Shimabara
Specialities History, Hot springs - In the shadow of a live volcano, along southeastern Nagasaki prefecture, you’ll find Shimabara city. It’s a place that maintains an old-world feel of ...
Dazaifu Tenmangu
Specialities History - Towering over the streets of Dazaifu city in Fukuoka prefecture, the Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of many shrines dedicated to Tenjin, the Shinto god of...
Tottori Manga Kingdom
Specialities Museums - Tottori might be the least populated prefecture in Japan but that’s only if you’re counting the human demographic. As the native 'hood for a number of...
Kenchoji Temple
Specialities History - Esteemed as the first Zen training monastery of its kind back in 1253, Kencho-ji Temple’s still reigns supreme, taking the number one spot in Kamakura...
Iki Island
Specialities History - Despite sounding similar to the English word “icky,” Iki Island is the opposite of anything unpleasant. Located in the Tsushima Strait, north of the m...
Ueno
Specialities Museums - Forget Stacey’s mom, Ueno has got it going on. Like cherry blossoms and temple ruins? Head on down to Ueno Park. Can’t get enough of...
Hiroshima Castle
Specialities Castles, History, Museums - While many Japanese castles share similar architectural designs, Hiroshima Castle has every imaginable feature associated with a medieval fortress: a ...
Tsushima
Specialities History - Head to a unique Japanese island that’s physically closer to South Korea than it is to Japan and you’ll find yourself on Tsushima. In fact,...
Goto Islands
Specialities History, Hot springs - The Goto Islands, referred to as simply Goto or the Gotos by Nagasaki’s foreign population, consist of five main islands set atop the East China...
Hells of Beppu
Specialities Hot springs - One of the most exciting attractions of Oita Prefecture, the Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri) attract visitors from all over Japan. But beware, these on...
Ghibli Museum
Specialities Museums - Whether you're a fan or not of Miyazaki’s whimsical animation, you shouldn't miss out on the official Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. It’s an absolute...