Travel / Tourism Spots in Japan

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Category

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Shrine

4.0

1199 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Miyagaoka 474

Hokkaido Shrine is located about 15 minutes’ walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Line. It was erected to worship the three deities of reclamation: Okunitama no kami, the deity of reclamation and development, Onamuchi no kami, and Sukunabikona no kami. In 1955, the Meiji Emperor, who adopted Western culture and built the foundations of Japan, was newly enshrined. Hokkaido Shrine is also known as a famous place for cherry blossoms in the spring and is popular among the local people.

Nestled in the Maruyama park and not far from the city zoo, this shrine was beautiful in the spring when the sakura was blooming. It took about 30 minutes to visit the main hall, write the wish on a...
Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)

4.5

869 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Sumiyoshi-ku Sumiyoshi 2-9-89

Known affectionately as “Sumiyossan,” the Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine) is a Shinto Shrine located in the Sumiyoshi Ward of Osaka City, in Osaka Prefecture. It is the head shrine of all the Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, of which there are around 2,300 in total. The Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the most popular shrines in the Kinki region for the Hatsumode (the first visit to a shrine in the New Year), and it is thronged with worshippers every January. The founding of the Sumiyoshi Taisha is recorded in the Nihon Shoki (“Chronicles of Japan”), which notes that the Empress Jingu ordered the construction of the shrine to worship Sumiyoshi no Ohkami. Sumiyoshi no Ohkami (which is actually three Shinto deities in one) is renowned as the god of the sea and the god of exorcism. The four halls that make up the Hon-den (main hall) of the Sumiyoshi Taisha are built in the architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri; all four have been designated as National Treasures.

We visited this famous shrine by taking a local train from Osaka. The entrance to the shrine features a steeply curved bridge that spans a rushing creek. Inside there are interesting buildings to...
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

4.0

1011 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kouhoku-ku Shinyokohama 2-14-21

This food theme park, which opened in the Shin-Yokohama district in 1994, was built around the concept of being able to eat ramen from all over the country without having to fly there. The interior, which recreates a Showa-period retro townscape, hosts famous ramen shops from not just all over Japan but from around the world. Attractions other than eating ramen include a gallery featuring exhibits on the history of ramen, a museum shop that offers souvenir ramen kits, a retro candy shop, events including live music, street performances, and picture story shows, and more. It is located a five-minute walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station.

This is a small museum that re-creates the old Tokyo alleys full of ramen shops. There is some text information about ramen and its history but most of it is in Japanese only. It takes 10-15 minutes...
Kohfukuji Temple

4.0

1332 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Noboriojichou 48

This is a temple located in Nara City. Yamashina-dera Temple has its origin as a temple that was established in Kyoto in 669 by the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari. The temple was destroyed by fires many times and was rebuilt, after which it ended up similar to temple ruins during the anti-Buddhist movement in the Meiji period, although the Tokon-do Hall, the five-storied pagoda, the Hokuen-do Hall and the three-storied pagoda which survived have been designated as National Treasures. The five-storied pagoda which is illuminated at night-time has become a symbol of Nara. There are also many Buddhist images enshrined at the temple which have been designated as National Treasures and Cultural Assets such as the Ashura statue.

A short, 5-minute walk from the train station. The grounds themselves are free, but there is a fee to enter a few of the buildings. The National Treasure Museum exceeded my expectations and had a...
Kochi Castle

4.0

1177 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kouchi Pref. Kouchishi Marunouchi 1-2-1

A castle called “Otakasayama Castle” was built before the Warring States Period, but Kochi Castle was established by the first Tosa feudal lord, Yamanouchi Kazutoyo at the beginning of the Edo period. It is also known as the only castle where the structures in the inner citadel remain completely intact. 15 of the buildings have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. There are also statues of Taisuke Itagaki, Yamanouchi Kazutoyo and his wife, Chiyo located near Ote-mon gate, and the castle keep’s magical form rises from the surface as it is illuminated at night.

I came to Kochi mainly to see the Kochi Castle as it is one of Japans original castles. There is paid parking at the base of the castle. Once you walk through the gate, the walk to the castle is not...
Adachi Museum of Art

4.5

1076 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Furukawachou 320

An art museum located in Furukawa Town, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture which focuses on displaying modern Japanese paintings. The museum’s collection includes master Japanese painter Yokoyama Taikan’s masterpieces “Koyo” and “Ame hareru,” in addition to works by other modern Japanese painters such as Takeuchi Seiho and Hashimoto Kansetsu, in addition to ceramics by renowned artist Kitaouji Rosanjin. The museum’s exhibit is changed four times a year in line with the seasons. The museum is also famous for Japanese gardens such as the Karesansui-tei rock garden and Hakusaseisho-tei sand and pine garden, totaling some 50 thousand square meters in all. The museum’s gardens are revered around the world and they have long ranked in at number one on the American Japanese gardening magazine “Journal of Japanese Gardening’s” list of top gardens.

The museum requires a train ride and then a short (free) trip on a tram to the museum. The art in the museum is mediocre, not world class. The gardens are overdone and the fake waterfall adds a...
Ryogoku Kokugikan

4.5

884 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Sumida-ku Yokoami 1-3-28

Called the Ryogoku Kokugikan, this is widely known as a venue for sumo competitions. It can accommodate more than 10,000 spectators and hosts various events besides sumo including pro-wrestling, boxing and concerts. Inside the venue’s shop visitors can purchase sweets and original merchandise featuring sumo motifs even when an official sumo tournament is not being held. The facility also houses the Sumo Museum where visitors can see color prints and ornamental aprons, as well as photos of past yokozuna champions.

This is the center of the Sumo Universe. Best venue to watch Sumo. The seating is traditional Japanese downstairs and western actual chair seats upstairs. If you enjoy being folded up like a lawn...
Okayama Castle, Castle Tower

4.0

1172 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Marunouchi 2-3-1

Okayama Castle was constructed over a period of eight years by Ukita Hideie, one member of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Council of Five Elders, and was completed in 1597. It is also called “Crow Castle” for its external appearance, as the castle tower walls have black lacquered siding which was a characteristic of this era. The three-tiered, six-storied watchtower-style castle tower is a pentagon of unequal sides and is said to imitate the castle tower of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle. The castle tower, which was a National Treasure, was lost due to wartime fires but was rebuilt in 1966.

Impressive castle from the outside. The museum on the inside does not have any English translations so I didnt have the opportunity to understand the exhibits and stories
Kifune-jinja Shrine

4.5

710 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Kuramakibunechou 180

This shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, is the head shrine for the Kifune-Shrines in Japan which number almost 500 shrines. Long been known for the god of rain it has also gained faith from the chefs, cooking industry, and water industries of Japan. Therefore, unlike the regional name of Kibune, the name of the shrine is read as Kifune. The middle shrine located between the main shrine and the rear shrine enshrines the goddess Iwanaga-hime, a goddess of marriage and matchmaking, and is therefore popular amongst young couples.

I hiked to Kifune across the mountain from Kurama, walking a beautiful and well-kept forest path. Many shinto shrines on the way, placed into power spots. The shrine is in a narrow valley, and...
Otsuka Museum of Art

4.5

992 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokushima Pref. Narutoshi Narutochoutosadomariura Fukuike 65-1

Located in Naruto Town, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, this art museum has the largest permanent exhibition space in Japan. The exhibits consist of more than 1,000 Western paintings reproduced in full scale on ceramic panels. Visitors can appreciate masterpieces from all over the world such as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Picasso’s Guernica. The viewing route through the museum is about four kilometers long. There is also a museum shop and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals while looking out over the garden.

Its wonderful that everything is carefully reproduced on a ceramic plate and on the actual sizeら. The works that I have seen in art museums during my travels all over the world are displayed all at...
Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Factory Yoichi Distillery

4.5

1281 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Yoichigunyoichichou Kurokawachou 7-6

The first Nikka Whisky distillery built in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru who after visiting Scotland became the first Japanese person to master the whisky manufacturing process. Here you can come and see for yourself the whole distillery process. Inside the distillery you can find many things of interest such as displays on the history of whisky and its manufacturing process, a whisky museum where you can sample some whisky for yourself, and you can also see the former residence of Masataka Taketsuru which was originally in Yamada Town in the suburbs of Yoichi Town but dismantled and rebuilt here in the distillery. There are nine buildings on the distillery premises which have been designated as tangible cultural assets of Japan such as the distillation building and the first whisky storehouse.

As a fan of the products and being in the neighborhood, I went for a visit to this complex. I was unable to book a tour of the facility, which I understand are only conducted in Japanese, but did...
Fujiko F Fujio Museum

4.5

622 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Kawasakishi Tama-ku Nagao 2-8-1

A museum in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture which exhibits drawings by the manga artist Fujiko F Fujio, as well as related materials. Standing displays of color drawings from the museum’s collection of approximately 50 thousand are changed on a regular basis and include examples from popular series such as Doraemon, Perman, and Kiteretsu Daihyakka. Special exhibits are also held regularly which give visitors the chance to view rare drawings and other materials never allowed to leave the museum. The museum also has many other points of note, including a recreation of the artist’s work desk, an area where visitors can read the actual manga, and a popular gift shop.

Most visitors come here with children. But if you love Doraemon, you can certainly enjoy this place. You can reach this place by riding a Doraemon-decorated shuttle bus from Noborito station. The...
Kirishima Shrine

4.0

976 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kirishimashi Kirishimataguchi 2608-5

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Ninigi, a god who is part of the myth of the founding of Japan. The current main shrine building was erected in 1715, although the shrine is believed to have been founded around the sixth century on Setoo Hill between Mt. Takachihonomine and Mt. Hinotokomine. Buildings such as the main shrine and worship hall are designated Important Cultural Properties. The shrine is also famous for having been visited by Sakamoto Ryoma on his honeymoon. The grounds are renowned spot for viewing the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. A 10-minute bus ride from Kirishima-Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line.

The first historical reference to Kirishima shrine is in the year 540. It had a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.xa0There are many nice hot spring inns nearby, and it is a recommended sightseeing...
Oirase Stream

4.5

1063 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aomori Pref. Towadashi Okuse

"Oirase Stream can be reached by a JR Bus service from JR Shin-Aomori Station; the journey takes around two hours. It is one of the most scenic places in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park; the river flows out from Lake Towada through the gorge for a distance of around 14 kilometers, from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama, with a road and a footpath all the way along, making it easy for visitors to experience the gorge's wonderful natural scenery. There are many ""must-see's"" in the area, including the Ashura Rapids, which are one of the Oirase Stream's best-known sights, and Choshi-otaki Waterfall, one of the most imposing waterfalls in the gorge. Visitors can see the new spring greenery in May-June, and view the autumn foliage in mid to late October; the winter scenery, when the ground is covered with snow, is also very beautiful."

Generally speaking, the Oirase Stream is hard to access by public transport during winter due to road closure, but the winter sight is awesome which is something I realy wanted to see. So I joined...
Nezu Museum

4.5

879 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Minato-ku Minamiaoyama 6-5-1

This art museum located in Minami Aoyama opened in 1941 to conserve and exhibit the collection of Kaichiro Nezu, whose career included being president of Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. The collection of over 7,400 items (as of March 2016) is mostly comprised of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art, and encompasses many National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and important works of art. In addition to the galleries in the main building, visitors can also view the Japanese garden that includes a teahouse, a stone Buddhist image, and stone lanterns.

The museum itself is lovely, if small-ish. But the real treasure here are the gardens and tea room! So thoughtfully designed, quiet, and wonderful to walk around—you’ll forget you’re in the middle of...
Lake Chuzenji

4.0

992 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi

Lake Chuzenji, located in the west of Nikko in Chugushi, Nikko City. The lake, with circumference of 25 kilometers, was formed with the eruption of Mt. Nantai in the north. With an elevation of 1,269 meters this is the highest lake in Japan. During the Meiji and Taisho periods many European embassies built vacation houses around the lake, and they remain to this day. The lake is a pretty scenic spot with Mt. Nantai in the background where visitors can enjoy pleasure boats and of course the beautiful autumn leaves.

Given an hour here to explore on foot and was lucky to catch some last late blooming sakura near the Futaarasan Shrine, another one that is. There are activities available by the lake such as riding...
Kenninji Temple

4.5

1004 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Yamato Daicho Route Shijo Shimo Le Komatsu Town

A Rinzai Sect Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture and the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Erected thanks to funds donated by the Shogun Minamoto no Yoriie in 1202, the temple was founded by the priest Eisai and was modeled after Song China’s holy Mt. Bozhang. The temple is famous for its Image of Raijin and Fujin, a National Treasure created by famed painter Tawaraya Sotatsu, as well as its numerous other sliding screen paintings and treasures designated Important Cultural Properties. The temple is also well known for the beauty of its Japanese gardens, including a dry landscape garden containing a delicate arrangement of white sand, moss, and boulders. The imperial envoy gate contains arrow marks and is built with a gabled roof. The abbot’s chamber, moved here from the Ankoku-ji Temple in old Aki Province, and the Image of Paired Dragons, 108 tatami mats in size and painted on ceiling of the lecture hall in 2002, are both must-sees.

It seems this lovely temple is managing to avoid the hordes. We arrived at 10am on opening, removed our shoes and wandered the beautiful buildings, tatami mats, artworks and incredible roof painting...
The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

4.0

838 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi 6-4-20 Housing Information Center Building 8F

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, which opened in 2001, is located in Tenjinbashi in the Kita Ward of Osaka City. The Museum is focused on the cultural and historical aspects of how people in Osaka lived during the period from the latter part of the Edo period through to the Showa period. The ninth floor of the Museum building features a row of life-size replica buildings facing onto a “main road,” including Machiya shop-houses, stores, a firewatching tower, etc.; visitors can enjoy strolling around this recreation of an Osaka street scene from days gone by. The eighth floor has dioramas and other exhibits showing Osaka’s streets looked like at different times between the Meiji period and Showa period. The Museum also holds seasonal special exhibitions.

Cannot recommend enough. Appears like an outside museum but it is indoor and perfect to do on a rainy day.xa0 Located inside a building so take an elevator to the 8th Floor where you can purchase your...
Takayama Jinya

4.0

1116 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Hachikenmachi 1-5

Takayama Jinya was where prefectural governors and deputies exercised government since Hida was put under direct control of the Shogunate in 1692. The purpose of direct jurisdiction was access to the abundant timber and underground resources. After the Meiji Restoration, this building was also used as the Takayama prefectural government building. In order to conserve Takayama Jinya, 16 years of repair and reconstruction work were undertaken and were completed in 1996. There were 60 regional headquarters and sub-headquarters nationwide at the end of the Edo period, but the Takayama Jinya is the only building left in existence today. Takayama Jinya has been certified with two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Fantastic experience on governor housing. It is very educational and could be boring to some. Enjoy the little garden. Quite a historical moment.
The Castle Tower of Wakamatsu Castle(Tsurugajo Castle)

4.0

970 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukushima Pref. Aiduwakamatsushi Outemachi 1-1 In Tsurugajo Park

This is a Japanese castle in Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City. Locally it is called Tsurugajo Castle. The castle was the seat of famous feudal warlords but was damaged in the Boshin Civil War at the end of the Edo period and demolished in 1874. It was rebuilt in 1965, and in 2011 the roof tiles were reverted to the original red resembling the time of the end of Tokugawa Shogunate. It is the only castle in Japan where visitors can see the elegant red tiled keep. In addition, the castle tower also acts as a museum focusing on the Boshin War, exhibiting helmets, weapons, materials, etc. of successive castle owners. Around the castle tower is also a cherry blossom viewing area and many visitors come to visit in the spring.

No English explanation. Dont bother going if you are into history. Castle grounds are well cared for. View from top is nice