Tourist attractions--archive--

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Narita City, Chiba Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Founded in 940, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is the head temple of the Chizan school of Shingon Buddhism and one of the oldest temples in the Kanto region. Its principal deity is Acala (the object of worship, primarily through goma ceremonies), and throughout its long history, it has been worshipped for prayers for traffic safety, protection from evil spirits, and the home...

Nijo Castle (Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Nijo Castle was begun by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 as his base in Kyoto. After subsequent expansion, it became known as a symbol of the Edo period shogunate. The Ninomaru Palace within the castle grounds features sliding screen paintings by the Kano school and other artists...

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (Koganei, Tokyo) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is an open-air museum located within Koganei Park in Koganei, Tokyo. It preserves and exhibits valuable architecture from the Edo period to the early Showa period. Since its opening, the museum has been showcasing historical buildings scattered throughout Tokyo...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture) has long been beloved by local residents and is particularly famous for its love-matching (prayer for a good marriage). Its founding is said to date back over 1,500 years, and it has remained deeply connected to Kawagoe's history and culture since the Edo period. Surrounded by trees...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Fukuoka Tower is a 234-meter-high radio and observation tower located in the Momochi district of Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, in the bay area. Completed in 1989, it is known as the tallest tower facing the sea in Japan. The exterior is made of triangular aluminum and mirrored glass...

Overview (History, Features, Attractions) Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture) is one of the few sandy beaches in Japan where you can drive on it. The coastline stretches for several kilometers, and the sand is so compact that it's possible for regular cars and buses to drive on it. Enjoy the openness of the expansive sea and sky, and the pounding waves...

Hokkaido Shrine (Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Hokkaido Shrine is a representative shrine located within Maruyama Park in Chuo Ward, Sapporo. It was founded after the Meiji period as a prayer for the development of Hokkaido and the peace and prosperity of the region. The lush grounds are beautiful throughout the seasons, especially with the cherry blossoms in spring...

Kamikochi (Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, Attractions) Kamikochi is a highland resort located at an altitude of approximately 1,500m in Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. It is a scenic spot at the foot of the Northern Alps (Hotaka Mountain Range, Yakedake, etc.). It became known as a mountain climbing and tourist destination after the Meiji period, and in 1915...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Mount Myogi is a famous mountain that straddles the cities of Tomioka and Annaka in Gunma Prefecture. Its distinctive feature is its landscape of steep, strangely shaped rocks and rocky ridges. Formed by volcanic activity and erosion millions of years ago, the hard rock masses are exposed, creating strangely shaped rocks and mysterious formations.

Inubosaki Lighthouse (Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Inubosaki Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Inubosaki in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture. It is one of the lighthouses constructed under the guidance of foreign engineers during the Meiji period, and has long supported the safety of marine navigation as a landmark on the cape overlooking the Pacific Ocean.