Japan is renowned for its gardens that blend a perfect setting of nature, relaxation, and tranquility. There are hundreds if not thousands of Japanese gardens throughout the country. But there are three must-visit gardens in Japan that are considered the most famous. The three Great Gardens of Japan include Kairaku-en in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kenroki-en in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Koraku-en in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Three Great Gardens of Japan The Three Great Gardens of Japan are said to be the most beautiful and impressive gardens in all of Japan. These gardens have a historical background, dating back to the Edo Period.  Massive, diverse, unique, traditional, and sometimes minimalistic best describes Japan’s Three Great Gardens.  The Three Great Gardens of Japan include Kairaku-en in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kenroki-en, in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Koraku-en, in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture.  Kairaku-en Kairaku-en, one of Japan’s three famous gardens is located in the city of Mito, in Ibaraki Prefecture.  Kairaku-en has been around since 1842. According to information at the site, Kairaku-en started off as a gardening project by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth feudal lord of the Mito Clan. Originally Kairaku-en was built for feudal lords, warriors, and even commoners.  Today, visitors can walk the park and enjoy the beautiful cherry or plum blossoms when in season, enter Kodokan, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Kairaku-en. I visited in the off season and the cherry blossoms were not in bloom. It is supposed to be a spectacular site with hundreds of trees in bloom. My favorite highlight of Kairaku-en was the bamboo trees.  Admission and Hours Admission Kairaku-en Park Adults – ¥300Students – ¥150 KodokanAdults – ¥400Students – ¥200 Hours Kairaku-en ParkOpen Daily6:00 – 19:00 KodokanClosed 12/29 – 12/319:00 – 17:00 Kenroku-en Located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture is the beautiful and honestly my favorite of the three gardens, Kenroku-en.  Kenroku-en used to be the gardens attached to the famous Kanazawa Castle. Kenroku-en is hundreds of years old and was owned by the Maeda Clan until the 1840’s. In 1870, Kenroku-en was open to visitors. Kenroku-en is my favorite garden for several reasons. This one actually feels like a traditional Japanese garden. There are various parts to the garden, with gorgeous open ponds, small streams, tea houses, and spectacular old trees that are worshipped and full of supports.  It is recommended to visit a tea house while at Kenroku-en. The setting is phenomenal and the green tea makes for a traditional Japanese experience.  Admission and Hours Admission Admission for Kenroku-en is ¥320 Hours Open Daily7:00 – 18:00 (March to October 15)8:00 – 17:00 (October 16 to February) Koraku-en The final Great Garden of Japan is Koraku-en. Koraku-en is in the city of Okayama in Okayama Prefecture.  Koraku-en was built by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the lord of Okayama at the time in 1700. The garden was created as a place to really relax and unwind.  Koraku-en is most famous for its rolling hills, ponds, and tea houses covering a total of 133,000 square meters.  Koraku-en is in a beautiful location, right behind Okayama Castle. The castle is perched on a hill and can be seen from the garden. There are many lantern festivals that take place here, so it’s great to visit at night.  Make sure to visit the Okayama Korakuen Garden website for a list of events and additional information.  Admission and Hours Admission Individual Ticket – ¥410Combined Ticket that includes Okayama Castle – ¥640 Hours Open Daily7:30 – 18:00 (March 20 to September 30)8:00 to 17:00 (October 1 to March 19) Conclusion The Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kairaku-en, Kenroki-en, and Koraku-en are impressive Japanese gardens that are well worth visiting. Each garden is unique in its own way and very different meaning visiting each garden a must! These three gardens differ from your traditional Japanese gardens because of their size, historical backgrounds, uniqueness, and variety. The cherry blossoms of Kairaku-en, the beautiful water landscapes of Kenroki-en, and the gorgeous landscapes found at Koraku-en, make the Three Great Gardens of Japan truly incredible.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

The Ushiku Daibutsu, also known as the Great Buddha of Ushiku, is a Buddha statue located in Ushiku, Japan. Standing at 120 meters tall, Ushiku Daibutsu is the tallest statue in Japan and one of the worlds tallest Buddha statues. If you wish to visit Ushiku Daibutsu, it’s an easy day trip from Tokyo. Visitors can relax in the beautiful park surrounding the statue and can even venture inside Ushiku Daibutsu. This post is all about Japan’s tallest Buddha statue. Find out how to get here and what to expect when visiting Ushiku Daibutsu.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Facts About Ushiku Daibutsu Ushiku Daibutsu was completed in 1993. Ushiku Daibutsu stands 120 meters (390 ft) tall.  This statue is considered to be the 5th tallest statue in the world. Ushiku Daibutsu is the tallest statue in Japan. Visitors can access the inside of Ushiku Daibutsu. In fact, there is an elevator that goes to the observation deck 85m (279 ft) high.  The total weight of Ushiku Daibutsu is 4,003 tons (8,825,000 lbs.). The statue is made of bronze. Inside Ushiku Daibutsu there is an impressive room with 3,400 smaller statues of Buddha.  Visiting Ushiku Daibutsu Admission and Hours Admission Adults ¥800 for Garden and Ushiku Daibutsu¥500 for Garden Only Children¥400 for Garden and Ushiku Daibutsu¥300 for Garden Only Hours 9:30 – 17:00 Weekdays (March to September) 9:30 – 16:30 (October to February) 9:30 – 17:30 Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays (March to September) 9:30 – 16:30 (October to February) Admission and Hours are based on the Ushiku Daibutsu website. Surrounding Park and Garden The park and garden leading up to and surrounding Ushiku Daibutsu is a must. Various flowers and plants bloom throughout the year.  The hillside surrounding the pond, depending on when you go is covered in beautiful purple flowers. This is also a prime cherry blossom spot.  My favorite place in the park was the pond filled with carp. You can feed the carp, they come right up to the shore.  Interior of Ushiku Daibutsu It is possible and highly recommended to visit the inside of Ushiku Daibutsu. For a ¥800 entrance fee, visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and access the inside of Ushiku Daibutsu.  five floors within Ushiku Daibutsu can be explored by visitors. The first couple floors provide information about the size of Ushiku Daibutsu and the construction. Of course there are gift shops inside as well.  After passing by the exhibits, you can access an elevator that takes you to the 5th floor at 85 meters high. On the 5th floor, there are thin slits of windows to look out of. You can truly see how tall this statue really is as the people below are barely recognizable.  One of my favorite floors was the 3rd floor. Here is where you can find about 3,400 golden Buddha statues placed in the wall.  Remember, this is still a religious site where people come to pray. Please be quiet and respectful hen visiting Ushiku Daibutsu.  Getting to Ushiku Daibutsu Ushiku Daibutsu is kind of off the beaten path. It does take planning and effort to get here, but it’s well worth the trip.  For visitors that don’t have the freedom of a car, the nearest train station to Ushiku Daibutsu is Ushiku Station. From the train station it is probably worth it just to take a taxi. There are direct trains from Ueno Station to Ushiku Station via the JR Joban Line. The journey takes about an hour.  If taking a car, there is a huge parking area with free parking.  Conclusion Visiting Japan’s tallest Buddha statue, Ushiku Daibutsu is a site to marvel at. The sheer size of Ushiku Daibutsu is difficult to comprehend, I’ve never seen anything quite as large. You can see Ushiku Daibutsu from a far distance. Up close it is truly a masterpiece. The gardens and surrounding park are impressive as well and offer amazing views. If you get a chance to explore the inside of Ushiku Daibutsu, there are panoramic views from the observation deck, giving visitors a different perspective of the height and greatness of this statue.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Tōdai-ji or simply Todai ji is a Buddhist Temple located in Nara, Japan. Home to one of the world’s largest sitting bronze statues of Buddha and one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, Tōdai-ji is a must visit temple in Japan. When visiting Tōdai-ji, make sure to walk through the Namdaimon (Grand South Gate), go to the Tōdai-ji Museum, take photos at the Tōdai-ji Kagami-Ike Pond, and pay the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) a visit. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! History of Tōdai-ji The history of Tōdai-ji dates back to the year 728 although it was the year 752 when the temple was complete.  Due to an earthquake in 855, the Great Buddha within the temple was damaged, the statue actually lost its head but was restored shortly after.  Like many wooden structures in Japan, the temple was damaged or lost due to fires, lightning strikes, and even attacks. The current building at Tōdai-ji we all see today when visiting Nara was constructed in 1709. The current building complex is actually 30% smaller then what it used to be. Which is a surprise because Tōdai-ji is massive. Visiting Tōdai-ji Admission and Hours Admission Adult – ¥6006 – 12 Years Old – ¥300 The Great Buddha Hall and Tōdai-ji Museum Joint Pass Adult – ¥1,0006 – 12 Years Old – ¥400 Hours Great Buddha Hall(Daibutsu-den) April – October      November – March7:30 – 17:30              8:00 – 17:00 Tōdai-ji Museum April – October       November – March 9:30 – 17:30               9:30 – 17:00 Admission and hours are accurate according to the Todai-ji Website. Tōdai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate) When visiting Tōdai-ji, the first thing you will notice is the Tōdai-ji Namdaimon or Grand South Gate.  Tōdai-ji Namdaimon is the main gate to access Namdaimon.  The Grand South Gate was constructed in the year 752 but was destroyed by a typhoon. The current gate visitors see today was built in 1203 and it reaches 25 meters in height and is the largest temple gate in Japan.  One of the most notable features of Tōdai-ji Namdaimon are the two guardians known as Ni-ō (Two Kings) of Tōdai-ji. These imposing statues are 8.4 meters in height. Tōdai-ji Museum It is well worth purchasing the combined Great Buddha Hall and Tōdai-ji Museum joint pass for ¥1,000.  The museum can be accessed prior to the Great Buddha Hall right after crossing the Tōdai-ji Namdaimon. Tickets for the museum and The Great Buddha Hall can be purchased either at the museum or at Tōdai-ji.  The museum is a modern complex with a cafe, restrooms, and rest area.  The museum itself is not large, I’d say you can get through it in 30 minutes or an hour depending on how much you read. The Tōdai-ji museum holds treasures and important artifacts from Tōdai-ji and many of these items are on display. You can see Gigaku Masks from the 8th century and several statues of Buddha from the 8th and 9th centuries.  Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) To me, the most impressive building in all of Nara is Daibutsuden, the Great Buddha Hall. You simply can’t fathom the size of this building until actually seeing it in person. It’s mind blowing!  This is the main hall of Tōdai-ji and it is home to the Great Buddha, Vairocana Buddha (Daibutsu).  For starters, the Great Buddha Hall was originally constructed in 752. The wooden building was destroyed a few times by fire. Today’s Great Buddha Hall is from the Edo Period and is considered to be the largest wooden structure in the world.  Just south of Nara City in Nara Prefecture is Horyu-ji, considered the oldest wooden structures in the world. So Nara is home to both the largest and oldest wooden structures.  When entering the Great Buddha Hall, you instantly see Vairocana Buddha, the Great Buddha.  The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji is one of the world’s largest seated statues, 15 meters in height.  Conclusion Visiting Tōdai-ji in Nara needs to be added to everyone’s Japan itinerary. From the historical and impressive wooden building to the imposing Great Buddha statue there is so much to appreciate. Tōdai-ji remains my favorite temple in Japan and seeing it a second time was even more awe inspiring. Do yourself a favor and add Nara to your itinerary and do not miss Tōdai-ji.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

One of Okinawa’s most picturesque destinations is Kouri Island. With its crystal clear waters, relaxing vibes, stunning views, local restaurants, and just enough things to do to keep anyone busy, Kouri Island is a must visit destination in Okinawa. This small island is a gem just waiting to be explored. Starting with the scenic drive over the bridge to walking down to the beach to see the famous Heart Rock, visiting Kouri Island should be on every travelers itinerary when coming to Okinawa. This post covers all you need to know from my first hand experience from visiting Kouri Island to help you make the most out of you trip to this spectacular little island.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Kouri Island and How to Get Here Kouri Island is a small island just to the north-west of the Motobu Peninsula and is accessible via Kouri Bridge that connects to Yagaji Island.  The best way to get to Kouri Island is by vehicle. There are tours that operate to Kouri Island as well. But the easiest way to visit Kouri Island is by personal vehicle or bike.  To get to Kouri Island from Naha, visitors can take the Okinawa Expressway or take Highway 58 past Nago before turning onto Highway 110 toward Yagaji and Kouri Islands.  Top Attractions and Things to do While Visiting Kouri Island Although small, Kouri Island offers visitors with plenty of things to do, see, and eat. Visiting Kouri Island can easily take a half day. I always like to combine Kouri Island with other attractions on Motobu like before or after a visit to Churaumi Aquarium.  When visitors come to Okinawa, I always recommend a brief stop at the Kouri Bridge View Point. Here, you get that iconic shot with the crystal clear water and winding bridge to Kouri Island. I usually end the day at Heart Rock before driving around the island back to Kouri Bridge.  Here are some of the must visit places and things to do on Kouri Island that I recommend and take visitors to time and time again.  Kouri Bridge View Point One of my biggest recommendations when visiting Kouri Island is making a brief stop at the Kouri Bridge View Point. This view point is on Yagaji Island and offers fantastic views of Kouri Island and the Kouri Island Bridge connecting the two islands.  There is a decent sized parking lot here and access to a small beach.  Drive, Cycle, or Walk Kouri Bridge One of the main things to do on Kouri Island is to either drive, cycle, or walk Kouri Bridge. I’ve seen people walk the bridge from one island to the other and have seen some walk half way. No matter how you get across the bridge, I guarantee some of the best views Okinawa has to offer.  I am always amazed by the turquoise water as far as the eye can see from view points from Kouri Bridge.  Kouri Bridge is 1960m long connecting Yagaji Island and Kouri Island.  Don’t park on the bridge. Don’t Miss Kouri Shrimp One of the most beloved restaurants on Kouri Island, popular among both locals and tourists is Kouri Shrimp.  A day trip to Kouri Island is not complete without trying Kouri Shrimp.  Since Kouri Shrimp is so popular, be prepared to wait in line. Don’t worry, the line goes fairly quick and the food is always fresh and delicious.  What makes Kouri Shrimp so famous is their large shrimp sold with rice and a garlic spread. You can choose between their popular Original Garlic Shrimp, Spicy & Butter Garlic Shrimp, or Butter Garlic Shrimp.  Hours are daily from 11:00 – 17:00 for dining and 11:00 – 18:00 for take out.  Kouri Ocean Tower For some of the best views of Kouri Island and Okinawa head over to the Kouri Ocean Tower.  Kouri Ocean Tower is part theme park, part museum, part observation deck, and part cafe. That is right, Kouri Ocean Tower is not just a tall tower dominating Kouri Island.  With a height of 82 meters, Kouri Ocean Tower is a fun and interesting place to stop at while touring Kouri Island.  You take an electric cart that winds through tropical gardens to the entrance of the tower. From here, there is a fabulous museum that has shells on display found throughout Okinawa. As someone who loves beachcombing in Okinawa, I found the museum to be interesting and I learned a lot.  After the museum, it’s worth going to the observation decks to get great views of Kouri Bridge. There is a gift shop and restaurant at Kouri Ocean Tower.  For more information feel free to visit the Kouri Ocean Tower website. Relax on one of the Many Beaches Like most of Okinawa, Kouri Island has several spectacular beaches. The beaches here are a good mix of sandy and rocky. I’d recommend Kouri Beach for swimming and snorkeling, mainly for the kids but Tokei Hama and even Hear Rock Beach are interesting beaches to explore and relax on.  Since Kouri Island can be crowded with tourists, some of the beaches can get quite crowded.  Heart Rock The grand finale, Heart Rock! On the opposite side of Kouri Island from Kouri Bridge, or about half way across the island is a rock formation that can be seen sticking out of the beach that resembles the shape of a heart.  I’ve been to Heart Rock Beach both during high and low tide, and the famous rock is always seen. Being the main attraction on Kouri Island, Heart Rock can be touristy. There is a parking lot across from the short trail leading to the rock formations. There is a ¥100 parking fee that is kind of based on the honor system. There is a jar here you can drop your ¥100 coin in.  From the parking lot, follow the signs to Heart Rock. It follows a short trail that does get steep, so be careful. Once at Heart Rock, feel free to put your feet in the sand, dip your toes in the water, and take fun selfies with the rocks!  Conclusion Visiting Kouri Island is a must for any Okinawa itinerary. Kouri Island is a breathtaking island full of beautiful beaches, famous food, and stunning views. Most visitors come to Kouri Island to get a quick photo of Heart Rock, but why not stay for a while and enjoy Kouri Island Tower, eat jumbo shrimp, swim in clear ocean water, or just take in the beautiful sites. Kouri Island offers something for everyone and is a must visit when traveling to Okinawa.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land, is the official name given to five historic sites in Hiraizumi, by UNESCO. Hiraizumi is a town located in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. Hiraizumi is home to five sites that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the 11th and 12th centuries, Hiraizumi was a cultural and political center among practicing Buddhists. Today, visitors can see the Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi by visiting Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji, Kanjizaio-in Ato, Muryoko-in Ato, Mt. Kinkeisan, and the historic and unique temple of Takkoku-no-Iwaya.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! UNESCO: Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land According to the UNESCO website, Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land consists of five sites scattered throughout the town of Hiraizumi. History in the region dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries when Buddhism was being practiced and said to be pure.  The five sites include Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji, Kanjizaio-in Ato, and Muryoko-in Ato. There are five other sites that were originally submitted to be nominated, including Takkoku-no-Iwaya.  Chusonji Temple Chusonji, the main temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan’s Tohoku region. According to information at the site is was founded by a priest by the name of Ennin in the year 850 and was created by the Fujiwara Lord, Kiyohira.  This beautiful temple complex is built on a hill in a thick forested area. There are temples, museums, a cafe/restaurant, and many significant structures scattered throughout the area.  To fully explore Chusonji, you need a minimum of 2 hours here, but you can easily spend more time. Aside from visiting the temples and structures, the museum and Konjikido (Golden Hall). Konjikido, is an impressive Golden Hall that was completed in 1124. Gold lacquer covers the entire temple, it is truly impressive. Konjikido is protected and kept inside another building to shelter it from the elements.  Admission and Hours Admission¥800 Hours8:30 – 17:00 Motsuji Temple Motsuji Temple, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, is considered a special place to due its historical significance and natural beauty.  Walking around the complex, you might think it’s underwhelming especially compared to Chusonji, but it’s just as important and significant even though many of the original structures no longer exist.  Motsuji Temple began in 850. According to what was read at the site, around 40 temples and 500monastery compounds were erected at the site. Most if not all of the original structures were lost because of fires. But today, this site is still very significant due to the teachings of Buddhism that took place here and the Pure Land Gardens.  The gardens here have been somewhat untouched in the last 800 years. The gardens are meant to represent a “Buddhist Paradise.” The gardens are surrounded by natural trees and landscapes that were created to resemble that “paradise,” such as coastlines, footpaths made from stones, and other unique features.  Admission and Hours Admission¥700 Hours8:30 – 17:00 Takkoku no Iwaya Takkoku no Iwaya is a designated historic site although not officially listed as a World Heritage site like Chusonji or Motsuji. I feel this is one of the more unique temples I’ve seen in Japan, so if you are here to visit the other temples, might as well visit Takkoku no Iwaya. Located about 6km to the south of the town of Hiraizumi, you can find the tranquil temple of Takkoku no Iwaya. There is a large parking area across the street from the temple grounds. Like many temples in the region, this temple is a Tendai sect Buddhist temple. What makes Takkoku no Iwaya so unique is that the Bishamondo (Bishamon Hall) sits upon wooden support beams tucked back into a cave. Visitors can enter Bishamondo, it is well worth it. In front of Takkoku no Iwaya’s main temple is a scenic pond with an island. If you look closely at the cliff next to Bishamondo, there is a Buddha carved in the rocks. Admission and Hours Admission¥500 Hours8:00 – 17:00 Conclusion The historic monuments and sites of Hiraizumi hold a significant place in the cultural and historical heritage of Japan. These sites have been incredibly preserved and are an important historical asset, therefore they are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic monuments and sites of Hiraizumi show craftsmanship that were achieved in Japan during the 11th and 12th centuries. Visitors can get an insight into the religious and political aspects from the time. Although Chusonji Temple and Takkoku no Iwaya were my favorite temples we visited, all five sites plus the additional nominated sites are all worth visiting.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Located in northeastern Japan, Sendai is an evolving city with a nice blend of historical attractions and modern features. Being the largest city in the Japanese region of Tohoku, there are countless things to see and do in Sendai that cater to all types of visitors from exploring temples and castle ruins to shopping and dining. Whether you are looking for things to do in Sendai at night, in winter, or just on a quick visit, this guide to Sendai has some of the top activities and attractions that are a must when visiting Sendai.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Information About Sendai Sendai is located in the Tohoku region of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Tohoku includes Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata Prefectures. Sendai is the largest city in this region with an estimated population of 1,089,000 people.  Sendai is a beautiful city situated in between the Sendai Bay to the east and mountainous terrain to the west.  Walking around Sendai, you will hear and read a lot about the feudal Lord Date Masamune. Lord Date Masamune was the founder of the Sendai clan and moved to the area (now Sendai) in 1600. Since his arrival in the area, Sendai started to gain significance.  Getting to Sendai and Transportation Being the largest city in the Tohoku region of Japan, Sendai is well connected to other regions of Japan and has a decent transportation system.  Most visitors coming to Sendai will arrive by train. The Tohoku Shinkansen running between Tokyo and Aomori makes a stop in Sendai. Traveling by shinkansen to Sendai from Tokyo will take anywhere from 90-120 minutes.  Sendai has an airport, Sendai Airport. Sendai Airport has flights all around Japan from the tropical islands of Okinawa to the snowy city of Sapporo. There are also international flights to other countries like South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Thailand.  Once in Sendai, visitors can take the subway, busses, or the JR Line from locations further out of the city. There are two subway lines in Sendai, these include the Namboku and Tozai lines.  Sendai Station is a huge train station that connects JR lines, subways, and the Shinkansen. Inside Sendai Station, you can find shops and restaurants. If Sendai Station is your first stop while in Sendai and you are looking for things to do in Sendai. I recommend browsing the malls at Sendai Station, picking up souvenirs, or trying one of the many places to eat.  For tourists, there is a loop on the Loople Sendai Bus that goes to many attractions and sites around Sendai. The Loople Sendai Bus costs ¥600 for the day or ¥250 per ride.  Top Things to See and Do in Sendai Prior to visiting Sendai, I had a few attractions and sites starred on my map but knew nothing about the historic temples, delicious cuisine, and energetic nightlife. I visited Sendai for a quick weekend but could have easily tacked on an additional day or two to my Sendai itinerary. Regardless, I packed in a lot over the course of a few days while exploring Sendai and want to share some recommended things to see and do in Sendai.  Zuihoden Temple One of Sendai’s most famous attractions and sites to see is Zuihoden Temple.  From downtown Sendai, we walked to Zuihoden Temple. Visitors can also take the Loople Bus to get here or drive, there is a large parking lot.  I’ve seen many temples all throughout Japan and Zuihoden Temple is one of the more unique ones, mainly because of the detailed and vibrant colors of the mausoleums around the complex. The mausoleums and shrines around Zuihoden were created for Lord Date Masamune who in 1636 died at the age of 70. The colorful buildings at Zuihoden were painted using a colored lacquer during the Edo period. According to an information panel at Zuihoden, this temple was designated as a National Treasure in 1931. During WWII it was unfortunately destroyed but rebuilt in 1979.  Sendai Castle Ruins Perched on top of a hill overlooking the city of Sendai is Sendai Castle. More ruins then castle, Sendai Castle is still worth visiting, if anything the views of the city and surrounding mountains are worth it alone.  Sendai Castle or Aoba Castle was built in 1600 by Lord Date Masamune. This castle was a heavily fortified castle but like many castle during the Meiji Period is was dismantled. The castle was also destroyed by fire and bombs during WWII.  Today the castle walls remain, as does a shrine, gift shops, and a famous statue of Lord Date Masamune on horseback.  Ōsaki Hachiman Shrine Designated as a National Treasure in 1903, Osaki Hachiman Shrine is another prime example of Momoyama-style like Zuihoden Temple. With its beautiful colored lacquer and metal fittings, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is one of Sendai’s most gorgeous shrines. Osaki Hachimangu Shrine was built in 1607. According to information at the shrine, it is  considered to be the oldest “gongen-zukuri” structure from the Azuchi-Momoyama period.  Osaki Hachiman Shrine is along the Loople Bus Route. There is also a parking area behind the temple.  Rinnoji Rinnoji, my favorite temple and attraction in Sendai is a beautiful historic temple tucked away in a neighborhood.  The temple itself is small but what makes Rinnoji stand out amongst the rest of the temples and shrines in Sendai is the beautiful garden and 3-storied Pagoda. For ¥300 visitors can explore one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.  Ichibancho Arcade Looking for things to do in Sendai at night? I recommend first starting at Ichibancho Arcade. Ichibancho Arcade is an arcade style covered street that stretches for several blocks. You can find everything here from high end shops to local izakaya restaurants.  Eat Gyutan, Grilled Beef Tongue Curious as to what food Sendai is known for? One of Sendai’s famed dishes is known as Gyutan which is grilled beef tongue.  I found a charcoal grilled beef tongue restaurant near Sendai Station called, Gyutan Nao (仙台 肉のいとう 炭火焼牛たん 直 本店). Their menu consisted mainly of charcoal grilled beef tongue and beef tongue hamburger. I got a set meal that came with both the gyutan and hamburger. Although a it chewy, the flavor and texture of the tongue was very good. This wasn’t my first stab at trying beef tongue in my life, but it was probably the best I’ve had.  Conclusion Sendai is a lesser known city in Japan at least when it comes to tourism but this city offers a wide range of things to do for almost any visitor. Whether you visit Sendai to explore the temples, try their well known beef tongue dishes, or want to take in some of the nightlife, Sendai will surely impress everyone. If you are planning on spending a quick weekend in Sendai or an extended period, make sure to add Sendai to your Japan travel itinerary.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Aizuwakamatsu, a city located near Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture, is an underrated city in Japan that no one talks about. Aizuwakamatsu has a rich samurai culture and history that is sure to peak the interest of any visitor. Aizuwakamatsu offers plenty of attractions to include the stunning Tsuruga Castle, beautiful Oyakuen Garden, and unique Sazaedo Temple. A day in Aizuwakamatsu offers enough time to see these magnificent sites, grab lunch, and discover more of the surrounding area.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Aizuwakamatsu? Aizuwakamatsu is in the Japanese Prefecture of Fukushima.  Not far from Lake Inawashiro, Aizuwakamatsu is one of the biggest cities in the area with a population of 120,000.  Aizuwakamatsu is a little over an hours drive from the city of Fukushima and about 2.5 hours from Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture.  How We Spent a Day in Aizuwakamatsu We took a road trip in Japan from the city of Niigata to Sendai and the route went just north of Aizuwakamatsu. We first stopped in the town of Kitakata to try the famous style of Ramen from the region before making our way to Aizuwakamatsu. In case you are wondering what is Aizuwakamatsu known for? Or Things to do in Aizuwakamatsu? I have you covered, with just enough attractions starred on my map, we decided to spend a day in Aizuwakamatsu to explore some of the more famous sites. We first visited Sazae Temple before making our way to Oyakuen Garden and finishing the day at Tsuruga Castle. Explored One of Japan’s Most Unique Temples: Sazaedo Temple Sazaedo Temple is a unique hexagonal shaped temple that was built in 1796. According to an information sign at the temple, the structure is 16.5 meters tall and is three stories.  Visitors can enter the shrine for a fee of ¥400. The helix shaped stairwell make it so that you will not cross paths with other visitors going up or down.  There are 33 Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) statues that line the stairwell.  Admission and Hours AdmissionAdults – ¥400High School Students – ¥300Junior High & Elementary School Students – ¥200 HoursApril – December – 8:15 – 16:00January – March – 9:00 – 16:00 Took a Relaxing Walk Around Oyakuen Garden Oyakuen Botanical Gardens in Aizuwakamatsu is a picturesque Japanese garden in the heart of the city and a short distance from Tsuruga Castle.  Oyakuen Botanical Gardens was first built in 1670 as a garden and tea house for the Lord of the Aizu Domain. Oyakuen Garden is known as the “Medicinal Garden” because the lord of the Aizu Domain grew herbs here that were used for medicinal purposes. Herbs are still grown here today. Besides walking through the herb garden, visitors can take the path around the garden, visit the traditional tea house, and finish off in the cute souvenir shop.  Admission and Hours Admission¥330 Hours8:30 – 17:00 Walked Around Tsuruga Castle We finished our day in Aizuwakamatsu at Tsuruga Castle. 1.6 Km or a four minute drive from Oyakuen, we parked at one of the main parking areas just west of Tsuruga Castle. Upon entering the castle grounds, I couldn’t help but notice how large the grounds actually were to include the moats and walls. Tsuruga Castle was originally constructed in 1384. In 1591 new additions were added on to the castle. In 1639, the tower was built close to what the replica looks like today. Unfortunately, like so many other beautiful castles in Japan, Tsuruga Castle was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration in 1874. The main keep was rebuilt in 1965 on the original site.  Today, visitors can freely walk the castle grounds and enter the castle museum to learn more about the history of Tsuruga Castle.  Admission and Hours *Grounds are free but there is an admission fee to enter the tower keep.Admission for Castle EntranceAdults – ¥400Children – ¥150 Hours8:30 – 17:00 Kitakata Ramen for Lunch or Dinner Technically not in Aizuwakamatsu, but a 30 minute drive north is the town of Kitakata. If you love Japanese Ramen, then Kitakata is worth driving out of your way. Kitakata is known for its ramen. Kitakata Ramen is one of the three most famous styles of ramen in Japan after Sapporo and Hakata Ramen in  Fukuoka. What makes Kitakata Ramen unique is their noodles. The noodles are called Hirauchi Jukusei Takasuimen which is a flatter noodle. The broth s soy-sauce, then you have your other traditional ramen ingredients like chashu, bamboo shoots, and negi (green onion).  With over 100 ramen shops in Kitakata, how do you choose which ramen shop to go to? I researched online, all the big name ones were closed to include Bannai Shokudo, even though Google said they were open. Instead we found a very local Ramen restaurant just up the street called, けいこのぎょうざや, according to Google (37.6518482,139.8739174). There was a sweet lady who cooked and served the massive portions of ramen. I got a set meal for under ¥1000.  Conclusion For a town of its size, Aizuwakamatsu has many things to do and is known for many of its attractions. I would say a half day to a full day in Aizuwakamatsu is plenty of time to see the main sites which include Sazaedo Temple, Oyakuen Garden, and Tsuruga Castle. Aizuwakamatsu is an overlooked destination especially given its rich history, beautiful location, and many attractions.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Tokyo, Japan’s capital city is known as the largest city by metropolitan area. Tokyo is also known for iconic landmarks and its impressive skyline. Dominating Tokyo’s skyline are two iconic structures, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. As these two towers compete for attention many visitors are torn between deciding whether to visit Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, or both. I recently visited the observation decks for both the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree and had a completely different experience at each attraction. In this post, I’ll dive into my experience and thoughts of visiting each tower and compare and contrast Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree, so you can decide which attraction is right for you.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Tokyo Tower Dominating Tokyo’s skyline, at 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower is a communications tower with a couple of observation decks.  Tokyo Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France and is considered to be Japan’s second tallest structure after Tokyo Skytree, of course.  Completed in 1958, Tokyo Tower still stands as one of Tokyo’s most famous attractions.  When visiting Tokyo Tower visitors have two options if wanting to visit the observation decks. There is a Main Deck and Top Deck tour. The Main Deck is 150m high while the Top Deck is 250m.  There is a combination ticket that allows visitors to go to both the Main Deck and Top Deck (recommended). From each deck, you get fantastic panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.  There is an elevator that takes you to the main deck at 150m. For those that want to get an extra workout in, you can take the staircase from Foot Town to the Main Deck, which is around 600-steps, so not to bad. We opted to take the stairs on the way down, only because we exited a door and thought we found the stairs going to the elevator only to find out we had 600-steps to the bottom.  The Top Deck is much smaller then the Main Deck and an elevator is required. This part of the tour offered a brief history of Tokyo Towers construction and the engineers and planners behind it. At the top, you get a small beverage and cheesy photo opportunity, which I always decline. On a perfect day, visitors can see Mt. Fuji off in the distance.  The bottom of Tokyo Tower consists of a mall like area called Foot Town. Foot Town is full of souvenir shops, cafes, and arcades.  Admission and Hours ADMISSION (MAIN DECK) (TOP DECK) Adults – (¥1,200) (¥3,000)High School – (¥1,000) (¥2,800)Jr. High and Elementary School –  (¥700) (¥2,000)Children (4-6 years old) – (¥500) (¥1,400) HOURS Main Deck – 9:00 – 22:30Top Deck – 9:00 – 22:15 PROS ✅ Less Crowded then Tokyo Skytree ✅Spectacular views from both the Main Deck and Top Deck ✅ Easy to access from anywhere in Tokyo ✅ Tours are well organized ✅ When going early, reservation is not required CONS ❌ A bit expensive for what it is if purchasing the combined ticket ❌ Top Deck can feel cramped as it is not very spacious   Book Tokyo Tower Tickets in Advance Admission tickets to Tokyo Tower can be purchased in advance.  Through Get Your Guide, I purchased an Admission Ticket in advance, which allowed me to choose the exact time and day I wanted to visit Tokyo Tower.   If purchasing an admission ticket through Get Your Guideyou can check availability on the website.  Tokyo Skytree Similar to Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree is a telecommunications tower with observations deck. Towering over Tokyo Tower at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure. For visitors, Tokyo Skytree is built on top of a modern shopping complex, but the main attractions here are the two observation decks, Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria.  When visiting Tokyo Skytree, it is recommended to make reservations online prior to coming. Tickets can be reserved online via the Tokyo Skytree website. Please note, being one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, Tokyo Skytree can be very crowded. We made online reservations for an evening time slot and still waited 30-45 minutes before getting a ticket and then waited another 30 minutes to take the elevator to the first observation deck. When visiting Tokyo Skytree, there are two options when purchasing tickets, a Combo Ticket which includes both the Tembo Galleria and the Tembo Deck, the other option is the Single Ticket that includes just the Tembo Deck. Tembo Deck – Tembo Deck is the first observation deck that is 350m. Panes of glass offer spectacular 360° views of Tokyo. The Tembo Deck has a cafe, telescopes, restaurant, a glass floor, and many other features.  Tembo Galleria – The Tembo Galleria is part of the Comb Ticket and brings visitors to the 445th and 450th floors of Tokyo Skytree. At 450m up, there is no better view of Tokyo. Don’t worry, there is an elevator that goes to both the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. I think the extra ¥1,000 for the Combo Ticket is worth it.  Admission and Hours ADMISSION (Combo Ticket) (Single Ticket)**Combo Ticket includes Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. Single Ticket only includes Tembo Deck. Weekdays18 Years and Older – (¥3,100) (¥2,100)12 -17 Years Old – (¥2,350) (¥1,550)6 to 11 Years Old – (¥1,450) (¥950) HOURS 10:00 – 21:00 (Last Admission is 20:00)Open 365 Days a Year PROS ✅ Without a doubt, best views of Tokyo ✅ Modern, everything is new ✅ Surrounding mall has stores and restaurants ✅ Night views of Tokyo are incredible CONS ❌ Long lines, even when making a reservation ❌ To many people on each deck ❌ Poor organization ❌ Location makes it a challenge to get to Book Tokyo Skytree Tickets in Advance For a hassle free visit to Tokyo Skytree, it is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance. Admision Tickets can be purchased here, through Get Your Guide. Booking your Admission Ticket guarantees you a spot to visit Tokyo Skytree with your preferred date and time. This ticket includes admission to the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria.  Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree: Which is Right for You? Ultimately, I’d recommend visiting both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. But sometimes we are limited on time and visiting both of Tokyo’s iconic towers is not possible.  Both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree offer amazing views of  Tokyo. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either attraction. I believe three things should play a role in your ultimate decision of visiting Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree if you simply can’t visit both. Those three factors are location, time, and preferences. If you are staying near Minato City then I’d recommend visiting Tokyo Tower but if you are more north near Taito City, then I’d recommend Tokyo Skytree.  If history peaks your interest then Tokyo Tower is a given but if you are into more modern architecture then without a doubt visit Tokyo Skytree.  My personal opinion based on my experiences at both towers, I felt Tokyo Tower to be more enjoyable. I visited both towers on a Sunday. Tokyo Tower I visited in the morning and Tokyo Skytree I visited at night. I found Tokyo Tower to be better organized and less crowded, making for a better experience.  Conclusion Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree, which is right for you? In the end, both of these amazing structures are worth visiting. These iconic Tokyo landmarks offer unique experiences and incredible views of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower definitely has more history and has always been a symbol of Tokyo but Tokyo Skytree is much taller, more modern, and uses cutting-edge technology. The ultimate deciding factor on visiting Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree comes down to personal preferences, locations, and time. Trust me, no matter if you decide on visiting Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, or both like I did, you will not regret either decision.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.