2015年5月30日土曜日

Yuki-no-Otani (Snow Wall)

The 500m-long snow wall is formed each spring on either side of the highway after snow is cleared for the opening of the Alpine Route. The awe-inspiring snow wall can reach a height of up to 20m, which is comparable to a seven-story building. The walls are still 10m in height even in late June at the end of the season.  →more info

Video
そびえる雪の壁

・Location  →Map

Tateyama Station (Toyama)


about 7 hours by train and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 6 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



2015年5月29日金曜日

Korakuen (japanese Garden)

In 1687, the daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa ordered construction of the garden.Now, it is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.  →more info

Video
PhoTones Works #6755

・Location  →Map

Zyouka Station (Okayama)


about 5 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 3 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Akashi Kaikyō Ō-hashi (Bridge)

Since its completion in 1998, the bridge has had the longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world, at 1,991 metres (6,532 ft; 1.237 mi).  →more info

Video
PhoTones Works #3480

・Location  →Map

Maiko-kōen Station (Hyougo)


about 5 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Otaru Unga (Otaru Canal)

The town's nostalgic, old-fashioned mood is enhanced by its architecture and layout. A beautiful large canal flows through it.  →more info

Video
Otaru Yuki Akari no Michi

・Location  →Map

Otaru Station (Hokkaido)


about 4 hours by airplane and train

From Narita International Airport

about 4 hours by  airplane and train

From Kansai International Airport



Mifuneyamarakuen (Mifuneyama Garden)

Mifuneyamarakuen is historic gardens since 1845.  →more info

Video
DSCF2110

・Location  →Map

Takeo Onsen Station (Saga)


about 5 hours by airplane and train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 4 hours by airplane and train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Narazawa Daitengu (Narazawa Shrine Festival)

Daitengu dance, wielding 2.5 meters of the torch in the darkness. Touching the embers are thought to Lucky.  →more info

Video
Narazawa Shrine Festival (Tengu Fire Dance), Iiyama, Nagano 20110917

・Location  →Map

Iiyama Station (Nagano)


about 4 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 6 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Kaimondake (Kaimondake volcano)

Kaimondake known as 'Fuji of Satsuma'.  →more info

→Video
開聞岳 Mt. Kaimon

・Location  Map

Kaimon Station (Kagoshima)


about 5 hours by airplane and train

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by airplane and train

From Kansai International Airport



Tancho (Red-crowned Crane)

Rare and beautiful crane.  →more info

→Video
Crane 鶴③

・Location  →Map

Tancho Observation Center (Hokkaido)


about 7 hours by airplane and train and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 8 hours by airplane and train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Yamato Museum

1/10-scale model of the battleship Yamato.  →more info

→Video
2014-11-24_IMGP1242.jpg

・Location  →Map

Kure Station (Hiroshima)


about 7 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 4 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Taketomi-jima (Taketomi Island)

Beautiful island of coral reefs.  →more info

→Video
竹富島 2014 #8

・Location  →Map

Taketomi-jima (Okinawa)


about 7 hours by airplane and Ferry

From Narita International Airport

about 6 hours by airplane and Ferry

From Kansai International Airport



2015年5月27日水曜日

Yufuin Onsen

Yufuin Onsen is the Leading Hot Spring Resort of Japan.   →more info

→Video
Roten-buro

・Location  →Map

Yufuin Station (Oita)


about 9 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 7 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Kurayami Matsuri

Every May, there is a traditional and historical festival called Kurayami Matsuri (darkness festival) in Okunitama Shrine.  →more info

→Video
府中くらやみ祭り・Fuchu Kurayami Festival

・Location  →Map

Futyu Station (Tokyo)


about 2 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Toshiya

This event is also called "New Year archery" and is held on the Sunday closest to January 15th. Rows of young women dressed in kimono in celebration of entering adulthood draw their bows, creating a very impressive sight.  →more info

→Video

Toshiya Kyudo Archery Contest at Sanjusangendo Temple, Kyoto

・Location  →Map

Sanjusangen-do (Kyoto)


about 4 hours by train and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Lake Inawashiro

See verdure and wild birds in spring, enjoy summers with swimming and water sports, beautiful autumn foliage, and swans and winter sports in the winter.  →more info

→Video
Lake Inawashiro at Twilight

・Location  →Map

Okinashima Station (Fukushima)


about 4 hours by train and taxi

From Narita International Airport

about 7 hours by trainy and taxi

From Kansai International Airport



Meigetsuin

Meigetsuin Temple is also known as Ajisaidera ("Hydrangea Temple") because hydrangea bloom in abundance on the temple grounds during the rainy season around June.   →more info

→Video
明月院:Meigetsu-In

・Location  →Map

Kitakamakura Station (Kanagawa)


about 2 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Kamo-gawa (Kamo River)

In summer, restaurants open balconies looking out to the river.   →more info

→Video

鴨川

・Location  →Map

Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop (Kyoto)


about 4 hours by train and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Tottori sakyu (The Tottori Sand Dunes)

The Tottori Sand Dunes are the largest sand dunes in Japan.   →more info

→Video
鳥取砂丘

・Location  →Map

Tottori Station (Tottori)


about 7 hours by train and taxi

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train and taxi

From Kansai International Airport



Ginzan Onsen (Hot Spring)

Ginzan Onsen's traditionally styled ryokan evoke nostalgic feelings of a bygone era.   →more info

→Video
銀山温泉_IGP8821s

・Location  →Map

Oishida Station (Yamagata)


about 6 hours by train and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 8 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Yuki-Onsen Hotaru-Matsuri (Firefly Festival)

At nighttime in early summer, many fireflies dance and glow in areas rich in nature around clear streams, a sight of breathtaking beauty that represents the mysteries of nature.  →more info

→Video
The Glow of a firefly

・Location  →Map

Itsukaichi Station (Hiroshima)


about 8 hours by train and bus 

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Fuurin-ichi (Wind-bells Bazaar)

A wind-bells bazaar is held for 5 days containing July 20th and 21st, which is familiar as a poetical summer feature. Various kinds of wind-bells from over the country sound refreshing in these grounds.  →more info

→Video
IMGP1670.JPG

・Location  →Map

Kawasakidaishi Station (Kanagawa)


about 2 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



2015年5月24日日曜日

Goraikou (mt.Fuji)

Sunrise seen from Mount Fuji summit.  →more info

→Video
shot@富士山頂

・Location  →Map

Yoshida Trail
Subashiri Trail
Gotemba Trail
Fujinomiya Trail




Tsuwano

Tsuwano is a castle town with an abundance of nature and historic areas.  →more info

→Video
IMGP8026

・Location  →Map

Tsuwano Station (Shimane)


about 8 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Sumo

Sumo Wrestlers are promoted or demoted according to their performance in six official tournaments held throughout the year.   →more info

→Video
Sumo-14


January - Tokyo Ryōgoku Kokugikan

March - Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

May - Tokyo Ryōgoku Kokugikan

July - Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

September - Tokyo Ryōgoku Kokugikan

November - Fukuoka Kokusai Center


Tsumago

When you come here, you can return to the Japan of 300 years ago.  →more info

→Video
Tsumago, Kiso Valley

・Location  →Map

Tsumago (Nagano)


about 6 hours by train and taxi

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train and taxi

From Kansai International Airport



2015年5月23日土曜日

Namahage-Sedo Matsuri (February)

This festival is carried out as a tourist event that combines the Shinto shrine Sedo festival and the Namahage folk festival.  →more info

→Video
208 [namahage]

・Location  →Map

Oga Station (Akita)


about 7 hours by train and Special bus (Only during the festival)

From Narita International Airport

about 10 hours by train and Special bus (Only during the festival)

From Kansai International Airport



Entrance to the Zen

Entrance to Ginkaku-ji (Jishō-ji)  →more info

Beginning of the ginkakuji はじまりの入り口 京都市左京区 銀閣寺

・Location  →Map
http://goo.gl/maps/o6VGy

Ginkakuji-mae Bus stop (Kyoto)


about 5 hours by train and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 3 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



SUNTORY YAMAZAKI DISTILLERY

Free tour of the distillery steeped in history and free tasting of some of the world's best whiskey.  →more info

→Video
Yamazaki

・Location  →Map

Yamazaki Station (Osaka)


about 5 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Mount Hachimantai

Mount Hachimantai is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.  →more info

→Video
Living In Color

・Location  →Map

Hachimantai Chojo Bus stop  (Iwate)


about 5 hours by trai and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 8 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Yomeimon of Toshogu

Yomeimon is a gate with its over 500 ornate wood carvings in gold and vivid colors.  →more info

→Video

Nikkō Tōshō-gū

・Location  →Map

Tōbu-nikkō Station (Tochigi)


about 4 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 7 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

One of largest aquariums in the world.  →more info

→Video
沖縄 おきなわ。

・Location  →Map

Kinenkoen-mae (Okinawa)


about 8 hours by Airplane and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 6 hours by Airplane and bus

From Kansai International Airport



2015年5月21日木曜日

Soma-Nomaoi

A 1,000-year-old traditional festival which introduces the code of the samurai of the Warring States Period to the present day.  →more info

→Video
相馬野馬追 甲冑競馬・神旗争奪戦(雲雀ヶ原祭場地)

・Location  →Map

Minami-Soma (Fukushima)


about 6 hours by train and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 9 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Tōdai-ji Daibutsuden

The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) has been rebuilt twice after fire. The current building was finished in 1709.  →more info

→Video
Daibutsuden

・Location  →Map

Kitetu-Nara Station (Nara)


about 5 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Nishikigoi (Kurashiki)

Developed in Japan, nishikigoi are a unique type of domesticated koi bred for decorative enjoyment and raised with aquafarming.   →more info


PhoTones Works #6471

・Location  →Map

Kurashiki Station (Okayama)


about 5 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 4 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Aoi Matsuri (May 15)

The Aoi Matsuri is one of the three main annual festivals held in Kyoto.  →more info

→Video
斎王代女人列御禊

・Location  →Map

Shimogamo-jinja (Kyoto)


about 5 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 3 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Matsushima

Matsushima is ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan.  →more info

→Video

・Location  →Map

Matushima Station (Miyagi)


about 4 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 7 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Byōdō-in (Fonix Hall)

National Treasures of Japan (temples)  →more info

→Video
Phoenix hall of Byodoin temple at night

・Location  →Map

Uji Station (Kyoto)


about 5 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Mount Aso

Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan.  →more info

→Video

・Location  →Map

Aso-san (Kumamoto)


about 6 hours by airplane and train and bus 

From Narita International Airport

about 7 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Kongo-rikishi (Todaiji)

These Kongo-rikishi statues were created by Unkei and Kaikei―master sculptors of Buddhist statues who lived around 800 years ago.   →more info

東大寺南大門 仁王像

・Location  →Map

Kitetu-Nara Station (Nara)


about 5 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is a river in western Kōchi Prefecture, Japan.   →more info

→Video
Shimanto river

・Location  →Map

Nakamura Station (Kochi)


about 11 hours by train and taxi

From Narita International Airport

about 8 hours by train and car taxi

From Kansai International Airport



Tenjin Matsuri (July)

The Tenjin Matsuri is Osaka's biggest summer festival.   →more info

→Video
大阪·道頓堀天神祭

・Location  →Map

Minami-morimachi Station (Osaka)


about 5 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Japanese garden (Chishakuin)

The garden, one of the most famous in Kyoto.  →more info

_DSF2480

・Location  →Map

Higashiyama-Shichijo bus stop (Kyoto)


about 4 hours by train and bus 

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Benesse Art Site Naoshima

The Benesse Art Site Naoshima is a series of art projects developed on Naoshima Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea.   →more info

→Video
黃南瓜@直島

・Location  →Map

Benesse House (Kagawa)


about 7 hours by train and Ferry and bus

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train and Ferry and bus

From Kansai International Airport



2015年5月20日水曜日

Shirakawa-go (World Heritage)

The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only examples of their kind in Japan.   →more info

→Video
Gassho-style House in Shirakawa-go : 白川郷の合掌家屋

・Location  →Map

Shirakawa-go bus Stop (Gifu)


about 5 hours by train and bus 

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Mount Zaō

Mount Zaō is a complex volcano on the border between Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture in Japan.  →more info

→Video

御釜と虹_IGP8768s

・Location  →Map

Yamagata Station (Yamagata)


about 5 hours by train and bus 

From Narita International Airport

about 8 hours by train and bus

From Kansai International Airport



Tower of the Sun

The Tower of the Sun is a building created by Japanese artist Tarō Okamoto.   →more info

→Video
The Expo'70 Commemorative Park.

・Location  →Map

Bampaku-kinen-koen Station (Osaka)


about 5 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



2015年5月18日月曜日

Yabusame at Meiji Jingu shrine (Autumn Grand Festival)

Yabusame is a type of mounted archery in traditional Japanese archery.   →more info

→Video
Gracious beauty

・Location  →Map

Harajuku Station (Tokyo)


about 2 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 5 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



View of mount fuji from Inamuragasaki

Inamuragasaki is a cape at the western end of Yuigahama in Kamakura.  →more info


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・Location  →Map

Inamuragasaki Station (Kanagawa)


about 3 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 6 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building is 173 meters high. When going out onto Sky Walk at the very top of the skyscrapers, visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views.   →more info

→Video
Twin Towers Osaka Umeda

・Location  →Map

Osaka Station (Osaka)


about 4 hours by train and walk

From Narita International Airport

about 1 hours by train and walk

From Kansai International Airport



Flower and Carp in Tenjyuan

Tenjyuan temple holds three Zen gardens.  →more info


「花と鯉」 天授庵 - 京都

・Location  →Map

Keage Station (Kyoto)


about 4 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 2 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport



Fukuoka's Food Stalls (Yatai)

Fukuoka's food stands are possibly the city's best known symbol.  →more info

→Video

Nakasu Ramen Yatai

・Location  →Map

Tenjin Station (Fukuoka)


about 7 hours by train

From Narita International Airport

about 4 hours by train

From Kansai International Airport