Ogushi Jinja (小梳神社) is a Shinto shrine in Shizuoka city. It is one of the oldest shrines in Shizuoka with a history of more than 400 years. Before moving to the current location, it was located in Sunpu Castle and worshiped as the guardian of it. The shrine is related to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is […]
The Observation Deck on the 25th floor of Bunkyo Civic Center (the government building for Bunkyo ward) is one of the free observation decks that offers impressive views of Tokyo. photos: Junko Nagata © Japanbyweb.com Koishikawa Korakuen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo. On the left can be seen the Tokyo Dome. Hours: […]
Jogashima (城ヶ島) is a small island, 1.8km long and 500m wide, at the southernmost and western tip of Miura Peninsula, facing Sagami Bay. It is connected to the city of Miura, Kanagawa Prefecture, by a bridge built in 1959. The island has 2 lighthouses, both administrated by Japan Coast Guard. Awasaki lighthouse Located in the […]
Ofuna Kannonji (大船観音寺) is a temple of Soto Zen Buddhism, located in Ofuna ward of Kamakura city. It is famous for the huge white statue of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) which is 25m tall and weighs 1915 tons. The construction of the temple and statue started before WWII and completed in 1960. The Kannon incorporates stones […]
Odawara Castle (小田原城) is the nearest fortress to Tokyo. Located in Odawara City (Kanagawa Prefecture), is the gateway to Hakone, a popular travel destination. It can be reached from Tokyo in 70-90 minutes by local or rapid trains on the JR Tokaido Main Line or in 35 min by JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Odawara Castle is listed […]
Shizuoka (静岡市) is the capital city of Shizuoka Prefecture. It is located between Tokyo and Nagoya. The area is well known for the spectacular views of Mt Fuji. It is also the largest tea-producing area in Japan which accounts for 40% of total Japanese sencha production. The Observatory Lobby on the 21st floor of “Shizuoka Prefectural […]
Kawasaki Daisha (川崎大師) or Heiken-ji (平間寺) is a Buddhist temple in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. It was founded in 1128 and belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. The temple is well known for its power of Yakuyoke (warding off evil), and is commonly called “Yakuyoke No Odaishi-sama”. Kawasaki Daisha is among the most popular temples […]
Kushida-jinja (櫛田神社) is a Shinto shrine located in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka. It is dedicated to the gods of Ohatanushi-no-mikoto, Amaterasu-omikami and Susanowo-no-mikoto. According to tradition, it was founded in 757. The present shrine was rebuilt by the famous daimyo Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1587. It is the guardian shrine of Hakata. The shrine is associated with Hakata Gion […]
Hitachi Seaside Park (国営ひたち海浜公園 Kokuei Hitachi Kaihinkoen) is located oat the city of Hitachinaka, on the Pacific coast, Ibaraki Prefecture. About 130 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, it is a must-see place in spring and autumn. From late April to mid-May, the park’s 4.5 million nemophila flowers, also known as Baby Blue Eyes, turn Miharashi hill into […]
The Ninja Museum of Igaryu is located in city of Iga Mie Prefecture), near the Iga Ueno Castle. It was established in 1964 and it is the right place to learn about ninja and their culture. The museum’s collection includes ancient ninjutsu writings analyzed scientifically along with ancient ninjutsu weapons. The museum has audiovisuals, models and extensive static […]
Ueno Castle (伊賀上野城, Iga Ueno-jo) is located in Iga city, western Mie Prefecture, the area which is known as the birthplace of ninja. Parts of Kagemusha, the Akira Kurosawa famous movie, were filmed at the castle. The construction of Iga Ueno Castle started in 1585 by Takigawa Katsutoshi and continued by Tsutsui Sadatsugu. Sadatsugu was then succeeded […]
Manazuru (真 鶴 町) is a seaside town on a small peninsula in Sagami Bay at the southwestern part of Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a popular place for fishing, swimming and diving. One of the most famous spots in the area is Mitsuishi, a complex of three rocks in the sea, part of the Manazuru […]
