Mount Hakodate （All）

Mount Hakodate Mount Hakodate, located near the city of Hakodate in Hokkaido, Japan, is a prominent and iconic mountain known for its stunning panoramic views and the renowned Hakodate Ropeway that offers access to its summit. Rising 334 meters (1,096 feet) above sea level, this mountain is celebrated for the spectacular vistas it provides, particularly during the evening hours. Mount Hakodate is particularly famous for its “million-dollar night view,” which is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful cityscapes. As the sun sets, the lights of Hakodate begin to twinkle, and the city transforms into a sparkling sea of illumination. The…

The Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse（All）

The Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse The Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse, located in the city of Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan, is a historic and picturesque complex of red brick buildings that have been repurposed into a vibrant commercial and cultural hub. Originally constructed in the early 20th century, these iconic structures were used as storage facilities for goods transported by sea. Today, the red brick warehouses have been beautifully restored and transformed into a lively marketplace featuring a wide array of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural venues. The complex is a charming blend of old-world industrial architecture and contemporary amenities. Visitors can…

The Hakodate Morning Market （All）

The Hakodate Morning Market The Hakodate Morning Market, located in the city of Hakodate on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, is a vibrant and bustling market that offers an authentic culinary and cultural experience. This market, also known as “Asaichi” in Japanese, has been a local institution for over a century, drawing residents and tourists alike to its vibrant atmosphere and an impressive array of fresh seafood and local products. One of the key highlights of the Hakodate Morning Market is the abundant seafood on offer. Visitors can witness the day’s catch being laid out for sale, including a wide…

The Furano Wine Factory（All）

The Furano Wine Factory The Furano Wine Factory, situated in the enchanting Furano region of Hokkaido, Japan, is a wine lover’s paradise that combines exquisite wine production with a captivating visitor experience. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido, this winery is celebrated for its premium wines and the opportunity it offers for visitors to explore the art of winemaking. The Furano Wine Factory’s vineyards produce a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé, and they are known for their high-quality grapes and exceptional craftsmanship. Visitors can partake in guided tours that take them through the winemaking process, from…

The Furano Cheese Factory（All）

The Furano Cheese Factory The Furano Cheese Factory, located in the picturesque town of Furano in Hokkaido, Japan, is a delightful destination that combines the rich dairy heritage of Hokkaido with a unique and interactive visitor experience. This factory offers a fascinating and fun-filled journey into the world of cheese production and Hokkaido’s agricultural excellence. Visitors to the Furano Cheese Factory can witness the cheese-making process up close, from milk collection and cheese curd preparation to the formation of cheese wheels. The factory also showcases a variety of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, all of which…

Kintaikyo Bridge

The Kintaikyo Bridge The Kintaikyo Bridge (Kintaikyō) has been Iwakuni’s most distinguished landmark and a subject of admiration for hundreds of years. The elegant, wooden bridge makes five bold arches onto massive stone pillars as it crosses over the Nishiki River. Plans for the Kintaikyo were first drawn up when strong currents had once again destroyed a bridge crossing the Nishiki River. A more durable bridge was commissioned by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third feudal lord of Iwakuni, whose statue stands at the entrance to nearby Kikko Park. After the bridge’s completion in 1673, it kept standing until 1950, when Iwakuni…

Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island’s most famous landmark is the Itsukushima Shrine’s Great Torii Gate, a massive traditional Japanese torii gate situated in the water, which appears particularly majestic during high tide. Miyajima is also famous for the Itsukushima Shrine, a 12th-century shrine that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unique feature of this shrine is that its main buildings and corridors are constructed over water, giving the impression of floating on the sea. In addition to the…

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Memorial Tower

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Memorial Tower Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Memorial Tower, also known as the “Atomic Bomb Dome” or the “Genbaku Dome,” is a solemn and revered monument located in the heart of Hiroshima, Japan. It stands at the epicenter of the atomic bomb explosion that occurred during World War II, serving as a significant witness and memorial to the catastrophic event. This tower-like structure is one of Hiroshima’s iconic landmarks and has become a symbol of peace since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. The Atomic Bomb Dome holds deep symbolic significance, aiming to remember those who lost their…

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, located in Hiroshima, Japan, is a historic and symbolic public space dedicated to commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima during World War II. The park serves as a platform for conveying messages of peace and advocating for nuclear disarmament. Situated in the heart of Hiroshima, the park was once the ground zero of the atomic bomb explosion and has since been transformed into a tranquil area adorned with trees, gardens, and monuments. Among the most renowned memorials is the Peace Memorial, constructed to honor the victims of the…

The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower, located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan, is a profoundly symbolic monument dedicated to commemorating the victims of the Hiroshima atomic bomb explosion, particularly children. Also known as the “Thousand Orizurus Tower,” it was erected in memory of a young atomic bomb survivor. In Japanese culture, Orizurus symbolize happiness, health, and longevity. Thousands of folded Orizurus are typically strung around the monument, representing people from around the world expressing their wishes for peace and paying respect to the atomic bomb victims. At the heart of the Orizuru Tower is…

Hiroshima Shukkeien Garden

Hiroshima Shukkeien Garden Hiroshima Shukkeien Garden is a captivating traditional Japanese garden situated in the heart of Hiroshima City, not far from Hiroshima Castle and other major attractions. Established in the early 17th century, this garden is renowned for its serene ambiance and magnificent landscapes, serving as a tranquil retreat for both tourists and local residents. The name “Shukkeien” translates to “shrunken-scenery garden,” as it cleverly combines natural elements, rocks, water features, bridges, and structures to create miniature representations of landscapes. The garden features several ponds, some for strolling and others for koi fish, along with a teahouse for traditional…

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle Hiroshima Castle, also known as Hiroshima Original Castle, is a historically significant castle located in the heart of Hiroshima, Japan. This castle has a long and storied history, with its initial construction dating back to the 16th century, although it underwent comprehensive reconstruction in the mid-20th century due to damage caused by wars and fires. Hiroshima Castle is renowned for its impressive appearance and the picturesque cherry blossoms that surround it, especially during the spring season. The castle’s exterior features white walls, distinctive gables, and pointed roofs, showcasing traditional Japanese architectural styles. Today, the interior of the castle…