Tag:Castle / Japan Travel Videos
Nature, History, Culture and Life in Shizuoka
Shizuoka Prefecture located between Tokyo and Nagoya is famous as the home of iconic Mount Fuji. Not only the highest mountain in Japan, but a lot of onsen resorts such as Shuzenji Onsen in the Izu Peninsula attract the visitors from Tokyo and surrounding areas. Shizuoka is top in the number of catches of tuna from many fishing ports along the Pacific Coast such as Yaizu. Note that getting around multiple places in the video need a couple of days, staying at Shuzeji Onsen and Sumatakyo Onsen.
Onsen Train Bridge Port Castle History
Fukuyama City
Fukuyama City is located at the eastern end of Hiroshima Prefecture. Fukuyama Castle and Fukuyama Museum of Art stand in the park next to Fukuyama Station of the JR San-yo Shinkansen Line. Tomonoura is the picturesque port town along the coastline in the Seto Inland Sea National Park. The town flourished centuries ago when many merchants' boats sailing the Seto Inland Sea docked at the port. Myoo-in Temple is designated a national treasure popular with the five-tiered pagoda and the main hall. Its details feature a mixture of Chinese Buddhist and Zen style architecture.
Museum Castle Temple Shrine Port
Shiga Tourist Attractions
Shiga Prefecture located next to Kyoto is famous with Hieizan Enryakuji Shrine, Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa which is the largest lake in Japan. More historical sites such as gen-ji Temple, Aga Shrine and Hino Castle Ruin are accesable from Omihachiman Station just about one-hour train ride from Osaka. Cosmos at Noda-cho is expected to bloom from late Sep. to late Oct.
Castle Moat Shrine Temple Flower History View
Uncovered Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi is located on the westernmost of the Honshu main island of Japan, bordering Hiroshima on the east and Fukuoka is in Kyushu on the west. The major cities of the prefectures are connected by the Shikansen bullet train. One of the Yamaguchi's major attractions is the five-arched Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni City. Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park consists of Akiyoshidai Plateau, a 130 square kilometer area of karst topography with over 400 limestone caves including Akiyoshido Cave which is Japan’s longest limestone cave.
Bridge Plateau Cave Castle Onsen History
Okayama, Onomichi, Kurashiki
Okayama Prefecture is bordering Hiroshima Prefecture on the west. Okayama City, the prefectural capital is famous with Oakayama Castle with its notable black exterior and Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three outstanding gardens along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa City and Kairakuen in Mito City. Kurashiki is a historic merchant town that is famous for its canals running through the old quarter with unchanged atmosphere from centuries ago.
Castle Garden Park observatory Canal History Street
Central Kochi
Kochi is located on the southern coast of Shikoku Island in Japan. Kochi Castle is the only castle in Japan whose original building is preserved as it was built 400 years ago. On the hilltop in the eastside of the town, stand Godaisan Observatory and Chikurinji Temple, one of the 88 temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Kochi is known as the home of Sakamoto Ryoma who played a important role in the Meiji Restoration in the 19th Century. His statue is located at the Katsurahama Beach that faces the Pacific Ocean in the south of the city.
Castle Market Temple Observatory Eat View
Stunning Views in Shiga
Shiga Prefecture is next to Kyoto and easily accessible by trains from Osaka as well. Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan is located in the center of the Prefecture and many popular places are located around the lake. One of them is Shirahige Shrine popular with its Torii gate standing in the lake water. Located in Kyoto's eastern mountain range on Mount Hieizan, Enryakuji Temple has been the headquarters of the Tendai sect and one of the most significant monasteries in Japanese history since founded in 788. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Castle Lake Shrine Temple History View
Aomori, Japan
Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Honshu, Japan that shows beautiful landscapes in four distinct seasons. Hirosaki Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. In fall, hiking among the waterfalls and autumn foliage at Oirase Gorge in Towada-Hachimantai National Park is popular. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Hakkoda Mountains and onsen hot spring at Sukayu Onsen.
Park Castle Onsen Mountain Snow Nature Eat
Ehime Travel Vlog
Ehime Prefecture is in the northwest of Shikoku island. The prefectural capital is Matsuyama known for Matsuyama Castle. Four of its eight strategic gates are designated national cultural treasures. Dogo Onsen Honkan bathhouse was built in 1894 and has been the main attraction of Dogo Onsen which is known as the oldest onsen hot spring resort in Japan. Imabari City is famous as the producer of high quality towels and is located at the southern end of the Shimanami Kaido bridge system that links Shikoku with Honshu Island which is popular for a spectacular bike ride.
Castle Onsen View History
Shimane’s Beautiful Scenery
Shimane Prefecture is located in the northern region of Western Japan, facing the Sea of Japan. Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is famous as the place where myriads of Japanese gods gather to hold annual meetings. The Adachi Museum of Art with the majestic Japanese gardens is a Michelin Guide 3 stars winner. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Ruins is the World Heritage Site designated in 2007. Matsue Castle is one of 12 castles in Japan with extant original donjons. Lake Shinji is popular with the beautiful sunset.
View Traditional performing art Shrine World heritage Castle Museum
Shizuoka, rugby legend's visit
Shizuoka Prefecture is located west of Tokyo on the Pacific Coast and is home of iconic Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. The Old Tokaido Road linking Tokyo and Kyoto runs through Shizuoka. Now Shizuoka City, is situated just between Tokyo and Nagoya on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. At the city center stand the remains of Sumpu Castle, built by Japan’s first Shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu. Shizuoka is the top producer of green tea in Japan and also known for its excellent food. Many places on the coast such as Nihon-daira have fantastic views of Mount Fuji.
Castle Garden History View Park
Nagoya, rugby legend's visit
Nagoya is the third biggest cities in Japan and the capital of Aichi Prefecture. It is an excellent base for day trips and Japan travel, located between Tokyo and Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Nagoya played an important role in Japan’s history. Nagoya Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogunate in the Edo Era (1603－1867). Today, Nagoya is an important industrial center and home to Toyota Motor Corporation. The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (Toyota Techno Museum) is one of several interesting museums here where you can learn about Japanese cars and manufacturing technology.
History Castle Museum Technology Cars
Osaka, rugby legend's visit
Osaka is the second biggest city in Japan and has been an important port. It is a city of merchants and traders and famous for its local food. Try Osaka-style "kuidaore" that means eat until you drop (literally eat yourself broke). Visit the Kuromon Market to see the produce that goes into preparing Osaka’s specialties like savory okonomiyaki pancakes, deep fried kushikatsu skewers, and takoyaki octopus dumplings. And visit Dotonbori for street food, restaurants, and neon lights. For a good city view, go to the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory or Osaka Castle’s observation deck, which has a 360 degree view.
View Castle History Eat Shop Market
Things to do in Nagoya
Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, located in the center of Japan’s main island Honshu. In the past, Nagoya was an important castle town. On the castle grounds stand the reconstructed main keep and the palace of the ruling lords. Present day Nagoya is one of Japan’s industrial centers and home to both traditional and modern manufacturers like Toyota. Toyota’s museums focus on the development of automotive technology while the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is all about Japan’s trains. Located on the Shinkansen Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Kyoto & Osaka, Nagoya is an excellent base for Japan travel.
History Castle Museum Cars Trains Fun
Fukuoka in a Day
Fukuoka is the biggest city on Kyushu Island in Southern Japan. It is an important harbor and a hub for Japan travel. In the Edo Period (1603-1868), Fukuoka Castle was the largest castle in Kyushu. It was torn down, but its castle walls remain in Maizuru Park, a popular cherry blossom spot in the spring. Fukuoka is famous in Japan for its culinary culture and cuisine, its many food stalls (yatai) and Hakata Ramen - thin noodles in pork-based tonkotsu soup. Visit the Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba (fish market) and the yatai in the Nakasu area to try Fukuokas’s best foods.
Eat Ramen Street food market History Castle Park
Things to do in Osaka
Osaka developed as a merchant city. It is a hub for Japan travel and known for its food, fun, and attractions. Ride the iconic red HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel for great city views. Located at the waterfront are Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan - one of the largest aquariums in the world - and Universal Studios Japan. At the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living you can walk through Osaka’s streets as they looked 200 years ago. And in Takimi Koji you can try the food Osaka is famous for in retro surroundings looking like the 1920s cityscape.
Play Eat Aquarium Castle History
Love Fukushima
Aizu is the westernmost region of Fukushima Prefecture. In the past, feudal lords ruled the area with their samurai warriors from Tsuruga Castle in Aizu Wakamatsu. The museum inside the reconstructed castle explains Aizu’s history. In Ouchi-juku you can feel like a traveller in old Japan. This post town was a stop on the route to Edo (Tokyo). In Kitakata, try local sake and the city’s famous ramen noodles. Lake Inawashiro near Aizu Wakamatsu is one of the largest lakes in Japan. It belongs to the Bandai Asahi National Park where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and watersports.
Nature National park Hiking Skiing Castle View History Samurai sake
Visit Okinawa
Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture and is located over 600 km south of the island of Kyushu. Okinawa consists of approx. 50 islands. Some of them are developed with modern resorts, others are remote islands that boast untouched beautiful natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy distinctive Okinawan culture in food, craft, music and architecture which originated from the Ryukyu Kingdom which ruled the islands until the late 19th century.
Okinawa Naha Island Fish market Castle
Trip to Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Kanazawa boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts is accessible in two and a half hours by the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train began operation in 2015. Kenrokuen Garden is the most famous attraction filled with a variety of trees, ponds, and flowers that is considered one of the "three great gardens of Japan". Kanazawa boasts numerous former geisha houses in the Higashi Geisha District. wonderful cuisine including some of Japan's highest-quality seafood also attracts many tourists.
Museum Castle Garden
Fukushima, must see spots
Aizu is the western region of Fukushima Prefecture. Aizu Wakamatsu City is a center of the region and as the city names themselves as "Samurai City", the area shows the samurai tradition at the landmarks such as Tsuruga Castle and Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai residence). It also has been a town of merchants with beautiful storehouses. Ouchi-juku is an old post town which is famous with its traditional thatched buildings that line its main street.
Fukushima Aizu Castle Old town Temple