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![A scenic spot representing Kochi Prefecture, featuring beautiful pine forests, a sandy beach, and the ocean.]()
Kochi
Nature Spots
Katsurahama
3.87 2A picturesque spot in Kochi Prefecture known for its Ryoma Sakamoto statue.
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Kochi Castle Travel Guide: Japan’s Only Original Castle Keep and Main Bailey Still Standing
Kochi Castle is one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and a must-visit draw for travelers from across the country. If you’re going all the way to Kochi Castle, you’ll want to make the most of it. This guide is for first-time visitors, covering key highlights and what makes it special, including its 15 buildings spread across a vast grounds and the rare fact that both the castle keep and the Honmaru Palace still survive. We’ll also share the best seasons to visit and practical tips to help you enjoy your trip.
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The Best Spots to See in Kochi Prefecture
Kochi Prefecture is the famous homeland of Ryoma Sakamoto, a prominent samurai during the Bakumatsu era. It’s also a popular tourist destination for its wide range of breathtaking nature and real Japanese history at your fingertips. In this article we’ll show you the best spots in Kochi to see.
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![USJ, celebrating its 20th Opening Anniversary in 2021]()
Osaka
Amusement Parks & Theme parks
Universal Studios Japan
4.74 61An interactive dive into the world of movies, anime and games from around the world!
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Universal Studios Japan Complete Guide: A Must-Read for Those Who Want to Experience It All!
Universal Studios Japan is a hugely popular theme park that captivates not only Japanese visitors but people from all over the world. With its unique and diverse attractions, the park offers an immersive experience that makes both adults and children feel like they’ve stepped into the world of movies. This article compiles essential information on how to enjoy Universal Studios Japan and tips for exploring the park comfortably and efficiently.
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Fully Enjoy Universal Studios Japan: A 1-Day Model Plan for Efficiently Exploring Popular Attractions
To fully enjoy this world-class theme park, preparation is key. Make the most of your visit by using the Universal Express Pass, which allows you to enjoy major attractions at designated times. Additionally, check for off-season periods in Japan and event information to maximize your experience at Universal Studios Japan.
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Best Travel Spot Add-Ons During a Trip to USJ, Osaka
Universal Studios Japan, or USJ as it’s known more commonly, is the popular theme park in Osaka where guests can dive into the popular worlds of Harry Potter, Mario from Nintendo and more. In this guide, we’ll show you some more travel spots that work as perfect add-ons to your trip to USJ.
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![The "New Pavilion" protects the Konjikidō Golden Hall. The Konjikidō Golden Hall is inside this pavilion.]()
Iwate
Shrines & Temples
Chuson-ji Temple
4.44 16A Temple Famous for the Glistening National Treasure “Konjikidō Golden Hall” and Lotuses.
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In Awe of Sheer Nature: Top 18 Autumn Foliage Spots in Tohoku
Tohoku is a destination replete with unbeatable nature and remarkable spots to catch vibrant leaves in autumn. Across the region you’ll find an array of foliage spots so vast it may be hard to pick, with anything from mountains blanketed in autumn colors, beautifully tinted valleys and mountain roads perfect for a drive amidst the autumn scenery, to lakeshores adorned in seasonal hues and more.
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Visiting Iwate Prefecture’s World Heritage Site, “Hiraizumi”
“Hiraizumi - Temples, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land” was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2011. It is composed of five parts, all located within Hiraizumi Town of Iwate Prefecture: Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, Kanjizaioin Ato, Muryokoin Ato, and Mt. Kinkeisan. This article will introduce each of these five locations.
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![Spring features beautiful weeping cherries and black board fences.]()
Akita
Famous Places
Samurai Residences in Kakunodate
4.71 14Take in the Beautiful Cityscape Featuring Black Fencing and Samurai Residences.
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25 Things to Do in Akita
Akita is a place where you can find many landscapes full of traditional Japanese charm. If you're visiting Akita, be sure to explore its tourist spots that reflect traditional Japanese culture and customs, as well as some of Japan's most renowned hidden hot springs. This article introduces the best attractions, shopping spots, and events in Akita to help you fully experience its charm.
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Fall Foliage Hikes in Kakunodate!
A hiking trail through Kakunodate for viewing fall foliage: set off from the neighborhood of Kakunodate Station, walk northward along the road of Bukeyashiki (Bukeyashiki-dori), to south along the road of Tamachi Bukeyashiki (Tamachi Bukeyashiki-dori), and return to Kakunodate Station.
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Visiting Kakunodate and its Samurai Residences
Within Kakunodate-cho of Akita Prefecture are the remnants of a flourishing castle town from about 400 years ago. This district has been designated as protected in an effort to conserve traditional buildings.
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![Konponchuudo]()
Yamagata
Shrines & Temples
Yama-Dera (Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple)
4.55 11Climb 1,015 Stone Steps to Reach the Top to Worship! A Temple Said to Cut Out Bad Relationships.
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15 Things to Do in Yamagata
Yamagata is blessed with beautiful natural scenery, including mountains such as Mt. Zao and Mt. Gassan, both of which are listed among Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, and the Mogami River, affectionately known as the Mother River. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Yamagata is home to many traditional hot spring towns and historic buildings. Visiting Yamagata lets you enjoy both picturesque landscapes and the charm of traditional Japan.
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Yamagata Prefecture’s “Yamadera” – Amazing Snowy Scenery!
You can reach Yamadera Station from Tokyo Station by taking the Yamagata Shinkansen for 2 hours and 30 minutes, then changing to the Senzan line at Yamagata Station and riding for about 20 minutes.
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Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture, with Stunning Scenery Throughout the Seasons
Yamadera is located in Yamagata City of Yamagata Prefecture. The temple’s official name is Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple. This ancient temple has been worshipped for many years, and it is believed that climbing the 1015 stone steps to worship at the summit helps to cut bad relationship ties. The temple offers stunning scenery throughout each season of the year, so enjoy this showcase of the seasonal views!
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![Early summer]()
Gifu
Famous Places
Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)
4.71 28A World Heritage Site that Offers Views of Japan’s Historic Scenery.
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Shirakawa-go Travel Guide: Experience Japan’s Original Rural Landscape and Traditional Culture
Shirakawa-go is a secluded destination where Japan’s original rural landscape still remains. Surrounded by mountains, its gassho-zukuri villages offer beautiful scenery in every season, captivating not only Japanese visitors but international travelers as well. Its stunning views are undoubtedly its greatest appeal, but Shirakawa-go has much more to offer. This article introduces the charms of Shirakawa-go, popular sightseeing spots, and other useful information to know before your visit. Use this guide to make the most of everything Shirakawa-go has to offer.
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Recommended Photo Spots in Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a World Heritage Site located in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village. Many “gassho-zukuri” style buildings still stand in the area, creating stunning scenery reminiscent of Japan’s olden times. This article will introduce our recommended spots for taking beautiful photos.
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See Remnants of Japan’s History Through Gassho-Zukuri Architecture at the World Heritage Site of Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture
Gokayama is located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, and is home to two gassho-zukuri settlements, Ainokura and Suganuma. “Gassho-zukuri” is the name of a historically valuable and unique type of architecture with pitched roofs that are similar in shape to hands clasped in prayer. Gassho-zukuri settlements can only be found in these snowy and mountainous areas. The Gokayama Settlement and Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa-go were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995.
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![Matsumoto Castle]()
Nagano
Tourist Attractions
Matsumoto Castle
4.50 14A Stunning Black and White Castle Shining in the Northern Alps Mountains.
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29 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Nagano: Rich History and Nature Escapes
Nagano is the mountainous escape that’s enclosed by the 3 ranges of the Japan Alps. The area is hugged by rolling peaks, and remarkable natural backdrops as far as the eye can see. Not to be missed, there are even historic temples and shrines, plenty of places to stay and shops that await.
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Take a Walk Through the Castle Town of Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle, located in Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto City, is a historic castle that has been designated as a national treasure. If you’re planning a visit to Matsumoto Castle, be sure to take a walk around the castle town too! It is divided up into several areas with a retro-style atmosphere, each with its own history and unique points. Take a look!
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![The museum is located within Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park.
Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum]()
Fukui
Museums
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
3.47 1Dinosaurs are the Star at One of Japan’s Largest Geology and Paleontology Museums.
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Stunning Nature and Historic Views: 16 Must-Visit Spots in Fukui
Fukui Prefecture is known for dramatic natural scenery, from the rugged sea cliffs of Tojinbo to the “castle in the sky,” Echizen Ono Castle, floating above a sea of clouds. You’ll also find plenty of places to experience Japan’s history and culture, including preserved townscapes, historic ruins, and temples and shrines. Here are some must-visit attractions, plus recommended places to stay, for a Fukui trip packed with highlights.
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Fukui Prefecture, the Kingdom of Dinosaurs! Let’s Go See Dinosaurs!
Many fossils of dinosaurs have been excavated from within Fukui Prefecture, including those of several newly discovered species of dinosaurs, earning it the name “Dinosaur Kingdom.” Model dinosaurs are set up throughout the prefecture’s cities, and this article will introduce popular spots within Fukui Prefecture where you can see them!
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