Japan Travel Guide
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Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori | Beautiful nature as it is
The sand dunes of Tottori are giant dunes located on the coast of the city of Tottori along Japan’s western coast. They are part of the Sanin Kaigan National Park and offer some great activities!
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Iwakuni, Yamaguchi | The one and only beautiful bridge
Near Miyajima and Hiroshima, there is another town that many foreign tourists don’t know of but is worth a detour. Iwakuni is famous for its beautiful bridge and castle.
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Izumo Taisha Shrine, Shimane | Beautiful and mysterious oldest architecture in Japan
Izumo Taisha locates in the east of Shimane is dedicated to the Shinto God Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. This shrine is regarded as the shrine of marriage, and it is famous for its gigantic shimenawa rope.
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Great Seto Bridge (Seto Ohashi)
The Great Seto Bridge links the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. It is one of the largest bridges in the world, and even visible from space! There are some points of interest near the bridge.
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Rurikoin Temple, Kyoto | Spectacular view shining in lapis lazuli
When we hear or see the words ‘yuka midori in Japan’, it is considered as a herald of early summer. Learn what this means in this personal account of our visit to the Rurikoin temple in Kyoto.
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Local Kyoto with its quaint scenery
If you have already finished the beginners‘ course of travel in Kyoto and traveled around the many touristy spots, it is time to explore the daily lives of the locals!
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Kobe City, Hyogo | A modern city with many historical sites
Abroad, the name Kobe is especially associated with Kobe beef, a premium brand of Japanese beef. But did you know that Kobe has been an important port city for many centuries?
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Osaka Castle | One of the three most beautiful castles in Japan
Read about the history of the iconic Osaka Castle, and what you can see there today!
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Yatsugatake, Nagano | Beautiful mountain scenery
Yatsugatake is a mountain range in central Japan where you can enjoy trekking, skiing, and mountain biking. Learn more about this natural paradise in Nagano!
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Hita, Oita | A town that lives with clear water
Hita is a city in Kyushu that attracts tourists with its beautiful old town with 200-year old houses, a float festival, and traditional ceramics. See what this off-the-beaten-path destination has to offer.
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Motonosumi Inari Shrine, Yamaguchi | Beautiful contrast between nature and torii gate
Motonosumi Inari Jinja in Yamaguchi prefecture attracts a lot of tourists because of its scenic beauty; the torii gates with the cape in the background are an amazing view!
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Shirahama Beach, Wakayama | Beautiful nature and one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan
Shirahama in Wakayama is a popular beach resort with hot springs nearby. You can enjoy a white sandy beach, beautiful viewing spots, a zoo with pandas, and more.
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Nachi Katsuura, Wakayama | Beautiful Nature and Delicious Tuna
Nachi-Katsuura is a small town in Wakayama that is famous for its early-morning tuna auction and nice hot springs. The city itself is very attractive and also a starting point of the popular Kumano Kodo route.
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Kumano Kodo | Walkable and beautiful world heritage
The Kumano Kodo is an impressive pilgrimage route in the Kii Mountains with a total length of around 1000km. The routes radiate centering around the Kumano Three Shrines; Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi.
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Ise Jingu Shrine, Mie | The origin and pinnacle of Japanese shrines
Ise Jingu in Mie prefecture is listed as the most important Shinto shrine in Japan. What’s the history of this shrine, and which rituals are carried out here?
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Machiya, Kyoto | Beautiful old-fashioned architecture with natural materials
A ‘machiya’ is a traditional wooden house that is especially typical of Kyoto city. It was the artisans and merchants of the cities who lived in machiya.
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Beautiful Nishiki Market supports Kyoto’s food culture
The best way to learn about everyday Japanese life and what people like to cook at home is to visit one of its many food markets. Nishiki Market is in the center of Kyoto, and a popular market to visit for tourists.
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Horyuji Temple, Nara | The oldest wooden building in the world
The Horyuji temple in Nara was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku and has the oldest wooden buildings in the world.
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Nara National Museum | An overwhelming array of exhibits
Nara National Museum is located in Nara Park where you can also see famous temples such as Todaiji Temple and Kohukuji. The museum exhibits mainly Buddhist art.
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Kofukuji Temple, Nara | The largest number of national treasure statues in Japan
The Kofukuji Temple was moved to its current location in Nara from Kyoto in 710, the year when the capital was moved to Nara. The pagodas and the museum are worth a visit.
