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)
Morinji is a Zen Temple located in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. It was established in 1426 and is famous for its connection to a shape-shifting tanuki. Tanuki are dog-like raccoon animals, and they are often depicted as mythical creatures. If you walk from Morinjimae Station to Morinji Temple, you can see picture signboards that tell … More Morinji Temple & the Tanuki Tea Kettle
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
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
Clematis-no-oka opened in 2002 and is a collection of four museums and four restaurants spread around a large nature park & garden in the city of Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture. In addition to indoor exhibits, many beautiful works of art can be seen throughout the compound – similar to Hakone’s Open Air Museum. The first museum, … More Garden & Museums of Clematis-no-Oka
There are a number of gardens in the Tokyo area where one can view Japanese water irises (花菖蒲, hanashobu) in bloom. The flowers are usually at their most beautiful in June. Below is a list of some of the best locations to see them. Hondoji, Chiba TOKYO Nezu Museum, Minato Ward Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Bunkyo … More Iris Gardens in & around Tokyo
