Located closest to Matsue City on an island in the middle of Lake Nakaumi, Yushien Garden or commonly known as Yūshien or Yuushien in Japanese is a 40,000 square meter garden established in 1975. It’s famous for its gorgeous landscape including waterfalls, streams, stone lanterns, rock-garden, a beautiful [...]
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Completed in 1611 Matsue Castle, a “Black Castle” due to its dark and austere exterior is and surrounded by a gorgeous moat and thick wall. It is one of only a dozen original castles left in Japan. That means that unlike many others like Naoya Castle and Osaka Castle, […]
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Ushibuka Haiya Odori is one of Japan's most famous festivals. It began around 200 years ago in the once rich port of Ushibuka. What is unique about the Ushibuka Haiya Odori, it’s said to be the root of all “Awa Odori” and “Haiya” folk music heard all over Japan! [...]
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You don’t know Tokyo until you’ve seen the Izu Islands. Located off the coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, these nine smaller islands are actually within Tokyo’s jurisdiction. Spending a weekend island hopping here can give visitors a breath of relief from the organized chaos of Tokyo proper. [...]
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You don’t know Tokyo until you’ve seen the Izu Islands. Located off the coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, these nine smaller islands are actually within Tokyo’s jurisdiction. Spending a weekend island hopping here can give visitors a breath of relief from the organized chaos of Tokyo proper. [...]
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There are hundreds of types of traditional dances in Japan, and Awa Odori is one of the best-known ones. Originated in Tokushima, it is now enjoyed and danced hundreds of thousands of performers across Japan. [...]
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Founded in 1349 as the first Jishu School temple in Sado, Shokoji is a small little temple tucked away in the back of the little Shukunegi village south of Sado Island. Shokoji has been enshrining the Tokai Benzaiten or the sea-crossing goddess, since its inception and has continuously […]
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Used for centuries by local fisherman living on the Ogi Peninsula, Hangiri are simple washtub boats made of cedar and bamboo grown on Sado Island. While Hangiri are no longer used by fisherman, it is still possible to enjoy a little “Hangiri” ride at different locations around Sado Island! [..]
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One of many Sado Island’s hidden scenic wonders is Onogame a 167-meter high monolith projecting into the sea. A true natural wonder who actually, believe it or not, won two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. But maybe one of Onogame’s most interesting things, […]
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Chokokuji Temple was founded in 807 by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) on the picturesque island of Sado in Niigata prefecture. Chokokuji features a unique design imitating the famous Hasedera Temple in Yamato prefecture. It goes to the extent to even use Hasedera Temple Kanji : 長谷寺. [...]
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Stretching over 350m high in Sado’s beautiful mountains, Iwakubi Shoryu Tanada (rice terraces) has been passed down from generations to generations of farmers since around the Edo Period with over 460 paddies still used today. [...]
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We’ve covered Asakusa Senso-ji temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon temple) extensively in the past by day. Today however, we wanted to give you the chance to enjoy this gorgeous temple like very few people are used to seeing it, at night! [...]
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