Dejima (出島 “exit island“) in Nagasaki, is a former island where first the Portuguese, and later the Dutch, were permitted to conduct business with the Japanese during the isolation era. It was through this island that Japan imported all it’s western knowledge and products. Today the area functions as a sort of large museum about …
The Dutch Slope, or The Hollander Slope, is a specific paved street leading up a hillside in Nagasaki‘s Higashiyamate neighborhood. The surrounding area was inhabited by wealthy western merchants after Japan opened it’s ports for foreign trade in 1859. The area still has a few original residences from that time, some of which can be …
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 …
Fukui Prefecture is one of the 5 smallest of Japan’s 47 prefectures, when ranked by population. It is a prefecture which is often overlooked by tourists, but actually there are some really interesting experiences to be had in this rural prefecture. This itinerary is suitable for a 3-day trip to Fukui Prefecture. Check out the …
Fukui Prefecture is among the 5 smallest of Japan’s 47 prefectures, when ranked by population. It is an area often overlooked by tourists, but in fact there are some really interesting experiences to be had in this rural prefecture. This itinerary is suitable for a 2-day excursion in Fukui Prefecture. Check out the 1-day itinerary …
