The highest point of the sacred island of Miyajima is Mount Misen (弥山) at 535 meters (1755 ft.). At the very top of the mountain is an observatory, called Mount Misen Observatory, with a stunning view over Hiroshima Bay. Mount Misen has been a sacred location for centuries. It is said that the Buddhist monk …
Mount Misen Hiking Trails (Miyajima)
Mount Misen on Miyajima has for centuries attracted humans. The mountain has been considered sacred since at least the 9th century, and today remains a very important mountain for the shrines and temples in the area. There are multiple hiking trails, of different difficulties, on and around Mount Misen. Mount Misen isn’t a very high …
Hiroshima 3-day itinerary
Hiroshima is a modern and exciting city, with a tragic history. When visiting Hiroshima today it is hard to imagine that as recently as 1945 the entire city was wiped out by the first atomic bomb ever to be used in warfare. The city was completely leveled, and everything which can be seen today has …
18 Temple Stays in Koyasan
Discover the tranquility and authentic atmosphere of temple lodgings (shukubō) during your visit to Japan! In Japan, select Buddhist temples welcome pilgrims and tourists to stay for one or more nights on the temple grounds. These temples usually have dedicated guest rooms, and a stay will often include meals and an invitation to participate in …
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island in Hiroshima Prefecture is one of the best known shrines in all of Japan, and a UNESCO world heritage site. The shrine is built in a small cove on Miyajima, and stands almost entirely over the water. The iconic torii gate located in the water in front of the shrine …
Ishigaki Yaima Village
Explore the enchanting Ishigaki Yaima Village, a captivating open-air museum that showcases pre-modern houses and traditional Okinawan architecture. This unique museum offers a window into the life of old Okinawa, prior to the arrival of modern construction techniques. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a delightful monkey park, making it a perfect spot for both those interested …
Kabira Bay & Glass Bottom Boats
Kabira Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay and beach area in Ishigaki, Okinawa, worthy of the front page of a travel magazine. The bay and beach is known as one of the most beautiful in all of Okinawa, but also for it’s Glass Bottom Boat Tours which allow visitors to watch corals and fish in …
Yonekoyaki Shisa Sculpture Park
The Shisa, a creature which is half dog half lion, is a deeply rooted and very popular part of Okinawan culture. At the Yonekoyaki Shisa Sculpture Park in Ishigaki you can experience a local artists trippy and colorful take on this piece of Okinawa tradition. Here dozens of enormous and colorful, lovable sculptures with wacky …
Kyushu North to South 14-day itinerary
This itinerary takes you from north to south through Japan’s southern most main island, Kyushu in 14 days. All the way from the bustling metropolis of Fukuoka in the north, over the historic and picturesque pottery village of Arita, the culturally diverse Nagasaki, steaming onsen baths on valcanoes, and to Kagoshima’s active volcano Sakurajima and …
Tokyo’s Unique Hotel Haven, 5 unusual hotels
Tokyo, the vibrant and bustling capital city of Japan, is renowned for its captivating blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. As a global hub of art, technology, and entertainment, it’s no surprise that Tokyo is also home to some of the world’s most unique and avant-garde hotels. In this post, we invite you to …