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Side Trip to Katsuyama: Japan’s Tallest Buddha, Pagoda, and Castle
Katsuyama, a lesser known mountain town in central Japan is located in Fukui Prefecture, not far from the city of Fukui and Maruoka Castle. Katsuyama is home to Japan’s largest sitting Buddha statue, tallest pagoda, as well as the tallest castle in Japan. With all these stunning statues and beautiful yet massive architectural buildings, why is Katsuyama unknown to most tourists? Simple, the whole western portion of Japan is not the easiest for visitors to travel to. It’s far from Tokyo and Kyoto, train rides are not direct, and the media simply doesn’t mention these types of places. We recently went on a week long road trip through central Japan…
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Visit Matsumoto Castle, A National Treasure
Matsumoto Castle, originally known as Fukashi Castle is one of Japan’s greatest castles and is listed as a National Treasure. The distinct black and white colors of the castle along with the red bridge, large moat, and stunning backdrop of the Japanese Alps, makes Matsumoto one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. A visit to Matsumoto Castle is a must when visiting Japan! History of Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle’s history dates back to the Eisho era between 1504 and 1520. During this era, a small border post was at this location, named Fukashi Castle. After years of Civil War, in 1550, Fukashi Castle was taken over by the Takeda…
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What’s the Deal with Japan’s Tanuki Statues?
If you’ve traveled anywhere around mainland Japan, you have probably noticed these statues that resemble a raccoon with huge balls. Besides the very noticeable balls, the tanuki statue appears to have a round belly with a straw hat on and sometimes they will have a sake bottle, and promissory note, among other items. So what’s the deal with Japan’s Tanuki Statues? 🦡 **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…
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Japan’s Vending Machines
Any other destination, a vending machine is just that, a vending machine. If you travel to a place like North America, a vending machine is just a large bulky box that sells a few name brand items. You’ll see the same drinks and snacks in every other vending machine no matter where you are. But Japan’s Vending Machines are a thing of the future. Want a hot coffee? Or how about an ice cold tea? Not in the mood for a beverage, then perhaps a bowl of ramen or full pizza would cure that craving? That’s right, many vending machines in Japan carry other unique items. Many times, I walk…
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Beer Guide to Japan
I moved to Japan from the United States. The United States was never really known for their beers until recently. Still, many people not from there associate the US with bad and cheap beer like Budweiser. Over time beer started to evolve and microbreweries popped up everywhere. Now, in the US, you can find great beer in almost any town. I don’t consider myself a beer snob, but I do like a good beer! Prior to living in Japan, I visited the city of Fukuoka and sampled several beers within a few days and wasn’t to impressed with the beer in Japan. I’ve lived in Japan going on three years…
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Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves
This is post 11 of 18 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Zamami Island, Okinawa Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves Okinawa Night Hike,…
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Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa
This is post 10 of 18 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Zamami Island, Okinawa Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves Okinawa Night Hike,…
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Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa
This is post 9 of 18 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Zamami Island, Okinawa Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves Okinawa Night Hike,…
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Japan Travel Recommendations
After living in Japan going on three years now, I have traveled to more then half of the 47 prefectures here. I’ve spent many hours riding trains, sleeping in hotels, ordering food at restaurants, and simply just living like a local. I do most my grocery shopping at local grocery stores and markets, live in a Japanese apartment, and have many friends that are from here. With the current Covid-19 situation, travel to Japan has been non-existent since early 2020. Lately, it seems that restrictions in Japan are headed in a promising direction. I am hopeful that this year, 2022, will finally be the year Japan accepts visitors and I…
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Weekend Itinerary for Sapporo
Sapporo, a “Winter Wonderland,” during the winter months, is Japan’s 5th largest city and by far Hokkaido’s most populous city. Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972 and is one of Japan’s most popular destinations for winter activities. Compared to other cities in Japan , Sapporo is fairly new, being established in the late 1800’s. One of Sapporo’s most famous winter events, where visitors from around the world flock to is the famous Ice Festival. We had plans on visiting the Ice Festival in February 2022, because of COVID-19, the festival was cancelled for a second straight year. We still planned on visiting Sapporo and spent a weekend exploring the…
