Sofuku-ji is an Ōbaku zen temple located in Nagasaki City in Nagasaki Prefecture. The temple was constructed in 1629 to serve Chinese people living in Nagasaki. It later became Japanese, so the architecture is an interesting mix of Chinese and Japanese styles. The complex has numerous important cultural assets, among them two national treasures; the …
The Confucius Shrine in Nagasaki is a Chinese shrine, dedicated to the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BC). The shrine dates back to 1893, when it was first constructed by the Chinese community in Nagasaki. It is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture, and stands as a colorful contrast to the traditional Japanese shrines. Already as …
In this article you find a selection of the best ryokans in Shikoku. All the listed properties have rooms with private outdoor baths (many with onsen water). Shikoku is one of Japans most rural regions, and with a mountainous landscape Shikoku is home to some Ryokans with amazing, undisturbed views. Amongst the best known onsen areas in Shikoku are Dogo …
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, located in Nagasaki City, is a museum dedicated to remembering the traumatic day in 1945, when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The museum displays artifacts from the bombing, and explains the events leading up to the bombing. The museum has numerous photos of Nagasaki before the bombing, …
Nagasaki Peace Park is a wide and open park, made to commemorate the day the atomic bomb fell on Nagasaki (9. august 1945). The park has two parts; the memorial park and the hypo center park. The memorial park is home to the peace fountain and the impressive Peace Statue designed by Seibo Kitamura. Nearby …
This article lists a selection of the best ryokans in Hokkaido. All the listed properties have private onsen baths (indoor or outdoor). Hokkaido with it’s snowy winters and pleasant summers is a fantastic all-season location for onsen bathers. Amongst the best known onsen towns in Hokkaido are Noboribetsu, Jozankei Onsen, Lake Toyako Onsen and Yunokawa Onsen. Staying in a Ryokan with …
Ichijōdani Asakura Clan Historic Ruins in Fukui Prefecture are the remains of the once big and prosperous Ichijōdani castle town. The town, which was once populated by as much as 10’000 people, was completely destroyed during the 1573 Siege of Ichijōdani Castle. Today, a 200 meter stretch of the ruins have been reconstructed with walls …
Eihei-ji is an ancient Sōtō Zen temple, located in the wooded hills outside Fukui City in Fukui Prefecture. The temple, which was founded in 1244 by Dōgen, is made up by 70 buildings and structures. Eihei-ji’s buildings are located at different heights up along the hill, and many of them are interconnected with covered wooden walkways, …
Cape Maeda in Okinawa is a stunning view point, and a very popular spot for snorkeling and diving tours. The exceptionally clear water, and the unique blue cave under the cliff, makes this the number one diving spot for tourists among all the amazing dive sites on the island. Book Blue Cave Snorkeling and Scuba …
The Nagamachi District in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a historic area where many Samurai families had their residence in the edo-period. The area is well known for its authentic atmosphere, and well preserved streets with canals, narrow stone paths and earthen walls which surround many of the properties. Some of the old residences, like the …
