The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784. Its location (not far from today’s Kyoto) had been selected …
Japan
Hiraizumi – temples and gardens representing the Buddhist Pure Land
The women in the Hiraizumi tourist information are delighted to try their English on Western travellers. Apparently, the splendid temples …
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The Zuiryuji Temple in Takaoka – a hidden gem
In spring we spent several months in Japan researching for a guidebook update – and still found some (unexpected) highglights …
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Osorezan – the gates to hell on the Shimokita Peninsula
The world’s northernmost colony of monkeys lives near Wakinosawa on the Shimokita Peninsula in North Japan. It’s a rather far-off …
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Washoku – the art of Japanese food
Japanese food – washoku – has been named an intangible world heritage in 2013 for its rich traditions. These traditions …
The scenic view of Matsushima Bay
Matsushima means “pine island” and there are more than 260 of pine-covered islands that dot the Matsushima Bay. It is …
A pilgrimage to the Miyajima floating Torii
“Please don’t move from one side of the boat to the other,” the captain warns. “This might be dangerous and …
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Tourism in the Japanese Alps
Until the 19th century, only Shinto pilgrims visited the inhospitable mountains of central Japan. The British missionary Walter Weston was …
Shirakawa-go Village: Prayer roofs and honourable silkworms
In the traditional villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, the remoteness of the past is still tangible. Both Gokayama Village and …
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Hiking on the Nakasendo
During the Edo Period, the Nakasendo (“the way through the mountains”) was one of the main roads connecting Tokyo – …
