Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater
Kyoto has many Noh theaters and performances, which may be worth watching once while you are here. Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater is especially large and has regular performances.
This is where young Noh performers train, and newcomers can try out different roles. You can even learn from the masters here!
Shokason Juku (Shoin Shrine)
Yoshida Shoin, born and grew up in Hagi, held this private school at the end of samurai period. This area was called Matsumoto Village and the school was named after it.
It's a World Heritage site and the school is really well preserved.
Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten
Since its founding as a medicine wholesaler in 1936, they have been producing Edo-Period’s popular stomach medicine “Etchu Hangontan” and other Japanese traditional medicine, Japanese-Chinese medicines and medicinal herbs. To this day, the in-house pharmacist Practices Seat Sale and sits with customers one by one, listens for their symptoms, conditions and strength, and dispenses natural medicines.
What's special here is the traditional pill-making machine—you can actually try making medicine yourself! Highly recommended.
Yamaga Onsen
Yamaga Onsen is considered one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Kumamoto. It is said to have been discovered when Unochikaharuko, defeated in the Hogen Rebellion, observed injured deer healing their wounds in the hot spring waters. Yamaga Onsen is dotted with 23 public bathhouses and accommodation facilities. The water, known for being gentle on the skin, is believed to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain.
You can really feel the history and tradition of this hot spring street. They say the water is great for your skin, which is something my female friends would love.
Unzen Fugendake
Located in the central part of the Shimabara Peninsula, Unzen Fugendake is an active volcano. Although a significant eruption occurred in 1990, a declaration marking the end of volcanic activity was made about 20 years ago, and now it attracts many hikers and tourists throughout the year. The trekking route starting from the "Ikenohara Park" parking lot at the base is recommended for climbing. The 3-4 hour trek is popular and manageable even for beginner hikers.
This is definitely one of the most popular spots for tourists! You get an amazing close-up view of Heisei Shinzan and the Ariake Sea here. 👍
Suigian
At this restaurant and bar you’ll find tasty dishes served with a side of live shows, featuring the traditional arts of Noh, Kyogen, Gagaku, and other Japanese dances. The venue sits in the underground enclave beneath a beloved shrine and forest grounds in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district, brimming with the air of a fun hideaway that adults would love. Inside you’ll find a permanent theatre stage, as well as a gallery collection of ukiyo-e prints, woodblock prints, and a traditional tea room. All of these elements reflect the owner, Mr. Hidetomo Kimura, and his penchant for deep culture via art.
Why not come here and enjoy some Edomae sushi, Japanese sake, and even Japanese wine?
Space LABO (Kitakyushu City Science Museum)
The Children's Museum of Culture and Science, which closed at the end of 2021, reopened as Space LABO on April 28, 2022. Visitors can experience and feel the wonder and fun of science through various exhibitions and programs.
The exhibitions mainly focus on Kitakyushu, mysterious scientific phenomena, and astronomy. There are several themed exhibition rooms and a large astronomical telescope.
Space LABO ANNEX
This museum was opened in April 2022 as a branch of Kitakyushu City Science Museum ”Space LABO.” Science classes and shows are mainly held on weekends (basically with reservation).
There's also a natural history and history museum, so you can easily spend the whole day exploring.
Takachiho Kagura
Takachiho Kagura is a folk performance passed down in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture. It's known as the "Night Kagura of Takachiho" and is dedicated in hopes for a bountiful harvest. Established from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period, it was performed and dedicated by the priests of the Takachiho Shrine until the end of the Edo period. It was then organized into 33 Kagura performances and has been passed down from one community to the next.
The Kagura Hall hosts nightly performances of the Night Kagura at 8 PM. It's a Shinto ritual performed as a dance drama from dusk till dawn. Really unique!
Takachiho Shrine
Takachiho Shrine is said to have been founded about 1,900 years ago during the reign of Emperor Suinin. The deities enshrined here are "Takachiho Sumegami" and "Jissha Daimyojin." During the Tenkei period (938-947), it garnered widespread faith as the chief shrine among the "Eighty-eight Shrines of Takachiho." It is believed to bring benefits in matchmaking, protection from evils, traffic safety, and agriculture.
Takachiho Shrine has a long history, and you can buy omamori (charms) made from sacred trees here. It's the most famous shrine in Takachiho!