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I first stepped into this hotel five years ago, visiting friends from halfway across the world. Little did I know that I was following in the footsteps of sojourners from long ago. You see, a few hundred years ago, when Naha was a trading hub, dignitaries and scholars would sail into the harbor, and pay tribute to the rulers and administrators high on the hill. In nearby Shuri Castle, they would watch over maritime and land activity below, not forgetting the days when the island was divided into three kingdoms, each keeping an eye on the other.
One thing that caught the eyes of the rulers at Shuri Castle, was the arrival of the black ships on a rainy day on 24 May 1853, captained by one Commander Perry. Little did he know how instrumental that visit was, a month before Perry’s visit to Uraga near Yokohama on 8 July.
In the Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, Perry admired these islands' beauty, glowingly saying, “The shores of the isl..

Did you know that Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture, occupies about a quarter of the country's total surface area by itself?
With such a vast area to explore, visitors can certainly expect to encounter a number of attractive natural sights here that can't be found in Honshu, the main island of Japan. This is especially true in summer when nature is in full swing!
Some must-visit scenic spots in Hokkaido that fall into this category are the sea and mountains of Shiretoko, the clear and beautiful Lake Shikotsu, the breathtaking lavender fields of Furano, as well as the award-winning Tokachi Millennium Forest, just to name a few.
What are some of the more unique features of these places that make them worth making a summer trip down for? You're about to find out!
1. Shiretoko from the sea: Splendid nature from a unique point of view
(Image: PIXTA)
Let's begin our journey from the sea of Shiretoko. The peninsula was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage S..

Takayama City is located in Hida Region in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture. This city has a charming townscape and is a popular tourist destination because of its historical buildings and traditional culture which has been in place since the Edo period (1600 to 1868). Most people know it by the name Hida Takayama.
This article lists a number of sightseeing spots that will allow tourists to fully enjoy the charm of Hida Takayama. We will also provide information on dishes that highlight Hida-gyu or Hida beef as a part of the exquisite Wagyu brand.
Let’s jumpstart this list by seeing some of the most common tourist spots in this city.
Main image credit: Alexander Hagseth / Shutterstock.com
1. Visit Takayama Jinya, the last magistrate’s office in Japan
Takayama Jinya is a government office that served as the workplace of magistrates and county officials dispatched by the military government or bakufu. Sixty of such offices existed in Japan by the end of the Edo period. Still, at pres..

The southern island of Ishigaki is famous for its clear emerald-green water and beautiful white sandy beaches.
Browse & Book hotels in Okinawa
1. Kabira Bay
One of the most famous spots in Ishigaki – and one of the Top 100 Landscapes of Japan – Kabira Bay is truly picture perfect.
The colors of the ocean are said to change with the tides, turning from shades of turquoise to emerald.The popular glass-bottomed boats reveal a pristine underwater world below, where black pearls are cultivated. Though swimming is not allowed due to strong currents, visitors can still enjoy the beach and the gorgeous views.
Kabira Park Observation Deck
Kabira Park, Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa 907-0453, JapanBook Now ▶ Okinawa Glass Boat Tour at Kabira Bay and Snorkeling Tour at Fantom Island
2. Scuba & Snorkeling
The warm tropical waters around the islands of Okinawa make it Japan's diving paradise.
It is estimated that about 200 of the world’s 800 coral species flourish in the reefs of this region, ..

For fans of Sanrio and adorably presented food, a limited-time event starting this August at the Nagoya Hilton will be right up your alley. The Dark Forest Harvest Festival sweets buffet includes a variety of mouthwatering desserts which are inspired by Sanrio favorites like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi.
Some of the sweets on offer include Kuromi's Dark Forest Cake (a white chocolate mousse cake topped with cherries and Kuromi decorations), an Autumn Cinnamoroll Cake (a fluffy roll cake filled with purple taro cream and chestnut paste), and pumpkin Mont Blancs (milk chocolate cream, chocolate crumbles, pistachio cream, and pumpkin Mont Blanc cream, topped with pumpkin seeds).
The event will also include savory dishes such as chicken tikka masala, penne arrabiata with black olives and bacon, and a German potato salad to name just a few. The full menu can be explored here.
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As for the drinks, guest can choose from a variety of Ronnefeldt teas..

When you want your accommodation to have incredible natural surroundings but the creature comforts of home, glamping is a great option. A portmanteau of the words glamorous and camping, this style of accommodation brings a little luxury to the great outdoors, and more glamping destinations have been popping up across the country in recent years. One incredible glamping destination in Japan can be found at the Shakushiyama Gateway Camp, which boasts some incredible views of Mount Fuji.
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There are several types of glamping tents available at the premises, including luxury four bed tents (Dome A, Dome B, and Dome C), deluxe twin tents (Dome D, Dome E, Dome F, and Dome G), and premium twin tents (Dome H, Dome I, and Dome J). The four bed tents would be perfect for family trips or to accommodate larger friend groups, and the twin tents would work well for a couple's getaway.
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Part of what makes glamping such an appealing opt..

Sakunami Onsen is one of the main hot-spring Areas in Sendai City, in Miyagi Prefecture. Alongside great hot-spring inns, there are many great restaurants, traditional-crafts shops, and scenic spots. The Sakunami Onsen area is easily accessible, being only a 30-minute drive from JR Sendai Station, and about 40 minutes by train.
Today we'll look a 4 ryokan hot-spring inns and day-trip plans for your visit to Sakunami Onsen and its many sightseeing spots.
All the facilities we are introducing are implementing measures against Covid-19.
Main image courtesy of Yosenkaku Iwamatsu Ryokan
1.a. Nikka Whiskey Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery2.b. Is that a gorilla profile?! Check out Kamakurayama3.c. Enjoy lunch at the Yu no Machi Sakunami tourist Information Plaza Lasanta4.d. Add Yosenkaku Iwamatsu Ryokan's hot springs to your day-trip5.e. Find your souvenirs at Hiraga Kokeshi Store6.f. Homei Shijuhachi-taki FallsSendai's Sakunami Onsen Area
Photo courtesy of Sendai Interna..

The Shirakami-Sanchi mountain range is a fabled UNESCO World Heritage Site straddling Japan's northern prefectures of Akita and Aomori. The untouched primitive beauty of nature here and the sheer scale of it all continues to mesmerize countless visitors to its lands, making it a prime destination for adventure tourism.
Here we'll provide a comprehensive guide that will help you make the most of a 2-day trip to Tohoku's Akita and Shirakami-Sanchi, including details on how to get there from Tokyo, what exciting foods to try out, and must-visit hotspots within the region.
More About Shirakami-Sanchi in the Tohoku Region
Tohoku refers to the northeastern tip of Japan's Honshu island, the Japanese archipelago's main and largest. Full of luxuriant nature that is beautiful all year round, the region is home to many hot spring areas, traditional festivals, and countryside cuisine, giving it a special allure that can't be found in modern cities. No wonder it came i..

Have you always wanted to visit sunflower fields in Japan? Well, now is your chance to see some of the best places in Japan's midwest and what each gorgeous field offers. Known as 'himawari' in Japanese, sunflowers bloom during the summer months of July and August. Visiting sunflower fields can be a great day trip from Osaka and other areas to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.
With so much fun for all ages, Japan's sunflower fields offer visitors the chance to enjoy nature's beauty, snap some gorgeous photos, and even get a bite to eat, too! Join us as we travel around Japan's midwest to see the prettiest sunflower fields and give you all of the need-to-know details!
*Flower blooming periods may change depending upon the year.
*Event dates, times, and details may change depending on the circumstances. After checking the latest information on each location's official website, please follow recommended health & safety measures when visiting.
1. Nanko ..

Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again!
After a hiatus of almost three years, the cafes, bars, and restos are back on Kamakura’s beaches, the first time they have been erected on the site since the summer of 2019. Until the pandemic put a stop to it, aficionados thronged the Kamakura coast every summer to enjoy a fun day out eating, drinking, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a whole host of other beach and marine activities.
From July 1 to August 31, summertime in Kamakura draws holidaymakers to its famed beaches where a slew of eating and drinking places sprout up along the shore, offering all sorts of treats for the thirsty and the hungry. Even as early as the Edo Period (1603-1868), Kamakura has been a popular seaside resort destination for both locals and visitors coming from far and wide.
Kamakura’s Famed Beaches
Administered and maintained by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, Kamakura's 8 km coastline encompasses five beaches: Zaimokuza and Yuigahama, a contiguous stretch of s..