Recently, many foreign tourists travel to Wakayama Prefecture to visit Mt.Koya and the famous Kumano Kaido. Most are unaware of Shingu, a lovely little city that has its own collection of impressive sightseeing spots, including sections of the famous path and other related World Heritage Sites. Most of Shingu’s attractions are centrally located and can … More World Heritage Site hunting in Shingu, Wakayama
The Seto Inland Sea’s ‘art island’, Naoshima, is now on the bucket list of many tourists. Most visit the island and then head off to another famous location on the Japanese main island of Honshu. Unfortunately, they miss the opportunity to explore many fantastic lesser known sightseeing spots in the rest of Kagawa Prefecture. If … More Touring Shikoku’s Kagawa Prefecture (after Naoshima)
Kawasaki is only ten minutes by train from Shinagawa Station, but it seems worlds away. As one of the largest industrial areas of Japan, the city is not known for its sightseeing spots. However, the area around Kawasaki Station is well worth visiting, especially for anyone who enjoys bargain shopping. In addition, famous Kawasaki Daishi, … More Day Trip: Environs of Kawasaki Station
Aizu Wakamatsu is located in the center of Fukushima Prefecture and is nicknamed the ‘Samurai City’ due its prominence as a former castle town of the Aizu domain. The city is full of impressive historic sites and is one of my favorite sightseeing destinations. Here is a list (in no particular order) of many of … More Aizu Wakamatsu: The Samurai City
Mt. Mitake is one of Tokyo’s best one-day hiking destinations. A hike here can be tailored to many skill levels, but is especially good for beginners as there is a lot to see without too much difficulty. After traveling by train or car into the mountainous Westernmost section of Tokyo, take a scenic cable car … More Self-guided Tour: Hiking Mt. Mitake’s Rock Garden
Located just one stop from Meguro Station on the Namboku and Mita Subway Lines, Shirokanedai is an upscale, mostly residential neighborhood. Although it does contain wonderful sightseeing spots, it is unknown to tourists and is a great place to explore in relative peace. Shirokanedai is very easy to get around as almost everything is located … More Tokyo Neighborhoods: Shirokanedai
The Tokyo American Club has been supporting Fukushima through volunteer projects for many years. In appreciation, the locals often encourage us to return as tourists. On one of those trips, I co-led a tour for the Women’s Group (now called ‘Connections’) to highlight some of the prefecture’s wonderful sightseeing spots. If you really want to … More Fukushima City and Nihonmatsu City – Overnight Sightseeing Tour
One of my favorite Japanese cities, Nagasaki is a great tourist destination for foreign tourists. It is English-friendly, is full of historical attractions, offers delicious local specialties, and is easy to navigate. Here is some basic advice for a history-lover’s first visit. Sofukuji Temple Upon arrival at the airport, take a limousine bus to central … More Downtown Historic Nagasaki
I’ve walked these areas again & again, and never get tired of them. However, as a local, I do often skip the really famous sites and concentrate on the lesser-known spots nearby. Gion’s Kenninji Temple Kyoto ‘Top 3’ Recommended Courses for First Time Visitors 1) Philosopher’s Path Take a taxi or bus to Ginkakuji Temple. … More Kyoto ‘Top 3’ Recommended Courses for First Time Visitors
One of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom viewing walks is the path around the moat near Yasukuni Shrine, that passes Chidorigafuchi Cemetery and enters Kitanomaru Garden. A section of the path is also lit up at night. If you take this walk, be sure to walk all the way to the back of Yasukuni Shrine. … More Self-guided Tokyo Sakura Walk: Chidorigafuchi
