SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
Shiga Kogen: Okushiga Kogen Ski Area
Hidden in the northern end of Shiga Kogen lies the serene Okushiga. Away from the main ski areas and the hustle and bustle of the crowds, you can enjoy peace and tranquility with just you, your skis or snowboard beneath your feet, and the mountain. Featuring a well-balanced mix of runs from beginners to experts, Okushiga Kogen is ideal for families or couples seeking a secluded ski getaway. — Overview of Okushiga Kogen Area — Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information — Rental & Ski School — Accommodation in Okushiga Kogen Area — Book with Us! Accommodation & Ski Packages in Shiga Kogen — Getting To & Around […]
Shiga Kogen: Yakebitaiyama Ski Area
As one of the most popular ski resort destinations in Shiga Kogen, Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort brings a lot to the table. With a rich variety of terrains, 2 gondolas, 3 lifts ensuring a smooth riding experience, ski-in/ski-out hotels at the foot of the mountain, and easy access to both the Central and Okushiga ski areas, Yakebitaiyama is ideal for snow sports enthusiasts planning a long stay and looking to explore every inch of the Shiga Mountains. — Overview of Yakebitaiyama Ski Area — Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information — Rental & Ski School — Yakebitaiyama Family Snow Park — Accommodation in Yakebitaiyama Ski Area — Book with […]
Meiji Mura
Meiji Mura is an open-air museum that preserves and exhibits Meiji-era architecture, showcasing Japan’s rapid transformation during that period. After centuries of isolation, Japan began incorporating Western ideas, including building styles and construction techniques—resulting in a unique blend of Western and Eastern architectural traditions. The museum features over 60 Meiji-era structures that have been relocated and restored, 11 of which are designated as nationally important cultural properties. These impressive buildings include the entrance hall of Tokyo’s former Imperial Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and Kyoto’s St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. Other attractions at Meiji Mura range from former prisons, telephone exchanges, and government offices to hospitals, sake breweries, and schools. […]
Ashikuraji – On the Spiritual Road to Mt. Tateyama
One of the most visited sites in all of Toyama is the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. The stunning mountain landscapes of the Hida Mountains are as beautiful as they are sacred. Mt. Tateyama is one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains, along with Mount Fuji and Hakusan. At the top of the mountain is a shrine that represents Buddhist heaven. The journey to the top of the mountain and even across the Alpine Route doesn’t necessarily start at Tateyama Station if you’re coming from the Toyama side. It actually can start much further down the mountain, as it did for pilgrims throughout the centuries, at Ashikuraji. If the top of Mt. Tateyama […]
Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum
The Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum, located in Gifu Prefecture, stands as Japan’s premier institution dedicated to both aviation and space exploration—with a mission of telling stories of our ancestors’ aspirations to fly in air and space, and inspiring the next generation of space and aviation engineers, pilots, and enthusiasts. It proudly displays the country’s largest collection of aircraft, with 43 different models, alongside a wide array of space-related artifacts. In an effort to enhance visitor experiences, most of the information in the museum is available in English, Chinese, and Korean. The surrounding region may be familiar to visitors as it was the inspiration for many of the flying scenes […]
Hakusan-Heisenji Shrine
The mountains of Fukui hold many hidden sites that as you go deeper you find even better gems. Leaving Fukui there is the famous Zen Buddhist temple of Eiheiji, and even further in the mountains is the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, the Echizen Great Buddha, Ono Castle and finally, Hakusan-Heisenji Shrine. All are difficult to reach in different ways but Heisenji is in a class of its own as it silently awaits visitors. Founded 1300 years ago and at times was a great religious center for the entire region, you can truly feel the past in the great expanse of the serene forest that remains. The moss, the stone pathways […]
Zuigenji Temple
Fukui City was the home of the Matsudaira line of daimyos, close blood relatives to the Shogun himself in Edo. The castle that was constructed reflected this strength in its grand walls a wide moats. The family also supported many temples in the area, including Zuigenji Temple, snuggled up to small Asuwa Hill in the southern part of the city center. In order to honor the temple for its dutiful service over the year, part of the old daimyo’s palace was moved to Zuigenji Temple. The current building is those original rooms of the palace surrounded by newer constructions from the late 1800s. The religious aspect of the temple is […]
Embrace Nature and Fun at Bokka-no-Sato: A Hidden Gem in Gifu Prefecture
Nestled in the serene Hirugano Plateau of Gifu Prefecture, Bokka-no-Sato is a charming flower park and farm that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, interactive activities, and delectable local cuisine. Perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, this hidden gem invites you to explore and enjoy the lush landscapes and vibrant flowers of Japan’s countryside. A Floral Paradise in All Seasons Bokka-no-Sato is renowned for its breathtaking floral displays, which change with the seasons. The park’s fields are adorned with a stunning array of flowers that thrive in the clear, crisp air of the Hida Higlands. The unique climatic […]
Cosmo Isle Hakui
In a region not so far away is Hakui, the southern most part of the Noto peninsula. The city has a cornucopia of places and will surprise you with their diversity. The natural beauty of Chirihama Beach, the 400 year-old majestic 5-story pagoda of Myojoji Temple, the spirituality of Noto Ichinomiya Shrine and finally, the otherworldly space museum that is Cosmo Isle Hakui. A space museum in the middle of rural Japan is a bit surprising, but seeing that many of the items and vehicles housed inside were actually used in space missions will leave you disbelief. This is definitely a unique museum that deserves a visit, along with the […]