Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Exploring Japan Through the Eyes of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Published 2025-04-19) The Japan Tourism Agency’s multilingual explanatory text database has just added a fascinating new entry on Architecture, Civil, and Construction② (published April 19, 2025, at 09:26)! This isn’t your typical travel guide. It’s a deep dive into the structures … Read more
Purify Your Soul at Ise Shrine’s Inner Sanctuary: The Great Purification Ritual (Uchinomiya) Awaits! Imagine yourself standing in the serene, hushed grounds of Ise Shrine’s inner sanctuary, Uchinomiya, feeling the gentle breeze rustling through the ancient trees. Now, picture witnessing a sacred ceremony, the “Great Purification” (Oharai), a ritual designed to cleanse away negativity and … Read more
Unveiling the Tale of “Petit Jean Father”: A Journey Through Japanese Legend and Scenic Beauty Imagine standing atop a breathtaking cliff, overlooking a panoramic vista of rolling hills and a shimmering expanse of the Seto Inland Sea. The wind whispers secrets through the trees, carrying with it a tale as old as time: the legend … Read more
Spring’s Gentle Embrace: Iris Bloom at Ise Shrine Outer Shrine Beckons! (三重県, Mie Prefecture, Japan) – As winter’s chill fades and the promise of warmer days fills the air, Ise Shrine, a revered spiritual sanctuary in Japan, prepares to welcome a breathtaking spectacle: the blossoming of irises at the Outer Shrine (Geku). According to local … Read more
Unveiling the Splendor of Nakamura Chikazo: A Gateway to Traditional Japanese Culture in Takaoka, Toyama Imagine stepping back in time, wandering through meticulously preserved streets lined with historic homes, the air filled with the subtle scent of wood and the promise of untold stories. This is the essence of Nakamura Chikazo, a historic merchant house … Read more
Immerse Yourself in Ancient Rituals: Experience the Monthly Festival at Ise Shrine in April 2025! Mark your calendars! On April 18th, 2025, the sacred Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture will hold its captivating Monthly Festival (Tsukinami-sai). This isn’t just a festival; it’s a chance to witness a centuries-old tradition and connect with the heart of … Read more
Welcome Spring with Tradition: The Izamiya Rice Planting Ceremony at Ise Shrine Imagine a scene steeped in ancient ritual, where the scent of fertile earth mingles with the solemnity of prayer. This is the atmosphere that awaits you at the Izamiya Rice Planting Ceremony (伊雑宮御田植祭) held annually at Ise Shrine’s Izamiya (伊雑宮) in Shima City, … Read more
Iwanaga Maki: Where Nature’s Majesty Meets Shinto Spirituality (Kagoshima, Japan) Imagine yourself standing at the foot of a colossal, ancient cedar tree, its weathered bark telling silent stories of centuries past. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, dappling the forest floor in an ethereal glow. This is Iwanaga Maki, a sacred grove in Kagoshima Prefecture, … Read more
Spring in Mie Prefecture: A Floral Extravaganza You Won’t Want to Miss! (2025 Edition) Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of color this Spring! Mie Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, transforms into a floral paradise from April to May, boasting breathtaking displays of botan (tree peony), rhododendron, and peony. … Read more
Journey Back in Time: Exploring Oishi Shige, a Window to Japan’s Post Town History Imagine stepping back in time, wandering through streets lined with meticulously preserved buildings that whisper tales of travelers, merchants, and a bygone era. That’s precisely what awaits you in Oishi Shige, a charming historical post town recognized by the 観光庁多言語解説文データベース (Japan … Read more