle: Kanazawa Castle. Located in the city of the same name, this partially restored castle is an excellent place to go to beat the crowds at other castles and is a quick trip from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Kanazawa Castle – A Rich History…
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Hiking in the Kiso Valley
Japan’s Kiso Valley in Nagno Prefecture lies near the Japanese Alps. History of the Kiso Valley Kiso Valley has been important to Japan for at least the past 1,500 years. There are records that mention the Kiso Mountain Road opened in 702 to connect current Nagano Prefecture to lands to the south. The region has…
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Hirosaki Botanical Garden
In northern Japan’s Aomori Prefecture lies Hirosaki, a small city. Known for its apples and orchard, this city boasts one of Japan’s few remaining original castles. Within the castle grounds is the Hirosaki Botanical Garden, a beautiful example of Japanese and international flowering and medicinal plants. General Information Hirosaki Botanical Garden is Hirosaki’s largest in-city…
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Coming of Age Day in Japan: What you should know
Today (the second Monday of January) is one of the first holiday’s of the new year (after the New Year’s period called O-shougatsu, of course). Known as “Coming of Age Day” (成人の日, Seijin no Hi), it celebrates those who become adults between 2 April of last year and 1 April of this year. As it…
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Historic Matsumoto: Castle Town of one of Japan’s Original Castles
Like many old castles in Japan, Matsumoto Castle (松本城) was surrounding by an old castle town, which today is known as the Historic Matsumoto Castle Town. This amazing area hosts not only the castle but many preserved streets, artisans, merchants, temples and more! If you make your way to Matsumoto, make sure you allot some…
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Kiso Fukushima: A Quiet Town on the Nakasendo Trail
Kiso Fukushima is a small town in Nagano Prefecture, close to the Nakasendo Trail – the mountain trail that ran between Tokyo and Kyoto – in Nagano Prefecture. It is a beautiful town, it boasts a traditional, picturesque quarter that is not frequently visited by many travellers. Kiso Fukushima – History Kiso Fukushima (also called…
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Kenroku-en: One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens
In Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, close to the castle, is Kenroku-en, a garden renowned for its beauty at any time of year—even winter! Spread over 11.7 hectares (nearly 25 acres), it has ponds, several tea houses, and one of the oldest fountains in Japan. History of Kenroku-en Local legend – Sacred Well of Kenroku-en…
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Nagoya Castle: One of Japan’s Most Important Castles
The capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, is home to what was once one of the most important castles in Japan. Nagoya Castle, or Meijo as it is sometimes known, is one of the “100 most famous castles in Japan”. In fact Meijo means “famous castle” in Japanese. It is also sometimes called Kinkojo (“Golden Shachi…
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Shukkeien Garden: Oasis in Hiroshima City
Located in the middle of Hiroshima City, Shukkeien Garden is a historic Japanese garden situated near the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. The name Shukkeien means “reduced landscape” in Japanese, referring to the collection and condensation of scenic beauty from various regions. It is said to be a condensed version of China’s Xi or West Lake…
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One-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Combining Fushimi Inari Taisha and Tofuku-ji Temple
I have travelled many places in Japan, but one of my favourite cities has to be Kyoto because of its rich history. As someone who is interested in traditional Japanese architecture and culture, cities like Kyoto are what draw me more than modern cities like Tokyo. Two of my favourite sites in Kyoto are Fushimi…
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Oyaku Garden: Miraculous Healing Water and Medicinal Plants
Located in Aizu-Wakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture) in walking distance from Tsuruga Castle (Eastern Japan’s Largest Castle), Oyaku Garden, which translates as “medicinal garden” is an old garden and former feudal lord residence that has been operating since the 1380s. Mythical origins and confirmed History The exact origin of this garden is not fully known, but it…
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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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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…
