history
The Magome-Tsumago or Nakasendo trail is an eight-kilometer hike that can be completed at a leisurely pace in under two hours. It starts in the town of Magome in Gifu Prefecture and crosses into Nagano Prefecture through an area known as the Kiso Valley. To see the hiking trail at its most scenic, spring and autumn are the best seasons to go. Magome is built in the hills above Nakatsugawa city and commands a gorgeous view of the city and farmlands. The trail is a patterned cobblestone path winds its way up through the town’s restored Edo-period promenade. The main street features an old water ...
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Hometown to the creator of Doraemon, the once castle town of Takaoka in Toyama Prefecture is a great place to visit for traditional sights and serene spots. While Takaoka is in an area known for its dense snowfall, with snow typically falling from December through to March, there is plenty to be seen in the sunnier months, such as the Takaoka Castle Ruins and the Takaoka Art Museum. The city was historically known for its thriving metal industry, particularly its copper production, which continues to this day. The city’s excellent track record with copper is precisely why the iconic Takaoka Da...
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In Japan’s greatest and most progressive moments, we tend to overlook those on the sidelines—instrumental but forgotten. More often than not, these integral components are women. Women have stirred the world into action as writers, artists, politicians, astronauts, entertainers, mothers and advocates—and I think it’s about time we remember their names. Here are eight Japanese women who have influenced the world. 1. Ichiyo HiguchiYou might recognize Ichiyo Higuchi’s face from the ¥5,000 note in your wallet. However, she is renowned as much more than Japan’s first female professional writer. As ...
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Some places have ghost towns. Nagasaki has a ghost island—the uninhabited Hashima Island. It’s referred to by locals as Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island, for its similar appearance to a warship when seen from a distance. Since 2009, tours have been running to the deserted mining island, undisturbed since residents abandoned their homes leaving everything from shoes to electronics to lesson-filled blackboards. Battleship IslandWalking around the crumbling grocery stores and peeking into children’s bedrooms covered with rust and weeds, it’s an eerie glimpse of the imprint of human life on our en...
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Close your eyes and picture a gilded pavilion pasted entirely in gold leaf, framed by pine trees, its reflection glistening in a pristine pond. You probably know the image already. As the global poster child for Kyoto’s many World Heritage Sites, Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) runs the real risk of being disappointing in real life. But despite the crowds all jostling for the same selfie, and the fact that you can’t actually go inside the temple building, Kinkaku-ji is truly, madly and deeply spectacular. A temple with two namesWhile the three-story Golden Pavilion is known as Kinkaku, it ...
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Beyond the bustling shops, through the statuesque main gate, and past the veil of fragrant incense, Zenko-ji Temple is a major attraction in Nagano Prefecture. The first Buddha Statue in JapanWithin this national treasure, carefully hidden from sight, an invaluable artifact awaits. The rare hibutsu (secret Buddha) is believed to be the first Buddha statue to have entered Japan. From generations of high priests to the Emperor himself, no one has looked at the hibutsu for centuries and that strict tradition continues even today. The closest you can get to the hibutsu is under it through the pass...
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Aizu Sazaedo is a unique three-story pagoda-shaped temple located on scenic Mount Iimori near Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima. Entirely constructed of wood, the almost 17-meter tall structure looks a bit unusual when seen from the outside. But that’s nothing compared to what you’ll find inside.33 statues of KannonA spiral ramp-like staircase leads up to the top and goes straight back down. There are no floors, so it’s one continuous walk. Since visitors are only allowed to move in one direction, you won’t even have to bother with other people making their way out.The temple’s intricate layout wa...
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At the top of Mount Kanzan lies Chuson-ji Temple in northern Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. Housing the “Golden Pavilion” of the north, it’s a scenic spot that lets you experience a beautiful temple without the crowds and a few ancient surprises.Konjikido TempleThe highlight of Chuson-ji is Konjikido Hall, founded in 1124. The small building is covered in gold and often compared to Kinkakuji, the world-famous Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. It showcases several forms of art and culture from the period it was constructed, such as lacquer work, metalwork, and pearl inlays.Konjikido also houses the mummifie...
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