Omihachiman Omihachiman is an Edo Period town located close to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, and home to the famous Omi Merchants. The castle town of Omihachiman was built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu in 1585 when …
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Shizutani School in Bizen Okayama
The Shizutani School is a historic Edo Period school that was the first public school in Japan. Shizutani School was created by Lord Mitsumasa Ikeda, the feudal lord of Okayama. It was during a visit …
Continue readingCherry Blossom Forecast 2013
This year’s cherry blossom forecast is expected to be earlier than the average schedule for most parts of Japan, with Central Honshu expecting a late March blooming date. The weather has been warmer than usual …
Continue readingHoryuji Temple
Horyuji Temple in Nara is one of Japan’s most important temples. It was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, who is considered to be the patron saint of Japanese Buddhism. It is one of the …
Continue readingKurashiki
Kurashiki is a sight-seeing spot in Okayama that is famous for its beautifully preserved Bikan historical area. It was an old merchant town that prospered during the Edo Period. Walking down its narrow streets with …
Continue readingHiroshima Peace Memorial Park
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a park in the middle of Hiroshima city that contains several memorials to the atomic bomb victims of Hiroshima. The park is a constant reminder of the tragic past …
Continue readingKorakuen Garden
Korakuen Garden in Okayama is a beautiful Japanese landscape garden. It is considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The others are Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and Kairakuen Garden in …
Continue readingOkayama Castle
Okayama Castle also known as “u-jo” the “Crow Castle” is one of the must see castles in Japan. It was originally built in 1597, but the modern structure is a reconstruction. It is famous for …
Continue readingHeian Jingu Shrine
Heian Jingu Shrine has a short history but is still considered a must see attraction in Kyoto. It is a rarity as a modern shrine in Kyoto, which is famous for its shrines, which are …
Continue readingNijo Castle
Nijo Castle in Kyoto was built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu. It is not your typical Japanese castle, but more of a palace style castle. Nijo Castle …
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