In the very middle of Kamakura sits its most important shrine, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine. This is the shrine of the illustrious Minamoto family. What’s their story?
Kamakura is only a one-hour train ride south of Tokyo, and offers plenty of interesting sights in a small area. Learn more about the central Hachimangu shrine and other cool spots in Kamakura.
Famous for hot springs, outdoor activities, natural beauty, and the view of nearby Mt Fuji, Hakone is a popular destination for a day trip from Tokyo.
If you like Japanese castles and history, you should try to make a stop in Odawara, a city that is located around 40 minutes away from Tokyo. Discover the famous Odawara castle and other interesting destinations.
The Hasedera temple in Kamakura has one of the most beautiful temple precincts in the area. There are many things to discover, and flower lovers will have a field day.
You don’t need to go all the way to Okinawa if you want to go to a white sandy beach with azure blue waters. Volcanic peninsula Izu has its fair share of wonderful beaches.
Matsumoto is centrally located in Nagano and is surrounded by the Japan Alps mountains. The city is especially famous for Matsumoto Castle, which is one of Japan’s original historic castles.
Kanazawa is the city of gold, but that’s not all this historical town has to offer. History buffs will love the samurai quarter and traditional Higashi Chaya district.
Takayama Jinya is a well-preserved historic building in Takayama. It is a great place to visit for those interested in historical Japanese buildings. Find out what to expect on a visit!
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, Shirakawago is best known for its traditional farmhouses in the thatched-roof style called Gasshozukuri, some of which are more than 250 years old.
Magome was a post town on the Nakasendo Route, which is one of the five routes that connected Edo with rural towns in the 16th-19th century. Pretty postcard-ready views are par for the course here.
If you are planning to walk a part of the Nakasendo trail to see the pretty old post towns and natural beauty in between, this travel guide will be of use for you.
Tsumago is one of the most popular old post towns to visit on the Nakasendo Trail because it is so well-preserved. Learn more about its history and what you can see there today.
Sensoji temple is one of the top tourist spots in Tokyo, which is no wonder as the temple has a long and interesting history and wonderful traditional architecture.
Nezu shrine from 1705 has the oldest surviving Shinto shrine building in Tokyo. Having survived the war, it is considered a heritage of high cultural importance. In spring, there are gorgeous flowers in the grounds.
The National Showa Memorial Museum in Tokyo offers the opportunity to observe firsthand how the common citizen lived in Japan during the mid to late 20th century.
This former family temple of the Tokugawa clan is a must-see if you are in the area. There is an impressive garden with a large number of jizo statues, and daily Buddhist ceremonies are held.
The Yasukuni shrine is considered one of the most important shrines in Japan. It is also a controversial shrine because this is where Japan’s war dead are honored. Learn more about the shrine and its controverse.
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Park is a large green area with beautiful landscapes that provide a sense of tranquility. A visit to this large garden is a nice break from the cityscape of the surrounding area.
The Ueno Park in Tokyo has many temples and museums, and it is one of the most famous places to enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring.