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Tsuwano Catholic Church honors Japan’s hidden Christian history through the Otome Pass Festival in May and Autumn Pilgrimage in November.Tsuwano Catholic Church, built in 1929, is one of the most historic and visually striking churches in western Japan. Known for its elegant stained-glass windows and unique blend of Japanese and Western architectural influences, the church also stands as a powerful symbol of the hidden Christian history of Tsuwano. Read more here. Otome Pass Festival (May 3) Every year on May 3, Tsuwano hosts the Otome Pass Festival, a memorial event honoring the Christian martyrs who were exiled from Nagasaki during the early Meiji period. Despite imprisonment, torture, and persecution, many believers remained steadfast in their faith and ultimately lost their lives in Tsuwano. The pilgrimage begins at Tsuwano Catholic Church…

Every year in early summer, the historic Tōshōdai-ji temple in Nara comes alive with one of Japan’s most distinctive Buddhist traditions: Uchiwamaki, the ceremonial scattering of sacred fans. Held annually on May 19, this centuries-old event draws visitors, pilgrims, and photographers from across Japan who gather to witness a dramatic ritual blending spirituality, history, and community devotion.Original story of the UchiwamakiIt is said that during the summer retreat meditation period, a swarm of mosquitoes came and disturbed the bodhisattvas in their practice. A disciple then offered a fan to drive them away. Pleased by this compassionate act, the bodhisattvas accepted the offering and performed esoteric prayers.Because of this sacred connection, it became customary for disciples to create and dedicate ceremonial fans before the altar. Since ancient times, it has been…

Merry Christmas! This Christmas season, we wish you peace, faith, and safe travels. This year holds special significance as we mark the conclusion of the Jubilee Year, and for the first time in 100 years, Christmas will be celebrated on December 25, 2025. Explore more

share on Held annually on the Nagara River in Gifu City from mid-May to mid-October, this cormorant fishing tradition boasts a history of more than 1,300 years and was originally practiced as a form of tribute fishing. ➡ Cormorant Fishing Tourhttps://youtu.be/itjbYU_nNjMFishing Method A cormorant master boards a boat with a fire basket mounted at the bow, handling 10–12 cormorants tethered by ropes. The firelight startles ayu fish, prompting the cormorants to catch them in rapid succession. Living in close companionship with the birds, the master and cormorants move in perfect synchrony, skillfully capturing ayu (Sweetfish). This “total entanglement” hunting method, in which the cormorants work together, creates a captivating spectacle for onlookers. Cormorants Wild sea cormorants are captured and undergo 2 – 3 years of training before they are ready…

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. share on Izakaya, Japan's lively gastropubs, blend the conviviality of a bar with the culinary delights of small plates. Patrons enjoy sake, beer, and an array of dishes, fostering a warm, communal dining experience. If you travel to Japan, an Izakaya experience is a must! At each Izakaya, there are common menu items you can find almost everywhere, in addition to the original menu exclusive to that specific Izakaya. Here are 5 dishes from original menu, will you try? Index of This Article Baigai Nitsuke (simmered shellfish) Near Tanimachi Yonchome station - Osaka Somewhat challenging to chew, but with a delightful flavor that pairs well with sake. The texture is excellent, and it's very tasty. Nama Tsukune (raw chicken balls) Near Daimon station…

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. share on With the arrival of spring, beautiful flowers bloom across the country. We’ve carefully selected some of the most spectacular flower spots for you to enjoy. Experience these locations with all five senses, from the vibrant colors of the fields to the sound of flowers swaying in the breeze and their fragrant scent filling the air. Visit these stunning flower spots in full bloom and let the vitality of nature refresh and energize you. Index of This Article Yakomoriyama Mitsumata Colony Location: Motegi Town, Tochigi Prefecture Best time to visit: Mid-March to late March With the arrival of spring, beautiful flowers bloom across the country. We’ve carefully selected some of the most spectacular flower spots for you to enjoy. Experience these locations…

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. share on Discover 7 exceptional accommodations in Kyoto Prefecture, each offering rooms with private open-air baths. Relax in traditional settings while enjoying the tranquility and beauty of Kyoto's natural surroundings. Index of This Article APA Hotel Kyoto Gojo Omiya Just a 10-minute walk from Omiya Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, this location is the perfect base to explore and enjoy the charms of Kyoto! Kyoto Takeno Sato Onsen Manyo no Yu Hotel Kyoto Eminence A hotel in Kyoto's Rakusai area, surrounded by serene bamboo forests. Located near Arashiyama Sagano, Komyo-ji Temple, and Zenbo-ji Temple, it offers a peaceful retreat. Enjoy two types of natural hot springs on-site. Just five minutes from the Kyoto Jukan Expressway, with free parking available for overnight guests.…

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. share on Experience ultimate relaxation at this Hakone hotel, featuring 10 private hot spring baths. Each bath offers a serene, secluded space to unwind and soak in the healing waters of Hakone's famous hot spring, surrounded by the area's stunning natural beauty. Index of This Article Laforet Hakone Gora Yu no Sumo A modernist onsen inn rooted in Japanese style. Enjoy the finest baths and refined fusion cuisine. With warm wooden interiors and a sleek, modern hearth, this stylish, adults　only retreat ensures a truly special experience. Kinoyu Setsugekka The autumn leaves seen from the Hakone Tozan Railway are a breathtaking sight. Just a one　minute walk from Gora Station. Enjoy the large public bath and three free private baths! Complimentary services include colorful yukata,…

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. share on Relax in a hot spring bath infused with the natural bounty of Mt. Fuji and take in stunning views throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji in spring, the twinkling lights of mountain huts at twilight in summer, vibrant fall foliage and the first snowfall in autumn, and a snow-covered Mt. Fuji in winter. Index of This Article La Vista Fujikawaguchiko The hotel offers guest rooms with baths rated 'Room 4.6,' providing a luxurious view of Mt. Fuji. Enjoy [free] access to four types of private baths and a popular bedrock bath. Dinner features a full course Western meal. Konanso Experience a luxurious moment watching the majestic Mt. Fuji from the foot bath. Unwind on the open terrace with stunning…

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. share on Snow crab, the sovereign of winter's culinary delights, reigns supreme around the Sea of Japan, where fishing is exclusively allowed from November 6th to March 20th (extended to May 31st north of Niigata). Dive into the exquisite experience of our crab lodging, where you can savor the sweet, tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat and the opulent richness of crab miso. Relish the true essence of crab, right in the heart of the authentic Sea of Japan region! Index of This Article Kano crab Location: Ishikawa Prefecture Crabs from Ishikawa Prefecture, boasting a shell width of 9cm or more and exemplary quality, are officially recognized as Kano crabs. These crabs are incredibly fresh, primarily because they're caught during day trips. Echizen crab Location: Fukui…