Royal palace with beautiful interiors, interesting exhibitions and a lovely garden.

Amano Iwato shrine is associated with the famous Japanese legend of Sun Goddess Amaterasu hiding in a cave. This is one of the most interesting shinto places I’ve seen in Japan.

Shirakawa Suigen is a famous fresh water spring, the source of Shirakawa river in Kumamoto prefecture.

Shimomiya, a small shrine sitting amidst rice fields in Aso caldera, would be totally unremarkable if not for one thing: an unusual event that takes place here every year from August to October.

Kokuzo shrine is featured in Engishiki, the list of shrines dating back to Heian period, which makes it one of the oldest shrines in Aso region.

I visited Karatsu castle when I was in town for Karatsu Kunchi festival. I don’t remember for what reason (maybe because it was too early in the morning), the castle itself was closed…

This post is part of a series called Japan 2016 This was the beginning of my 2-day Kunisaki peninsula road trip, which started in Usa. Usa Jingu is one of…

This time I drove, but I think it’s easily walkable from Toshogu shrine area (should be about 20 min. walk). There’s also a bus stop nearby, but if you’re visiting in high season and want to continue afterwards to Lake Chuzenji, you’re risking not being able to get on that same bus again (it will be packed with people, especially on a weekend). So, I’d recommend to either have your own wheels or make it just a downtown Nikko trip, without going up the Irohazaka road to the mountains. There’s plenty of things to see and do around Tamozawa Villa, you’d be occupied for a day.