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Raina Ong Staff Writer,japan-guide.com Located on the western side of the Izu Peninsula, the town of Nishiizu is an off-the-beaten path destination that is fitting for those who want to be surrounded by nature. The Pacific Ocean makes up the coastal side of Nishiizu, and the town’s interior is mountainous. When it comes to the […]
Raina Ong Staff Writer,japan-guide.com Himeji Castle is Japan’s best known castle from the feudal period that has survived fires and major destruction. Completed in 1609, the well preserved castle is a national treasure and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 – one of the first world heritage sites in Japan. The grand […]
As spring rolls through Japan, cherry blossom trees erupt in all shades of pink in a wave from south to north. In the Tohoku region of northern Japan, the colder weather causes sakura to bloom slightly later than in the warmer parts of the country. Visiting these late-blooming sakura is one way to beat the […]
Raina Ong Staff Writer,japan-guide.com Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, is known for its beautiful beaches, subtropical weather and marine life. Surrounded by ocean, the prefecture contains approximately 160 islands, and it is also the top destination for Japanese residents who want a beach getaway without leaving the country. Alongside its reputation as an idyllic […]
Raina Ong Staff Writer,japan-guide.com Located in eastern Tokyo, Asakusa is one of the iconic tourist destinations in the metropolis, attracting many visitors with its temples and old-town charm. The most well known landmark in Asakusa is its Kaminarimon Gate, which leads to Sensoji Temple. Asakusa and its surrounds are walkable districts that still retain much […]
Japan has a comprehensive transportation network comprising of trains, buses and taxis. In major cities, the dense train transit network provides access across the city and its districts, and buses and taxis typically bridge the gap in areas not covered by the train service. Taxis can be an efficient and convenient way to travel in […]
Raina Ong Staff Writer,japan-guide.com Autumn is a nice season to visit Japan, when the sunny days and cooler temperatures make walking and sightseeing very pleasant. Additionally, trees whose leaves turn shades of red, orange and yellow in fall, add a riot of colors. Autumn colors are typically associated with being in nature like in forests […]
Raina Ong Staff Writer,japan-guide.com Sake is a fermented alcoholic beverage that has the longest history in Japan among all the alcoholic beverages available in the country. The practice of making sake is said to date back more than a millennium, and there are early written records from the 8th century about sacred alcohol that was […]
While it’s fine to write down all the places you plan to visit on your next trip, plotting your itinerary on a map can help you optimize your routes, coordinate with your travel buddies, and navigate in real time. Fortunately, mapping your itinerary is now easier than ever with these travel planning apps. 1. Scout […]
Raina Ong Staff Writer,japan-guide.com About 1300 years ago, the area comprising of Nara City and its surrounds was established as Japan’s first permanent capital as opposed to previous capitals, which moved each time a new emperor was enthroned. Buddhism was the religion of the then ruling nobles, who embraced it when it was introduced to […]