“The beginning of things starts with Sakai”. Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, once prospered as a trade city and known as the birthplace of many cultures. Speaking of Sakai, it is a place where many ancient tombs still exist after 1,600 years. “Daisen Mounded Tomb”, the world's largest keyhole-shaped mounds, is one of the “Mozu burial mounds” in Sakai City. “Mozu burial mounds” … [Read more...] about Daisen Mounded Tomb (Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku), Osaka
Heritage
Yoshimi Hyakuana, Saitama
"Yoshimi Hyakuana" (Hundred Holes of Yoshimi) in Hiki-gun, Saitama is a historic site characterized by a hole in a rocky mountain. The basement is also famous as haunted places. However, not only as a cave or haunted places, it is crowded with people coming to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Yoshimi Hyakuana is a nationally designated historic site in Hiki-gun, … [Read more...] about Yoshimi Hyakuana, Saitama
Kennin-ji (The Oldest Zen Temple), Kyoto
"Kenninji Temple" in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto that conveys Zen. The temple opened by Eisai, a monk who has been trained in China, is still loved by many tourists even now, more than 800 years ago. Visiting the simple and sophisticated precincts of a Zen temple is like purifying your heart. There are plenty of spots where you can shoot, such as … [Read more...] about Kennin-ji (The Oldest Zen Temple), Kyoto
Yanesen (Downtown Area), Tokyo
"Yanesen" (Downtown Area of Tokyo) is a soothing tourist destination that makes you feel the downtown. It is a popular tourist spot where you can take a leisurely walk along the streets of an atmosphere that you can't imagine being in the center of Tokyo. The old Yanesen area, wherever you looked, was a place that had not been attacked during the war 70 years ago. To that end, … [Read more...] about Yanesen (Downtown Area), Tokyo
Rikugi-en (Rikugi-en Garden), Tokyo
“Rikugi-en Garden” in Komagome, Tokyo, is a scenic famous garden that is in the center of the city but full of seasonal flavors. Rikugi-en Garden, which retains the landscape from the Edo period when it was built and conveys the culture and history of Japan and the heart of Waka, is one of the only 36 scenic spots in the country. It is especially busy during the light-up … [Read more...] about Rikugi-en (Rikugi-en Garden), Tokyo
Yoshinogari Iseki (Yoshinogari Ruins), Saga
Yamatai-koku is a vassal state which is mentioned in Gishiwajinden ('Worenchuan' [the account of the people of 'Wa'] in "Wei chih" [The History of the Wei Dynasty]). When the village as described in it was excavated in "Yoshinogari Iseki" (Yoshinogari Ruins), the whole country became a fuss about this topic. There is a country here for a long period from the 3rd century BC to … [Read more...] about Yoshinogari Iseki (Yoshinogari Ruins), Saga
Jigoku Nozoki (Look Over Hell), Chiba
Want to look into hell? There is a tourist spot called "Jigoku Nozoki" (Look Over Hell) in Chiba Prefecture. Contrary to the place name of “Jigoku Nozoki”, there are superb views and spectacular Buddha, which are popular as photogenic spots. "Jigoku Nozoki" is located in Mt. Nokogiri in Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture, where you can see the Boso Peninsula. Mt. Nokogiri, with an … [Read more...] about Jigoku Nozoki (Look Over Hell), Chiba
Himeji Castle (Himeji Jo), Hyogo
Himeji Castle is a castle located in Himeji City in the middle and south of Hyogo Prefecture. It is located about 1 km north of Japan Railway Himeji Station in the center of Himeji City, and you can see the castle tower from the Shinkansen platform of Himeji Station. Himeji Castle is a modern castle built on Mt. Himeyama, a hill with an altitude of about 46 meters, and the … [Read more...] about Himeji Castle (Himeji Jo), Hyogo
Naramachi (Historical old town), Nara
Nara is an ancient city with one of Japan's world heritages. Many sightseeing spots still appear as the outer city of Heijokyo, the former capital city. Heijokyo remains are now being developed as a huge park with excavation and Nandaimon Gate being restored. On the other hand, "Gekyo" (the part that protrudes outside Heijokyo) is visited by many people as the largest tourist … [Read more...] about Naramachi (Historical old town), Nara
Ine no Funaya (The Boat Garage House of Ine), Kyoto
The lagoon city of Venice, where gondolas come and go around the city. Do you know Ine-cho in Kyoto, which has become a hot topic overseas that resembles the scene? It is called “Venice of Japan”, and if you go to an area with its own traditional buildings, it will be a different world. You can forget your daily life and enjoy the old Japanese scenery. Ine-cho Town is located … [Read more...] about Ine no Funaya (The Boat Garage House of Ine), Kyoto