Byz's Reviews

Imaicho

Imaicho in Kashihara, Nara still has the appearance of an antiquated town. It was built between 1532 and 1555 with a Buddhist temple at its center, and while clashes continued with samurai forces, they were granted a license to trade from Oda Nobunaga in 1575, and the town was absolved of any wrongdoing. During the Edo period (1603-1868), this became an important location for the transportation of goods, and by developing into a commercial town, they were given permission by the Edo shogunate (government) to distribute their own currency. At the time, it had been developed into a cutting edge town on par with Osaka and Sakai.

• Nara
• Famous Places

Canoeing Down the Kozagawa River

The flow of the Kozagawa river is relatively gentle, so even beginners can fully enjoy kayaking. Why not feel some great nature and go kayaking leisurely down the river?

• Wakayama
• Experiences Facilities

Washoku Home Cooking Machiko

"Washoku Home Cooking Machiko" is a washoku cooking class for foreigners staying in Japan. Experiencing Japanese life in the classroom, which is at the instructor’s home, students make and eat a variety of meals like the classic washoku/Ichiju Sansai and Osaka gourmet, which is perfect for making memories of your travels.

• Hommachi, Yodoyabashi, Kitahama
• Experiences Facilities

A Gastronomy Walk Through Katsuragisanroku Park, Umemoto Tofu shop, Katakami Soy Sauce

Here, you can learn about fermentation at the soy sauce brewery, or enjoy a wonderful stroll and get closer with the local area and its relationship with food. Be amazed at the number of foods at the tofu shop. Visit and experience the food, history, culture, and townsfolk as you down the thoroughfares of the city, including the Katsuragi Kodo, one of Japan's oldest roads.

• Nara
• Famous Places

Shōkadō

Shōkadō Shōjō was a Buddhist monk of the early Edo period (1603-1868), as well as a man of culture. With his talent for the arts, Shōjō left us excellent calligraphy works and paintings, and the tea ceremonies that he hosted used to attract many cultured people and flourished as a place of exchange. In his last years, he retired to small residence (Shōkadō) that he built in Otokoyama in Yawata City, Kyoto, where he lived simply until his death in 1639. Since then, Shōkadō has been relocated several times. In 2014 it was relocated in Shōkadō garden, which was designated a national place of scenic beauty.

• Kyoto
• Museums

Sumo Wrestling Museum Kehayaza

In the midwest region of Nara Prefecture, Katsuragi City lies at the base of Mt. Nijo and its impressive double-peaks. Japan's oldest road Takenouchi Kaido has ancient myths connected and legends related to the Emperor of Japan, is home to historic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. There is a historical enchantment to the area that shows Nara used to be the capital. It is also said to be the region where Japan-specific cultural elements, such as sumo wrestling and the Tanabata festival, originated, making it the birthplace of the Japanese spirit. In one section of the city, you will find the Sumo wrestling Museum Kehayaza, a rarity even in Japan.

• Nara
• Experiences Facilities

Asahikan (Nara) Japanese Inn

Asahikan was founded around 140 years ago. It is located in front of the trail entrance to the World Heritage site, Mt. Omine, and has long been popular as a restful Inn for mountain climbers. Cuisine served at the inn features a variety of local seasonal produce, with a wonderful array of dishes from sweetfish grilled with salt and fresh deer sashimi to wild mountain vegetable dishes.

• Nara
• Inns

Awaji Puppet Theatre & Bunraku Viewing

The Awaji Puppet Theatre Company is the permanent venue for the Awaji Puppet Theatre. Inside a theatre lit by paper lanterns, they conduct four performances per day every day. Use the translated audio guide to listen to the program's story before the performance begins. If you understand the story beforehand, you are sure to better enjoy the performance.

• Hyogo
• Experiences Facilities