TravelBlog

The Chilling Charm of Osarizawa Mine in Akita Osarizawa Mine Historic Site is a former mining complex turned theme park located in Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture. It originally opened in 1982 as “Mine Land Osarizawa” and was rebranded in April 2008 as the “Historic Site Osarizawa Mine.” Is Osarizawa Mine Haunted? Some people refer to Osarizawa Mine as a haunted spot in northern Japan. It’s even a popular destination for thrill-seekers and urban explorers. Officially, there’s no confirmation of any supernatural presence — but once you step into the chilly, dimly lit tunnels, you might feel a little uneasy. The ...

Sakinoyu is the only remaining bath from the ancient “Yuzaki Seven Hot Springs” mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry anthology. It features a historic rock-lined outdoor bath just steps from the Pacific Ocean. You’ll feel completely immersed in nature — the sound of waves, the scent of sulfur and sea breeze, the open sky, and ships slowly crossing the vast sea. It’s so open-air that you might even be visible from nearby buildings or breakwaters (yes, really!). There are no lockers with keys inside, so you’re advised to leave your valuables in your car or ask the staff at reception to ...

Kasama Inari Shrine is located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It was formerly classified as a village shrine and is now listed as a Beppyo Shrine under the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is also known as Kurumoshita Inari or Monsaburo Inari. The shrine has long been revered as a deity of abundant harvests and prosperous business. Over 3 million visitors come annually from all over Japan, not just the Kanto region. Kasama Inari Shrine is one of the Three Great Inari Shrines of Japan. The enshrined deity is Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami, revered as the guardian of all industries and also worshipped ...

Kamigura Shrine (Auxiliary Shrine of Kumano Hayatama Taisha) Kamigura Shrine is considered the sacred site where the deities of Kumano first descended, even before they came to be worshiped as the three grand shrines of Kumano. Located atop a steep cliff known as Amano-Iwatate, visitors must climb over 500 rugged stone steps—an ancient pilgrimage path—to reach the shrine’s sacred object, the enormous Gotobiki Rock. Kumano Hayatama Taisha, built at the base of Mt. Kamikura, is the first to enshrine the deities in a newly constructed shrine hall, transitioning from a time when nature worship and primitive beliefs prevailed. For this ...

Affordable Onsen Stays in Hoheikyo Travel Date: November 2023 During my Hokkaido hot spring trip, I stopped by Hoheikyo Onsen. I had always wanted to visit North Safari Sapporo nearby, so I took the chance to enjoy a soak while sightseeing Hoheikyo Onsen is a day-use hot spring facility located in the Jozankei area of Sapporo. I was torn between visiting Jozankei Onsen or coming back to Hoheikyo, and after 10 years, I chose to return here. The last time I came was in the middle of winter—back then, I took a bus on the recommendation of a guesthouse ...

My Stay at Awara Grand Hotel – Featuring a Mixed-Gender Bath! Trip Date: July 2021 During my trip to Hokuriku, I stayed at the Awara Grand Hotel. I had never stayed in the Awara Onsen area before, so I browsed various options. The deciding factor? The hotel has a mixed-gender bath! That alone convinced me to book it (lol). Located right next to the public bathhouse in Awara Onsen’s hot spring town, Awara Grand Hotel is an old-fashioned Japanese inn with a retro vibe. See the best rates for Awara Grand Hotel To be honest, the hotel is… vintage (lol). ...

Check the best price for Hotel Kawakyu A Castle-Like Hotel in Shirahama: Staying at Hotel Kawakyu We took a road trip almost all the way around Wakayama without even booking a hotel. As the evening approached, I remembered—wasn’t there a castle-looking hotel somewhere? So I quickly made a same-day reservation and we headed to Hotel Kawakyu. Following the GPS through the somewhat cluttered roads of Shirahama, we turned into a narrow lane and—BAM! A giant castle appeared out of nowhere. At first glance, maybe due to the lighting (or my bad eyesight), it looked like a flashy theme park or ...

Just a 5-minute walk from JR Sendai Station, the **Sendai Morning Market** is a bustling shopping street packed with fresh local produce and regional flavors from Miyagi Prefecture. It’s not just a market—it’s a local experience. From fresh vegetables and fruits to seafood, meats, and handmade street food, you can enjoy both shopping and eating all in one lively place. Vendors call out energetically as locals and tourists flow through the narrow aisles, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that’s uniquely Sendai. When is the Sendai Morning Market Open? The market is open **daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM**, except ...

Hayachine Shrine is said to have been founded in the year 807 by Narifusa, a descendant of Fujiwara no Kamatari, who established a sacred structure atop Mount Hayachine. During the Edo period, the shrine received the protection of Nanbu Toshinao, the local feudal lord, and its current main hall was constructed. The existing main shrine retains architectural elements from the early 17th century, including intricate carvings and detailed framing techniques. It is officially designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Iwate Prefecture. The Zashiki-warashi Spirit of Hayachine Shrine Hayachine Shrine is also famous for stories involving *zashiki-warashi*—childlike guardian spirits said ...

Kashima Jingu Shrine: Spiritual Power, Victory Blessings & the Sacred Origin of Japan’s Ley Lines Kashima Jingu Shrine is said to have been founded in the very first year of Emperor Jimmu’s reign—660 BCE—according to ancient records. Until modern times, only three shrines in Japan held the prestigious title of “Jingu”: Ise Jingu, Katori Jingu, and Kashima Jingu, making this shrine truly exceptional in terms of history and spiritual significance. It is the head shrine of over 600 Kashima Shrines across Japan. The custom of praying for a safe journey at the start of a trip—known as *Kashima-dachi*—originated here. The ...