Things to Do

Okayama

Famous Places

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

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A popular sightseeing spot with traditional architecture and a special townscape

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• Cherry blossom viewing stroll in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a tasteful townscape

  The season of bright sunshine and warm comfortable weather is finally here. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture is filled with premium contents that can only be experienced in spring.

Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida

Nature Spots

Mount Takao

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This Michelin 3-star Tourist Spot is Recommended for Beginner Mountain Climbers.

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• Foliage guide at Mount Takao: The foliage hiking guide to fully enjoy Mount Takao in autumn

  Mount Takao is certified as a three-star tourist destination in the Michelin Guide and boasts the world’s highest number of climbers. Known as one of Tokyo’s foliage spots, it offers a diverse landscape of red, yellow, and green hues in autumn. With its easy hiking routes, even beginners can enjoy hiking while taking in the scenery. Let us introduce the must-visit autumn foliage spots, local delicacies, and recommended nearby attractions to fully enjoy Mount Takao, where you can experience vibrant autumn foliage and hiking at the same time.
• Complete guide to sightseeing at Mount Takao: This guide will cover both the charm and the highlights!

  Mount Takao is certified as a three-star tourist destination in the Michelin Guide and boasting the highest number of climbers in the world. The popularity of Mount Takao stems from its accessibility, well-maintained environment suitable for casual hiking, numerous attractions along the trails, and above all, the opportunity to fully enjoy the nature of Takao. To ensure that even first-time visitors can enjoy Mount Takao, this article introduces basic information and attractions of Mount Takao, as well as hiking routes, recommended sightseeing seasons, and appropriate clothing for each season.
• Spring Hiking Guide to Mt. Takao - Heart-Stirring Cherry Blossoms on the Trail!

  Perched in Hachioji in western Tokyo, Mt. Takao stands 599 meters tall and attracts one of the highest numbers of hikers in the world. Many flock to this area for its vibrant autumn foliage, while travelers in the know understand it doubles as a premier cherry blossom destination in spring. Keep scrolling for a savvy traveler’s guide to the best cherry blossom viewing spots on Mt. Takao, plus some must-read hacks on how to make the most of your next spring visit. Keep a pin on this read for a trip to Mt. Takao that sings with the best of spring!

Ueno, Nippori

Shopping Streets

Ameyoko Shopping Street

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A Popular Shopping Street Selling Everything from Food to Clothes.

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• [Ameyoko Shopping Street Travel Guide] Enjoy Shopping and Great Food in This Bustling Market Street!

  Ameyoko Shopping Street, commonly known as Ameyoko, is one of Japan’s best-known and most popular shopping streets. Its appeal lies in the great value, with quality goods and food available at low prices. Another key feature is its wide selection of items, from food to fashion and miscellaneous goods. This article introduces ways to enjoy Ameyoko Shopping Street, along with recommended restaurants and shopping spots you should visit. Use this guide to make the most of your time at Ameyoko Shopping Street.

Tochigi

Shrines & Temples

Nikko Toshogu

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Japan’s Iconic World Heritage Site and Shrine Dedicated to the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.

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Related Articles

• Nikko Toshogu Shrine Travel Guide:Top Highlights, How Long to Visit, and a Model Itinerary-Fully Explained!

  Nikko Toshogu Shrine, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), the legendary leader who brought an end to Japan’s Warring States period. One of Japan’s most iconic sightseeing destinations, it captivates visitors with its lavish buildings, many designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. This article clearly introduces the must-see spots, key attractions, and the best ways to enjoy Nikko Toshogu Shrine-perfect even for first-time visitors.
• Day 2 of Winter Travel in Nikko ~Mt. Nikko Rinno-ji and Nikko Toshogu Shrine~

  This article will introduce day 2 of my winter trip to Nikko. Starting off with breakfast at my hotel, I also visited Mt. Nikko Rinno-ji and Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple

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A place that should be visited when traveling to Kyoto, the temple selected as a World Cultural Heritage.

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• [Yasaka Shrine Travel Guide] A Famous Kyoto Power Spot for Beauty, Connections, and Good Fortune

  With a long and storied history, Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of Yasaka Shrines and Gion Shrines across Japan. Enshrining a variety of high-ranking deities, it’s known as one of Kyoto’s most famous power spots, even in a city filled with temples and shrines. Beyond that, the grounds are packed with historically valuable architecture and plenty of highlights. To help you fully enjoy Yasaka Shrine and receive its many blessings, we’ll introduce the main must-sees, the best seasons to visit, and noteworthy events.
• Experience Japan’s Timeless Charm, Woven from History and Nature: A Kiyomizu-dera Travel Guide

  Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing spots, as famous as Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama. It’s packed with highlights, from many historically valuable buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties to beautiful natural scenery. To help you fully enjoy Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s must-visit attractions, we’ll introduce not only the can’t-miss highlights, but also its history and the best seasons to visit.
• Special outdoor lighting of Kyoto’s autumn leaves at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

  I went to Kyoto and saw Kiyomizu-dera Temple at night for the first time. They had special outdoor lighting set up to make the autumn leaves appear even more magical than usual.

Akita

Famous Places

Samurai Residences in Kakunodate

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Take in the Beautiful Cityscape Featuring Black Fencing and Samurai Residences.

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Related Articles

• 25 Things to Do in Akita

  Akita is a place where you can find many landscapes full of traditional Japanese charm. If you're visiting Akita, be sure to explore its tourist spots that reflect traditional Japanese culture and customs, as well as some of Japan's most renowned hidden hot springs. This article introduces the best attractions, shopping spots, and events in Akita to help you fully experience its charm.
• Fall Foliage Hikes in Kakunodate!

  A hiking trail through Kakunodate for viewing fall foliage: set off from the neighborhood of Kakunodate Station, walk northward along the road of Bukeyashiki (Bukeyashiki-dori), to south along the road of Tamachi Bukeyashiki (Tamachi Bukeyashiki-dori), and return to Kakunodate Station.
• Visiting Kakunodate and its Samurai Residences

  Within Kakunodate-cho of Akita Prefecture are the remnants of a flourishing castle town from about 400 years ago. This district has been designated as protected in an effort to conserve traditional buildings.

Gifu

Famous Places

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

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A World Heritage Site that Offers Views of Japan’s Historic Scenery.

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• Shirakawa-go Travel Guide: Experience Japan’s Original Rural Landscape and Traditional Culture

  Shirakawa-go is a secluded destination where Japan’s original rural landscape still remains. Surrounded by mountains, its gassho-zukuri villages offer beautiful scenery in every season, captivating not only Japanese visitors but international travelers as well. Its stunning views are undoubtedly its greatest appeal, but Shirakawa-go has much more to offer. This article introduces the charms of Shirakawa-go, popular sightseeing spots, and other useful information to know before your visit. Use this guide to make the most of everything Shirakawa-go has to offer.
• Recommended Photo Spots in Shirakawa-go

  Shirakawa-go is a World Heritage Site located in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village. Many “gassho-zukuri” style buildings still stand in the area, creating stunning scenery reminiscent of Japan’s olden times. This article will introduce our recommended spots for taking beautiful photos.
• See Remnants of Japan’s History Through Gassho-Zukuri Architecture at the World Heritage Site of Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture

  Gokayama is located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, and is home to two gassho-zukuri settlements, Ainokura and Suganuma. “Gassho-zukuri” is the name of a historically valuable and unique type of architecture with pitched roofs that are similar in shape to hands clasped in prayer. Gassho-zukuri settlements can only be found in these snowy and mountainous areas. The Gokayama Settlement and Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa-go were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995.

Aoyama, Omotesando, Harajuku

Shrines & Temples

Meiji Jingu Shrine

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Every year, Meiji Jingu Shrine boasts the largest number of visitors for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year) and the status of one of Tokyo’s leading power spots.

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• [Complete Meiji Jingu Shrine Travel Guide] Highlights, History, and Practical Info

  Meiji Jingu is one of Tokyo’s top spiritual spots and Japan’s most-visited shrine for New Year’s first shrine visit (hatsumode). Surrounded by a surprisingly lush forest for central Tokyo, it offers plenty to see. This guide covers the shrine’s highlights and key tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree

Shrines & Temples

Sensoji Temple

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One of Japan’s most frequented destinations! Over 1300 years of history here at the oldest temple in Tokyo.

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• “Fukumitsuya”; a must-visit souvenior shop in Asakusa “Kaminarimon”

  If you are one of people who would not know where to look in for souvenirs, we recommend visiting “Fukumitsuya”. It is a gift shop in Asakusa. We asked the shop owner what they recommend for tourists looking for gifts.
• Kaminari-mon, the "Thunder Gate" and central landmark of Asakusa.

  In Asakusa, you can really sense the good old age of traditional Tokyo. Asakusa is highly popular as a place where one can experience authentic Tokyo.

Gifu

Famous Places

Hida Takayama Old Townscape

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The old streets of Hida Takayama are full of flavor.

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• Gifu Prefecture – March Trip to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go [Day 2]

  I visited Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture in March over 3 days and 2 nights. The area is great to visit in any season, but I decided to visit while the snow was still around this time. In this article, I’ll be introducing my day 1 travels from Shinjuku to Shirakawa-go as well as my walk through Shirakawa-go. This article will introduce Shirakawa-go in the morning on my 2nd day, as well as my walk through Takayama.

Kawasaki

Shrines & Temples

Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple
(Kongosan Kinjoin Heikenji)

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Also Known as Yakuyoke Daishi, This Temple is Visited by Many for “Hatsumode” Every Year.

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• Experience Japan’s Most Important Cultural Tradition “Hatsumode” (First Shrine Visit of the New Year)! Kawasaki Daishi New Year’s Pilgrimage.

  For 2017’s hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the new year), I visited Kawasaki Daishi, another name for the temple Heiken-ji. Kawasaki Daishi is the most popular place for hatsumode visits in Kanagawa Prefecture, an area near Tokyo.

Nagano

Nature Spots

Kamikochi

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Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery attracts 1.2 million people annually.

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• [Kamikochi Travel Guide] A Scenic Destination with Beautiful and Diverse Natural Landscapes

  Kamikochi is one of Japan’s most famous mountain scenic destinations. You can enjoy hiking and mountain climbing while taking in the great outdoors, including magnificent mountains, up close. Its clear air and refreshing scenery are also part of its appeal. This article introduces the highlights and charms of Kamikochi, along with detailed information on its hiking courses. Use this article to get ready and make the most of Kamikochi.
• 29 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Nagano: Rich History and Nature Escapes

  Nagano is the mountainous escape that’s enclosed by the 3 ranges of the Japan Alps. The area is hugged by rolling peaks, and remarkable natural backdrops as far as the eye can see. Not to be missed, there are even historic temples and shrines, plenty of places to stay and shops that await.

Ueno, Nippori

Parks & Gardens

Ueno Park

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The Famous Largest-Scale Cherry Blossom Spot in Tokyo.

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• [Ueno Park Travel Guide] A Place to Feel Refreshed by Nature and Culture

  Ueno Park is a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo that’s easy to reach and filled with cultural facilities, as well as Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. It’s actually Japan’s first official park, with a long history of being loved by locals for over 140 years. With so many highlights across its vast grounds, you could easily spend more than a day here. Don’t worry, though. This article will help you understand what makes Ueno Park special and how to enjoy it to the fullest.
• Enjoy Cherry Blossoms and Gourmet Food on a Tram This Spring in Tokyo!

  Cherry blossoms herald in spring in Japan. In Tokyo, they begin to bloom in late March. This article will introduce a sightseeing plan for Tokyo that combines cherry blossom viewing and gourmet foods in a ride on “Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line),” which takes an efficient route through great cherry blossom locations!
• Recommended trip routes to explore Tokyo by streetcar

  When traveling in Tokyo, it is convenient to utilize public transportation. If you use a discount service such as “Toei One-day Pass (Toei Marugoto Kippu)” that grants you unlimited access to Toei transportation (including Toei Subway, Toei Bus, Toden streetcar and such), you will receive great amount of discount too. This time, we want to tell you about a Tokyo stroll utilizing “Toden Arakawa line” streetcar.

Hakodate and Matsumae

Parks & Gardens

Onuma Quasi National Park

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The only quasi-national park in southern Hokkaido where unique native animals and plants can be seen.

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• A Visit to Onuma Park in Southern Hokkaido for Dining on a Tour Boat and Going Canoeing on the Lake (Summer & Fall)

  Onuma (great marsh) Quasi-National Park, located in Southern Hokkaido, is a famous idyllic spot that boasts three beautiful lakes and encompasses Hokkaido Koma-ga-take (Horse Mountain) behind the lakes. Such a park is well worth a visit, which is definitely rewarding than a glimpse of its magnificent scenery from a passing Hakodate-Sapporo express.

Sapporo

Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Shiroi Koibito Park

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A theme park where you watch, learn, and taste sweets and happiness.

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• A Must for Sapporo Sightseeing: Sweets and a Dreamy World at Shiroi Koibito Park

  Shiroi Koibito Park is in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Within its garden-filled grounds, you will find everything from the factory where Shiroi Koibito is made to restaurants and cafes, making it known as a multi-facility complex where you can see, make, and eat. Here, we will introduce the charms of Shiroi Koibito Park, recommended workshops, and sweets in full detail.