Author: Japan Travel Guide

  • Cooking knife-making in Japan

    Nowadays, many people around the world are interested in Japanese cooking knives. In addition, more and more travelers are actually visiting knife-making regions and factories. If you are interested in visiting one of these knife-making regions, please check here for tours. For Seki City, we have private tours. Please check it here. Factory visit may…

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  • Gujo Hachiman

    Gujo Hachiman

    An enjoyable course with much to see and do in the old town of Gujo Hachiman. The castle and the river are both beautiful. There is no shortage of food. Gujo Hachiman is a beautiful town with the clear waters of the Nagara River and its tributary, the Yoshida River. It is known for its…

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  • Naegi Castle and Iwamura Castle

    Naegi Castle and Iwamura Castle

    You can visit Naegi Castle and Iwamura Castle in a day. Samurai in Sengoku Period had constructed these two mountain castles to protect the Tono Area. Since Naegi Castle and Iwamura Castle are far from major train stations, we use a car to visit these magnificent castle ruins. We offer a day tour from Nagoya…

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  • Ontake Kodo

    Ontake Kodo

    Ontake Kodo is a trail to the sacred mountain “Ontake,” which has been worshipped by people since ancient times. Located on the border between Nagano and Gifu prefectures, Ontake is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan and has been the object of mountain worship since ancient times. Of the four hiking trails,…

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  • Sightseeing around Shimizu Port for cruise ship passengers

    Sightseeing around Shimizu Port for cruise ship passengers

    If you are cruise ship passengers and arrive at Shimizu Port, our guide may help you to go around the area. If you are interested in taking a tour from the Shimizu Port, Contact us from here From Shimizu Port, you can visit several tourist attractions as a day tour. We use a car driven…

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  • Hiraizumi – Chusonji Temple

    Hiraizumi – Chusonji Temple

    Hiraizumi is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Chusonji’s Konjikido is a must-see. Its temples and gardens offer a peaceful retreat from modern life. Plan your visit to experience the serene charm of this ancient town. Introduction Hiraizumi is located in Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan. It is a small town rich…

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  • Rickshaw tour Arashiyama

    Rickshaw tour Arashiyama

    A rickshaw tour in Arashiyama offers an intimate and unforgettable way to explore one of Kyoto’s most beautiful districts. It combines adventure, culture, and history, making it a perfect activity for travelers seeking a unique experience. Discover Arashiyama: Experience the Charm by Rickshaw Introduction to Arashiyama Arashiyama, located in the western part of Kyoto, Japan,…

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  • Takayama to Magome, Tsumago

    Takayama to Magome, Tsumago

    If you are staying in Takayama and want to visit Magome and Tsumago on the Nakasendo Highway, it is not that easy. There are mountains between Takayama and Magome/Tsumago, no highways, and no public transportation. Before COVID19 pandemic, there is a direct bus service from Takayama to Magome during summer time. However, this service seems…

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  • Osaka Castle tour guide

    Osaka Castle tour guide

    A Symbol of Japan’s Rich Heritage Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour(Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori) starts from Osaka Castle and includes the visit to bustling shopping streets of Shinsekai and Dotonbori. If you like to know about Osaka in a day, this tour is for you. This tour starts at 10:00 AM. So you can join this…

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  • Kamikochi

    Kamikochi

    Japan’s Mountain Paradise Introduction Kamikochi is a scenic valley in the Japanese Northern Alps. It is part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture. This area offers breathtaking views of mountains, pristine rivers, and lush forests. The Beauty of Kamikochi The Azusa River flows through Kamikochi, creating stunning landscapes. The Hotaka Mountains and…

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  • Yoshino

    Yoshino

    Yoshino is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan’s natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Its cherry blossoms, historical temples, and delicious local cuisine offer something for everyone. A Jewel of Nara Prefecture A Haven of History and Nature Located in Nara Prefecture, Yoshino is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance.…

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  • Inuyama Castle

    Inuyama Castle

    Inuyama Castle and its town offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s history and culture. This destination is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the beauty and tradition of Japan’s castles and historical towns. Discover Inuyama Castle: A National Treasure Perched atop a hill overlooking the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle stands as a testament to…

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  • Pontocho dining, Kyoto

    Pontocho dining, Kyoto

    Pontocho alley is a testament to Kyoto’s ability to preserve tradition while embracing modernity. It offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s past and present, especially in culinary scenes. Whether you are interested in history, dining, or entertainment, Pontocho has something to offer. Pontocho, Kyoto, stands as a captivating alleyway, rich in culture and history. This…

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  • Sumo Tournament

    Sumo Tournament

    Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport that has captivated audiences for centuries. It is a form of wrestling that has deep cultural and historical significance in Japan. Sumo tournament, “basho” in Japanese, is held six times a year. It offers a unique spectacle for both locals and tourists. The Essence of Sumo Sumo wrestling involves…

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  • Hikone

    Hikone

    Hikone offers a blend of historical beauty, cultural depth, and delicious cuisine. It’s a must-visit for those exploring Japan’s heritage. The city’s charm lies in its ability to transport visitors back in time. Hikone Castle: A Must-See Attraction Built in 1622, Hikone Castle stands as a symbol of Japan’s feudal past. It’s one of only…

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  • Sekigahara Battlefield

    Sekigahara Battlefield

    A Journey Through Japan’s Pivotal History Sekigahara Battlefield is a must-visit for history buffs and travelers interested in Japan’s samurai era. It offers a deep dive into a pivotal moment that shaped Japan’s history. Introduction to Sekigahara Sekigahara Battlefield marks a significant site in Japan’s history. Located in Gifu Prefecture, this field was the stage…

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  • Himeji Castle tours

    Himeji Castle tours

    Japan’s Majestic World Heritage Site Himeji Castle stands as a masterpiece of Japanese architecture. Located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, it’s a shining example of medieval Japanese castle construction. Known as “White Heron Castle” for its brilliant white exterior, it resembles a bird taking flight. This castle is not just a cultural treasure but also…

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  • Omicho Market Tour

    Omicho Market Tour

    Omicho Market is not just a place to eat and shop; it’s a vibrant part of Kanazawa‘s culture and history. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives of locals and the culinary traditions of the region. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about Japanese markets, Omicho is a delightful experience. Introduction Omicho Market…

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  • Kanazawa

    Kanazawa

    Kanazawa is a city where the past meets the present, offering visitors a rich cultural experience, beautiful landscapes, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, enjoying its modern art, or savoring its food, Kanazawa is a must-visit destination in Japan. Introduction to Kanazawa Kanazawa sits in Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan’s central Honshu Island.…

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  • Nagoya

    Nagoya

    Discover Nagoya: A Gateway to Japan’s Rich Heritage and Modern Marvels Nagoya, located in the heart of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, serves as a perfect blend of historical richness and modern innovation. This bustling city offers tourists a unique glimpse into both Japan’s past and future, making it a must-visit destination on any travel itinerary. Historical…

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  • Yamadera Temple in Yamagata

    Yamadera Temple in Yamagata

    Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Yamagata Prefecture, Yamadera Temple, officially known as Risshakuji Temple, is a site of profound spiritual significance and natural beauty. This historic temple, established in 860 AD by the priest Ennin (also known as Jikaku Daishi), has captivated visitors for centuries with its serene atmosphere and stunning views. A Journey…

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  • Lake Kawaguchi

    Lake Kawaguchi

    Discovering Lake Kawaguchi: A Jewel in the Fuji Five Lakes Region Nestled in the shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi (or Kawaguchiko) is a serene expanse of water that offers breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. This destination is a must-visit for anyone traveling to…

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  • Miyajima tours from Kyoto

    Miyajima tours from Kyoto

    Nestled in the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea lies Miyajima, an island revered for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. At the heart of Miyajima’s allure is Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its iconic “floating” torii gate. This mystical island, also known as Itsukushima, offers visitors a…

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  • Mount Koya (Koya-san)

    Mount Koya (Koya-san), located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, is a revered mountain known for its spiritual significance. It serves as the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, centered around the Kongobuji Temple. Founded in the early 9th century by the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), Mount Koya has been a center of Buddhist practice…

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  • Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tours

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tours

    What is Kumano Kodo? Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route that has continued since ancient times. The Kumano Kodo is the collective name for pilgrimage routes from Kyoto, Yoshino, Koyasan, and Ise to the three sacred sites of Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. The Kii Peninsula was formed by the…

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  • Echizen Knife Making Factory

    Japan is home to several traditional knife producing regions. In recent years, Japanese cooking knives have become increasingly popular around the world, and more and more people are visiting production centers. Echizen knife is one of them. Unfortunately, it is not as well known as Japan’s three major knife-producing regions, Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture,…

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  • Shinjuku bar hopping tours

    Shinjuku bar hopping tours

    The famous Kabukicho and other eating and drinking districts are located on the east side of Shinjuku Station, Tokyo. Shinjuku Golden-Gai in particular is a town that people created for their livelihood after World War II. Since then, this town has been carried over to the present without being redeveloped. There are about 290 small…

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  • Osaka Food tours

    Osaka Food tours

    Osaka, Japan, has earned a well-deserved reputation as a culinary paradise, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Renowned as “Japan’s Kitchen,” Osaka boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects the city’s vibrant culture and history. The local cuisine is characterized by its bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and a unique emphasis on street food…

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  • Alpine Route, Snow Corridor tours

    Alpine Route, Snow Corridor tours

    The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a mountain tourism route connecting Toyama and Nagano. This route is one of the world’s most famous mountain tourism routes through the Northern Alps, a mountain range of 3,000-meter-high peaks. The total length of the trail is 37.2 km, with a maximum height difference of 1,975 m. Almost all…

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  • Fuji tour from Tokyo

    Fuji tour from Tokyo

    Destinations of Mt Fuji tours from Tokyo There are two main types of destinations for Mt Fuji tour departing from Tokyo to view the majestic mountain. One is to the north of Mt. Fuji (Yamanashi Prefecture) to Lake Kawaguchi (Fuji Five Lakes area). The other is to the south of Mt. Fuji (Kanagawa Prefecture) to…

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  • Shirakawago and Snow Monkey tour

    Shirakawago and Snow Monkey tour

    Both Shirakawago and Snow Monkey are very popular destinations for foreign tourists especially in winter. But many travelers are probably wondering how they can visit both. There are no package tours that visit both at once. The key is the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train). The Hokuriku Shinkansen leaves Tokyo, passes through Nagano Station, and reaches…

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  • Shimanami Kaido cycling tours, run with sea breeze

    Shimanami Kaido cycling tours, run with sea breeze

    Cycling tours There are several Shimanami Kaido cycling tours available. They depart from either Onomichi (Honshu Island) or Imabari (Shikoku Island). You can choose one best suit your schedule and your physical condition. Shimanami Kaido 1 Day Cycling Tour from Onomichi to Imabari covers the most of the Shimanami Kaido course. This is a very…

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  • Private Morning Yanagibashi Fish Market and Sushi Tour in Nagoya

    Private Morning Yanagibashi Fish Market and Sushi Tour in Nagoya

    Looking for a fish market tour in Nagoya? Private Morning Yanagibashi Fish Market and Sushi Tour in Nagoya is for you. This tour is available every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Private Morning Yanagibashi Fish Market and Sushi Tour in Nagoya takes 2 to 3 hours depending on the option you choose. The 3-hour tour…

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  • Hiroshima tour from Osaka and Kyoto

    Hiroshima tour from Osaka and Kyoto

    If you are staying Osaka or Kyoto, it is possible to make a Hiroshima tour in a day. In Hiroshima you can visit two World Heritage sites. For Hiroshima day trip from Osaka, you take Shinkansen from Osaka, and then join in a tour in Hiroshima. Ready-made Hiroshima tour from Osaka There are several Hiroshima…

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  • Aokigahara Forest tours from Tokyo

    Aokigahara Forest tours from Tokyo

    How to get to aokigahara forest? Aokigahara Forest tours Avoid exploring deep into Aokigahara Forest by yourselves. It is very dangerous. Go there always with a guide. The most recommended tour is the Aokigahara Nature Conservation Full-Day Hiking Tour. Although the fee is high, no other tour offers as deep an insight into the nature…

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  • Takayama sake brewery tours

    Takayama sake brewery tours

    Sake brewery tours in Takayama Takayama is a famous for its Sake breweries. You can taste sake at some Sake breweries in the old town of Takayama. There are seven sake breweries located at the center of Takayama City. If you just like to taste various types of sake, just pop in sake shops managed…

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  • Sake tasting in Tokyo

    Sake tasting in Tokyo

    Are you fond of Sake? If so, try sake tasting tours in Tokyo. The world of sake is a deep one, and it is difficult for beginners to know what kind of sake to choose. The diversity of sake reflects the craftsmanship and philosophy of the brewers, making sake tasting a rich and varied experience.Enjoy…

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  • Kyoto from Tokyo day trip by bullet train (Shinkansen)

    Kyoto from Tokyo day trip by bullet train (Shinkansen)

    If you are in Tokyo and you have only one day to visit Kyoto, then take a bullet train (Shinkansen). It takes one hour and 12 minutes one way. Kyoto from Tokyo Bullet train Shinkansen bullet train runs almost every 5 minutes during day time. So you never miss one. There are three types of…

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  • Sushi making in Kanazawa, unforegettable experience

    Sushi making in Kanazawa, unforegettable experience

    If you are in Kanazawa, why don’t you try to make your own sushi? Very interesting and affordable Sushi-making tour is available. Take a lesson to make sushi in a traditional Japanese house. Food tours in Kanazawa Kanazawa is famous for Japanese food. If you like to experience more about food in Kanazawa, try one…

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  • Emerald Beach in Okinawa, how to get there

    Emerald Beach in Okinawa, how to get there

    Emerald Beach overlook Emerald Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and beautiful greenery. The beach is part of the Ocean Expo Park, which is a popular tourist destination that features a variety of attractions, including the Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa’s largest aquarium. At Emerald Beach, visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities,…

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  • One week in Japan: Option 1 Golden Route for first time in Japan

    If it is your first time to visit Japan, and you have only a week in Japan, then consider to take so-called Golden Route. This route visits Tokyo, Mt. Fuji or Nikko, Kyoto and Osaka, in this order or vise versa. You stay overnight in large cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. And take…

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  • Zenko-ji Temple

    About Zenko-ji Temple Zenko-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Nagano, Japan. It is one of the oldest and most important temples in Japan, and is considered one of the country’s seven ancient capitals. The temple was founded in the 7th century and is said to house the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan…

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  • Kyoto tours

    Kyoto tours

    Kyoto is considered one of the most historically rich cities in Japan. It was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, and as such, Kyoto has many important cultural and historical sites, including temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens. One of Kyoto’s most famous attractions is the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkakuji,…

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  • Diving in Okinawa: fascinating coral sea!

    Okinawa has many small islands surrounded by coral sea. There are so many diving spots and diving tours to visit there. Diving tour in Okinawa There are diving tours in remote islands such as Ishigaki, and diving tours that visit near Okinawa main island. You can choose diving tours depending on where you stay. Kerama…

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  • Beautiful Iriomote Island, a hidden treasure of Okinawa

    Beautiful Iriomote Island, a hidden treasure of Okinawa

    Iriomote Island is a part of Okinawa. This Island is famous for its untouched wilderness. Entire Island is covered with rush semi-tropical forest. On the island, you can enjoy adventurous outdoor activities. For example, kayaking, caving, canyoning and snorkeling are popular. Adventure tours in Iriomote Island There are several tours available in the Island. And…

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  • Nakijin Castle

    Nakijin Castle

    Tours that visit Nakijin Castle Nakijin Castle is one of Okinawa’s World Heritage Sites. It is about 110 km away from Naha Airport. So it is recommended to take a tour from Naha City. Castle’s official WEB site. Introduction Nakijin Castle, located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.…

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  • Nikko from Tokyo: day tours

    Nikko from Tokyo: day tours

    Please check this link for the full list of Nikko tours. Nikko day tours from Tokyo There are Nikko tours from Tokyo by public transport (bus and/or train) and private cars. Nikko private car tours from Tokyo is ideal for a small group or a family. If you are a solo traveler or a couple,…

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  • Snow monkey tours from Tokyo

    Snow monkey tours from Tokyo

    The most recommended Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo Full-Day Private Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park starts from Nagano everyday. But this tour operator provides you with the service to buy Shinkansen tickets to/from Tokyo. Tickets will be sent to your hotel in Tokyo. The tour price is reasonable too. Do you like…

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  • Tours in Japan

    Tours in Japan

    What are the images of Japan for you? May be it is ancient temples and shrines in Kyoto, may be it is the image of ultra modern Tokyo, and may be it is the snow-capped mighty Mt. Fuji. All these are, yes, popular images of Japan. So the most of tourists visit Tokyo, Mt. Fuji…

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  • Zakimi Castle Ruins

    Zakimi Castle Ruins

    The Zakimi Castle Ruins is one of the Ryukyu World Heritage Sites. It seems that it was once used as a signal station for the US military. It is a small but beautiful castle with curving walls. About Zakimi Castle in Okinawa Zakimi Castle is located in Yomitan Village, Okinawa. The castle, which was built during…

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  • Katsuren Castle

    Katsuren Castle

    Katsuren Castle is one of the castle ruins that are part of Okinawa’s World Heritage Sites. Although the scale is smaller than that of Nakijin Castle Ruins , it is a beautiful castle ruin standing on the seaside. There is no regular tours to Nakajin Castle. Take one of customizable tours. The entrance to Katsuren Castle…

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  • Sefa Utaki

    Sefa Utaki

    One of the places I wanted to visit the most in Okinawa was Sefa Utaki. It is a traditional sacred place in Okinawa, and at the same time, it is a place designated as a World Heritage Site. It has a deep connection with the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Tours to Sefa Utaki Sefa Utaki…

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  • Gyokusendo Cave

    Gyokusendo Cave

    There are many limestone areas in Okinawa. So naturally there are limestone caves. But it’s an island, so I thought it wouldn’t be that big. Gyokusendo Cave, located in the Culture Kingdom Gyokudendo Okinawa World in the southern part of the main island of Okinawa, was quite large and enjoyable. The total length is more than 5 kilometers! Among…

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  • Oishibayashiyama, Lime stone, Cycad and Irkanda

    Oishibayashiyama, Lime stone, Cycad and Irkanda

    Oishibayashiyama is located in the mountains near Cape Hedo. It is said to be the northernmost tropical karst (topography created by limestone erosion). Oishibayashiyama and Cape Hedo are located at the furthest end of Okinawa Island, so there are not so many opportunities to visit there. Try the tours below. Hiring a chauffeur-driven car is also a…

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  • Yanbaru Kuina Observatory

    Yanbaru Kuina Observatory

    Cape Hedo, the northernmost point of the main island of Okinawa, is located in Kunigami Village. Near the Cape, there is Yanbaru Kuina Observatory. What the hell is that? It’s not just an observatory. Surprisingly, it is an observatory dressed as a real and super-giant Yanbaru Kuina, a rare bird species that lives only in this area…

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  • Hiji Waterfall (Kunigami Village)

    Hiji Waterfall (Kunigami Village)

    Tours to visit Hiji Waterfall There is no tour that visits Hiji Waterfall alone. There are some one-day or half-day tours, which include the visit to Hiji Waterfall such as “Naha Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide“. Or if you are in a small group, it is ideal to hire a car. You can…

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  • Onna village Umibudo Restaurant

    Onna village Umibudo Restaurant

    After playing in Churaumi, let’s have a meal. At first, even Agu pork shabu-shabu was a lively thing to say, but we are not ready to pay 3,000 yen per person, so it was downgraded at once. Changed to an interesting Okinawan restaurant, Umibudo Restaurant, that we found while driving. Umibudo Restaurant has a bright atmosphere. What…

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  • Churaumi Aquarium, The large aquarium of whale sharks impresses you no matter how many times you come

    Churaumi Aquarium, The large aquarium of whale sharks impresses you no matter how many times you come

    promised Churaumi Aquarium. The tour we took included a free entrance ticket to the Churaumi Aquarium. My wife seems to be getting tired of it (it’s the 4th time anyway), but boys (and I) love it. You can see somersaults of manta rays, and it is still an interesting large tank, but there are many photographs of…

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  • Neopark Okinawa, Nago Natural Zoological and Botanical Park

    Neopark Okinawa, Nago Natural Zoological and Botanical Park

    Neopark Okinawa in Nago is surprisingly fun to go out with children. It’s a bit rustic and not very sophisticated, but my two young children especially love it. African birds greet us. African crested ibis, crowned crane, spoonbill, etc. They approach in groups to beg for food. These birds are quite large, so small children are scared of them.…

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  • Kayaking in Okinawa

    Kayaking in Okinawa

    Kayaking tours in Okinawa Kayaking can be experienced in many places in Okinawa. I tried kayaking in Okinawa main island and Iriomote Island. Kayaking in case of my family In Okinawa, the weather is going downhill from tomorrow, so today is full of activities. I also challenged kayaking with two boys. My second son, who…

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  • Tamaudun in Shuri, Okinawa

    Tamaudun in Shuri, Okinawa

    Tamaudun is located near the ruins of Shuri Castle, a short walk from the Shureimon Gate, and is a mausoleum of successive generations of the Ryukyu royal family nestled in greenery. It was built in 1501 by King Sho Shin of the Ryukyus (reigned 1477-1526) to rebury the remains of his father, King Sho En, from…

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  • Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate of Shurijo Castle, Okinawa

    Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate of Shurijo Castle, Okinawa

    Sonohyan Utaki Ishimon is a stone gate located near Shureimon after exiting the castle gate of Shurijo Castle. It is a rustic gate that you will not notice anything if you pass it, but it is designated as one of the World Heritage Sites. Utaki is a place of worship in Ryukyu, and there is a place…

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  • Okinawa Shurijo Castle Shureimon

    Okinawa Shurijo Castle Shureimon

    The famous Shureimon gate was the main gate of Shurijo Castle, and was used on the 2,000 yen note. It came to be called Shureimon because the word “守禮之邦 (守礼之邦)” is written on the plaque (the plaque on the top of the gate). It is said to have been built by King Shosei (reigned 1527-1555). It is said…

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  • Okichan Theater Okinawa Ocean Expo Memorial Park

    Okichan Theater Okinawa Ocean Expo Memorial Park

    Okichan Theater is a dolphin show in the Okinawa Ocean Expo Memorial Park . Well, if it’s just a dolphin show, you can see it in aquariums here and there these days, and depending on the place, there’s also a killer whale show, so honestly that’s more powerful. Then what is the selling point of Okichan Theater ? Admission is free. As…

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  • Visit Manatee House at the Okinawa Ocean Expo Memorial Park

    Visit Manatee House at the Okinawa Ocean Expo Memorial Park

    A corner of the Okinawa Ocean Expo Memorial Park , there is a Manatee Pavilion a little closer to the coast of the Churaumi Aquarium. The manatee is a member of the dugong that lives in the Atlantic Ocean, and is a mammal that is said to be the origin of the mermaid legend. I wonder why there…

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  • Naha Makishi Public Market Okinawa’s No. 1 Market

    Naha Makishi Public Market Okinawa’s No. 1 Market

    Makishi Public Market is located a little south of Naha’s main street, Kokusai Dori. Mutsumi Bridge Street Mutsumibashi Street crosses Kokusai Street at the Mutsumibashi intersection. There is an arcade, so I knew immediately. You can go to the public market from Kokusai-dori through Mutsumi-bashi-dori. Mutsumibashi Street itself is also a very lively street, with souvenir shops, Ryukyu…

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  • Churaumi Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park

    Churaumi Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park

    What my children (actually, myself) were most looking forward to during their trip to Okinawa was the Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu Town, near the northern tip of the main island of Okinawa . Everyone gets excited when they see a real whale shark. I had only an image of Churaumi Aquarium = whale sharks , so I was a…

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  • Churaumi Aquarium

    Churaumi Aquarium

    We have visited Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa . The large tanks at the Churaumi Aquarium, where whale sharks and manta rays swim, were very impressive. Children who had always wanted to see whale sharks were also very satisfied. The distance from the Ocean Expo Park parking lot to the aquarium is unexpectedly large, making it a little difficult for small children. However, the…

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  • Enkakuji Temple Ruins and Benzaitendo in Shuri

    Enkakuji Temple Ruins and Benzaitendo in Shuri

    I drove to Shuri Castle from Kokusai Street in Naha where I stayed. Enter Shuri according to the car navigation system and look for a parking lot from the Shurijo Castle Park Management Center, but no parking lot is full. When I had no choice but to go around Shurijo Castle, I found a small parking lot…

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  • Nakamura Residence, a traditional house in Okinawa

    Nakamura Residence, a traditional house in Okinawa

    To visit Nakamura Residence, take Naha Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide. Not many tours visit Nakamura Residence. It seems that traditional Okinawan farmhouses are no longer seen on the main island of Okinawa. If you go to a tourist facility such as Ryukyu Mura, you can see a private house that has been relocated…

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  • Okinawa’s World Heritage Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

    Okinawa’s World Heritage Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

    I was ashamed to say that I didn’t know that there was a medieval castle with stone walls in Okinawa until it was registered as a World Heritage Site. The fact that there was a time when multiple dynasties fought for supremacy in Okinawa is somehow different from the image of a peaceful southern island. Had it…

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  • Shurijo Castle Ruins and its surroundings

    Shurijo Castle Ruins and its surroundings

    Shuri is the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle of Nakayama Province was built on this land during the Sanzan period when Ryukyu was divided into three, and it became the capital in 1429 when Ryukyu was unified. Shuri was the political and cultural center of Ryukyu until 1879, when the abolition of feudal domains and…

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  • World Heritage Sites in Okinawa: Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

    World Heritage Sites in Okinawa: Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

    “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu” is the official name of the World Heritage sites in Okinawa. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. The ruins of Shuri Castle, Tamaudun, Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate, Shikinaen Garden, Sefa Utaki, Nakijin Castle Ruins, Zakimi Castle Ruins, Katsuren Castle Ruins, and Nakagusuku…

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  • Ryukyu Mura

    Ryukyu Mura

    Ryukyu Mura is a tourist village that preserves and reproduces the culture and traditions of Okinawa ( Click here for the Ryukyu Mura website ). Tours to Ryukyu Mura There are not many tours that visit Ryukyu Mura. If you like to visit Ryukyu Mura by your own, please find the place on Google Map. Our visit to…

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