Shurijo Castle Site It exhibits an original architectural style featuring masonry from the 15th to the 19th century, the period in which Okinawa developed a culture of its own as the Ryukyu kingdom. The site of the main castle and some related properties in the park are registered on the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. […]
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Yakushima Island Many climbers visit this island to see the ancient Japanese cedar tree called Jomon sugi, that is said to be more than 4000 years old. The moss- covered primeval forests of this island have been used as the setting for animated films. Yakushima Island is a stunning and biodiverse island located off the
Takachiho Ravine A gorge formed by eroded lava from Mt. Aso. Cliffs 80 meters(262 feet) to 100 meters (328 feet) high continue for 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) in this valley. Many waterfalls flow into this ravine, where people can enjoy the particularly beautiful sights of fresh leaves in spring and colorful foliage in fall. Takachiho
Mt. Aso Mt. Aso offers distinctive views of the vast grassy plain and volcanic group in the surrounding area, as well as one of the largest calderas in the world. The spring water known for its great taste and the hot springs are other popular attractions this area offers. Mount Aso is one of Japan’s
Nagasaki City Nagasaki had a manmade little island called Dejima where Japan traded with Portugal and the Netherlands during the period of national seclusion. Here you can find the oldest wooden Western-style building in Japan, once owned by Thomas Glover, the man who laid a foundation for the Japanese shipbuilding industry. Nagasaki City is a
Yufuin A popular hot spring area that sprawls at the foot of beautiful Mt. Yufu-dake, which local people call Bungo Fuji( Mt. Fuji of the Bungo area).Yufuin boasts the second largest supply of hot spring water in Japan. From fall to winter, Yufuin offers fantastic views of mountains enshrouded in morning mist. Yufuin is a
Fukuoka City (Hakata) The largest city in Kyushu, and renowned as a gateway to Asia. Fukuoka offers a variety of local delicacies, such as fresh seafood and tonkotsu ramen(Chinese noodles in a pork bone soup), all year round. Fukuoka City, often referred to as Hakata, is a lively and modern metropolis in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.
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A Pilgrimage around Shikoku Island (Ohenro) Some 1200 years ago, Kobo Daishi established 88 holy places(temples) scattered around Shikoku Island to free people from their suffering. Going on a pilgrimage to these temples is said to remove earthly desires and answer prayers, which is why many pilgrims visit these sacred locations. A pilgrimage around Shikoku
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Shimanto River The longest river in Shikoku, running through the western section of Kochi prefecture. Shimanto River has been called the last clear stream in Japan because no large dams or other similar facilities have been built on its main course, enabling the river to preserve its pristine water quality. Shimanto River, also known as
Islands in the Seto Inland Sea The Seto Inland Sea is surrounded by the major Japanese island of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. There are a large number of smaller islands in this inland sea that vary in size, such as Shodoshima Island, Naoshima Island, and Ohmishima Island, and each has its own distinct attractions and
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