Kawazu, Shizuoka An ingenious solution to a tricky engineering problem, this spiraling bridge takes drivers for a dizzying spin.This corkscrew bridge drives locals loopy in the center of Japan ’s scenic Izu Peninsula. Completed in 1982 to cover terrain too steep for a conventional road, the bridge is an intriguing landmark on the route from Tokyo to the hot-spring resorts in the nearby city of Shimoda.

Izu, Shizuoka The Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace (韮山反射炉, Nirayama Hansharo) is a well preserved iron smelting facility. Built by the Tokugawa government in 1857, the furnace represents the start of modern iron production in Japan. Originally part of a larger factory complex, the furnace was constructed of local stones and bricks. It represented the most advanced technology of the time, and iron produced there was processed on site and cast into cannons, which were desperatel

Atami, Shizuoka Onsen manju, geyser, Yuzenn Jinja, ashi yu (outdoor public foot bath) cafe "Ki-ito" chestnut dessert https://www.waguri-kiito.com/ Japanese confectionery Tokiwagi Yokan ten https://tokiwagi-yohkanten.com/

Aomori Sannai Maruyama ( 三内丸山遺跡 ) in Aomori, Japan, is a significant archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage location , showcasing the largest Jomon period settlement (c. 5900-4200 years ago) with reconstructed pit dwellings, large pillar structures, and extensive artifacts, offering deep insight into prehistoric Japanese life, trade, and culture. It features a museum with excavated items and hands-on activities, providing a unique glimpse into Japan's ancient past.

Sapporo, Hokkaido Hokkaido Jingu (Hokkaido Shrine) in Sapporo is Hokkaido's most important Shinto shrine , enshrining deities of land development, including Emperor Meiji, offering spiritual support, good fortune, and beautiful cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park, especially popular for New Year's and spring festivals. It's a significant cultural site with natural beauty, wildlife, traditional rituals, and opportunities to buy amulets, serving as a spiritual heart for the region

Kushiro, Hokkaido Sailors who traveled the world’s oceans created a top three list of places to watch the sunset. The first two locations are Bali in Indonesia, and Manila in the Philippines. The third is none other than Kushiro. Sunsets are most beautiful from autumn to winter when there is often clear skies and clean air. The number one spot in Kushiro to check out the sunset is Nusamai Bridge, which is considered to be one of the three most picturesque bridges in all of Ho

Hakodate, Hokkaido The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a commercial complex consisting of four facilities, which were built after renovating an old red brick warehouse built in 1909.

Hokkaido, Hakodate 2/1/2024 Fort Goryokaku (五稜郭, Goryōkaku) is a massive, star-shaped, Western-style citadel, which was built in the last years of the Edo Period (1603-1868) for the defense of Hakodate against the imperialist threat posed by the Western powers. A few years later, the fort became the site of a civil war between an army of the shogunate and the superior troops of the newly established Meiji government . After the fort had lost its military importance, it was

Hakodate, Hokkaido My first visit to Hokkaido (2/1/2024) The northern peoples, rooted in the northern climate, have their own traditional and unique culture. Among the few northern people materials in the world, those formerly held at Hakodate Museum and those collected by Baba Osamu and Kodama Sakuzaemon, Hakodate-born authorities in anthropology, archaeology, and ethnology, are widely known both in Japan and abroad as masterpieces that tell the story of northern culture. Ba

Mie ken, Ise shi 古殿地（Kodenchi) さざれ石、たから石 (Sazare ishi, Takara ishi) 佐瑠女(さるめ)神社（Sarume jinja) Sarutahiko Shrine is dedicated to Sarutahiko...

Takihara, Mie ken January, 2024 This is one of the most impressive places I visited. Takiharamiya Shrine is an important shrine that...

Yamaguchi ken, Shimonoseki shi According to some research, there are petrograph ( geometric carvings carved into rocks and boulders）...

Yamaguchi ken, Shimonoseki shi This shrine was built to commemorate the spirit of the six-year-old Emperor Antoku, who died here during...

Yamaguchi ken, Shimonoseki shi Sumiyoshi jinja is known for its serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and its role as a place of...

Yamaguchi Ken, Yamaguchi shi No.26th of the 88 sacred sites of Yamaguchi city located in Doso The object of worship is "the large rock...

Yamaguchi Ken, Yanai shi Joined a historical walk through Yanai Minato and Yanai, organized by Yanai Nipponbare Kaido Kyogikai. ...

Kagoshima Ken, Yakushima Yaku-jinja Shrine is located in Miyanoura. This shrine was established in 806 A.D. as a guardian of both...

Miyazaki Ken, Takachiho The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, and the nearby cave is called Amano Iwato. The cave is located on the other...

Kumamoto Ken, Aso This atmospheric shrine is hidden among the cypress forests surrounding Takamori, a small town at the foot of Mt. Aso....

Yamaguchi Ken, Yanai shi Chausuyama Tumulus is a keyhole-shaped tumulus that was built between the end of the 4th century and the...