Ine no Funaya, Traditional Fishing Village along the Bay

In the land of rising sun, many places can be considered the “Japanese version of Venice.” From Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture with its row of warehouses featuring beautiful white walls and picturesque canals, to Ogaki in Gifu Prefecture, renowned for the Suimon River and a canal system forming a protective ring around Ogaki Castle. However,…

Cross the Amanohashidate, Bridge to Heaven

Matsushima Bay in Miyagi Prefecture, Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, home to the Itsukushima Shrine, and Amanohashidate in Kyoto are three renowned locations in Japan celebrated for their exceptionally beautiful natural scenery, referred to as the “Three Scenic Views of Japan” (Nihon Sankei). It’s a 1.5 hour drive from Miyama, Kyoto or 2.5 hours if you…

Kanazawa, Charm of Old Samurai Town in Japan

Hokuriku area of Japan has been sometimes forgotten by tourists because it’s away from the big cities, but good old life in Japan still remains there and many of old samurai period buildings are open to public. Thanks to the Shinkansen development, it became easier to reach the area. Let’s explore the Kanazawa city which…