Kurima Island is a small island, located just off the coast of Miyakojima. It is quite a remote island, with few inhabitants and visitors. The island is mostly covered by sugar cane and tobacco fields. However, Kurima has some of the most beautiful beaches and views of the Miyako island group. The small and drowsy …
Kenroku-en Garden
Kenroku-en (兼六園) is a beautiful Japanese Garden located in the city of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is considered one of Japans most beautiful gardens and it is part of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan”. Kenroku-en is known for being beautiful through all seasons, hence it’s open year-round. The gardens most famous sight might …
Beaches of Miyakojima
One of the main reasons visitors come to Okinawa is to enjoy the picture-perfect beaches. Miyakojima probably has the most beautiful beaches in all of Okinawa and yet remains nearly undiscovered by non-Japanese tourists. No matter what kind of beach-goer you are, Miyakojima has something for you. If you prefer a sunbed and a beautiful …
Kuronagi Onsen
Kuronagi Onsen is a secluded Ryokan and onsen located remotely in the forests of the Kurobe Gorge, in Toyama prefecture, Chubu. It sits on a riverbank, cozily nestled between tall trees, and with a view of the steep, foresty mountainside across the river. This classic, but basic, Ryokan is isolated in a small side valley …
Beach safety in Okinawa
Going to the beach is enjoyable and fun – and probably a huge part of why you want to go to Okinawa in the first place. While you shouldn’t be scared to go to the beach in Okinawa, it is necessary to be aware of some dangers associated with the beach and sea, hence this …
Kurobe Gorge
Kurobe Gorge is a highly scenic, and nearly uninhabited, gorge in the the Toyama Prefecture in Chūbu. The gorge (a canyon with a river flowing in it), which was formed by the Kurobe river, has mesmerizing steep sides, covered in wild forrest, which is especially scenic during the fall time when the leaves turn red. …
Higashi-Hennazaki Cape (Miyakojima)
Higashi-hennazaki is a narrow, 2km long (1.24mi) long cape which extends out of the eastern side of Miyako island (Okinawa). The cape has the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the East China Sea on the other. Along the coast line of the cape are large rocks, scattered in the mesmerizing blue water. At the …
Matsuchiyama Shoten Temple
Matsuchiyama Shoten is a buddhist temple, located near the Sumida River in Asakusa, Tokyo. The temple is a part of the larger Senso-ji temple which it is located nearby. It is however believed to predate Senso-ji by around 50 years. Matsuchiyama Shoten is famous for something a little unusual, namely it’s many pictures and carvings …
Bridges of Miyakojima
Miyakojima is a group of islands, most of which are connected by some magnificent bridges. The three large bridges, Ikema Bridge, Irabu Bridge and Kurima Bridge are famed for their beauty and elegant design. It is common, when visiting Miyakojima, to make a “bridge tour” where you see and cross all three majestic bridges in …
Ueno German Culture Village
Ueno German Culture Village is a German theme park located on Miyako Island. The main attraction in the park is the large replica of Marksburg Castle, along with two sections of the Berlin Wall which is housed in the castles museum. “Deutsches Kulturdorf Ueno” as this place would be called in German, is your typical …