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Battle of Okinawa: WWII Sites Around Okinawa to Visit
When you think of Okinawa, you probably think of beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and its unique culture. Today, Okinawa is a peaceful sub-tropical island that was once involved in one of the most intense battles of WWII. For visitors that love history or have a deep fascinations and passion about WWII, there are many WWII Sites Around Okinawa that are a must visit, some easier to explore then others. I am by no means an expert when it comes to Okinawa’s WWII history, there are others in Okinawa that are far more qualified to talk about the history and sites around Okinawa. But I love exploring all things Okinawa, which includes its WWII history. Whether you are visiting Okinawa for the first time or just want to get out and explore, here are some of the main WWII sites around Okinawa that are a must visit. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, 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! Brief Introduction to the Battle of Okinawa The Battle of Okinawa was a major WWII battle that took place between April and June of 1945. The Battle of Okinawa was one of the most pivotal yet bloodiest battles in the Pacific. The Battle of Okinawa was one of the final battles in the Pacific. If Okinawa was captured, then the U.S. troops would secure the airbases and have better success storming mainland Japan. The land assault was launched on April 1, 1945 when soldiers landed on the Kerama Islands just off the coast of the main island of Okinawa. After taking the Kerama Islands, U.S. troops landed on the beaches of Okinawa facing little to no resistance by the Japanese Army. This was all part of the plan as the Japanese Imperial Army was waiting in Southern Okinawa where present day Shuri Castle is. The Japanese Army had several strongholds set up as defenses between the northern beaches and Shuri Castle, one being Hacksaw Ridge. The Japanese Army used the landscape and terrain to their advantage as the U.S. troops slowly progressed toward the south. Shuri Castle eventually was overrun by U.S. forces and fell on June 1. By June 6, the airfield in Naha was under control of the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Defense website, The Battle of Okinawa was officially declared over on June 22, 1945. More then 12,000 U.S. soldiers were killed and around 90,000 Japanese soldiers. Sadly, more then 150,000 civilians also lost their lives. WWII Sites to Visit Around Okinawa The Battle of Okinawa, fought in 1945, is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific. Today, visitors to Okinawa can explore a range of historic sites related to the war. From memorials to battlefields, here are a few of the WWII sites around Okinawa that played a significant role in the war and are easy to visit. Visiting these WWII sites are perfect for those touring Okinawa with limited time or just want to explore a couple of the main sites around Okinawa that are related to the war. Hacksaw Ridge One of the more famous WWII Sites Around Okinawa has to be Hacksaw Ridge. Hacksaw ridge, officially, Maeda Escarpment is a ridge with dramatic cliffs that was the setting for one of the most intense battles. Hacksaw Ridge became famous because of the 2016 movie, Hacksaw Ridge. The movie told the story of Desmond Doss, a combat medic who refused to carry any weapons because of his beliefs but he was responsible for saving the lives of 75 soldiers. The Maeda Escarpment was a defense line for the Japanese military to protect the 32nd Army Headquarters located at Shuri. Hacksaw Ridge is a 400 ft cliff that plateau’s on top. The United States approached Hacksaw Ridge on April 26 and an intense battle unfolded for 11 days. The Japanese were defending the escarpment, meanwhile the U.S. forces pushed forward up Hacksaw Ridge. Fighting was mainly in close quarters. The U.S. troops successfully gained control of Hacksaw Ridge on May 6, 1945. In total, about 2,500 American soldiers were killed at Hacksaw Ridge. Address: 2 Chome- 53 Nakama, Urasoe, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.2468072, 127.7297201 The Battle at Kakazu Ridge One Ridge after another. The Battle at Kakazu Ridge was one of the bloodiest during the Battle of Okinawa. Kakazu Ridge was one of the ridges where Japanese forces were set up to protect Shuri in the south. According to signage at Kakazu Ridge, this area was littered with mines set by Japanese forces. Japanese Forces heavily attacked the U.S. Forces here with heavy weapons to include anti-tank guns and mortars. On April 19, U.S. Forces lost twenty-two tanks. Both sides suffered huge loses in terms of injuries and causalities. Many civilians lost their lives during the battle as well. When visiting Kakazu Ridge today, there are many memorials, remnants of the battle, bunkers, and even a Tochka (pictured above). A Tochka is a Russian word and is used to describe thick concrete blocks with gun ports. Address: 1 Chome-5-7-3 Kakazu, Ginowan, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.2583568, 127.7355609 Peace Memorial Park and Museum The Peace Memorial Park and Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum in Southern Okinawa is a must see site when visiting Okinawa. Whether you are touring the WWII sites around Okinawa or just visiting Okinawa as a tourist I highly recommend visiting the Peace Memorial Park. The Peace Memorial Park isn’t just an attraction in Southern Okinawa. There is a Memorial Museum, the Cornerstone of Peace, and memorials from Prefectures around Japan. The Cornerstone of Peace is a somber reminder of all the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa. These granite walls list all the names of the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa. The museum is well worth visiting. The museum was full of information related to the Battle of Okinawa. I stated this in my Battle Site Tour Post, but the museum was nicely done as it did not point fingers or blame any ides. It provided first hand accounts from people affected by the war. There were amazing displays and tragic stories. Address: 444 Mabuni, Itoman, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.0949888, 127.7236577 Ie Shima Ie Shima is a small island located off the coast of the Motobu Peninsula of Okinawa. U.S. forces, in particular the U.S. Army’s 77th division, landed on the shores of Ie Shima on April 16, 1945. Heavy fighting between U.S. troops and Japanese forces took place here until it was secured by the U.S. forces on April 21, 1945. A famous journalist and War Correspondent, Ernie Pyle was shot and killed on Ie Shima on April 18, 1945. Ernie Pyle was a beloved and very respected War Correspondent during WWII. He covered battles in in both Europe and Asia and was known for covering stories of ordinary soldiers fighting on the front lines. As a tribute to Ernie Pyle, the 77th Infantry Division placed a monument on the site of where he was shot and killed. This monument is still there today. On the monument, there is a plaque that says: “At This Spot The 77th Infantry Division Lost a Buddy, Ernie Pyle.” There are other sites around Ie Shima that are related to the Battle of Okinawa. One of the more famous buildings is the Municipal Pawnshop which is located in the middle of town. The plaque at the Municipal Pawnshop states: “During World War II, a fierce battle took place on Ie Shima and around 1,500 local villagers and 2,000 Japanese soldiers lost their lives. Almost all buildings were destroyed. The pawnshop was damaged but maintained its original shape. The featured photo of this post is of the Municipal Pawnshop on Ie Shima. Address: Kawahira, Ie, Kunigami District, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.7108868, 127.7954151 Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters Not far from Naha and a must visit if interested in the WWII sites around Okinawa is the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters served as the underground command center for the Japanese Navy. Rear Admiral Ota Minoru was the Commanding Officer. The Underground Headquarters is a network of tunnels and rooms located about 20 meters deep. There are about 450 meters of tunnels. During the Battle of Okinawa, the headquarters was able to house around 4,000 soldiers. Rear Admiral Ota Minoru and six other officers committed suicide in the Underground Headquarters on June 13, 1945. Today, visitors can explore the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. I recommend visiting the small museum first prior to entering the tunnels. The entrance to the tunnels involves going down 105 stairs. You can freely walk around the tunnels, see the operations rooms, living quarters, and signal rooms. The Officer’s Room which you walk through is covered in holes that were caused by the detonation of a had-grenade. Address: 236 Tomigusuku, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.186248, 127.6763201 Tomori Stone Lion One of my favorite WWII sites in Okinawa is the Tomori Stone Lion. Although not as significant as some of the other sites, the iconic photo of the soldiers at the base of the statue whether staged or real is a venerated site. The Tomori Stone Lion, technically a Shisa, dates back to 1689 and still stands today. The statue was placed here by local villagers to protect the town from evil spirits. The Shisa survived the Battle of Okinawa with only a few bullet holes to show, which still can be seen today. Type in the Tomori Stone Lion in Google Images, you will see the iconic photo where troops are at the base of the statue looking through binoculars. I thought it would be fun to recreate the photo by myself. Address: 22 Tomori, Yaese, Shimajiri District, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.1335766, 127.7217049 Memorial Monument of Lieutenant General Buckner Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. was the highest-ranking United States military officer killed during WWII. Lieutenant General Buckner was the commanding general of the 10th Army. He was killed three days before the Japanese surrendered in Okinawa. He was visiting a forward observation post, here he was killed by enemy artillery fire. Today, there is a Memorial Monument of Lieutenant General Buckner placed at the location where he was killed. At this same location, there is a memorial for Claudius M. Easley, Brigadier General, who also lost his life during the Battle of Okinawa on June 19, 1945. There is another memorial for Edwin T. May, Colonel of the 383rd Inf. Regt. who also died at this location on June 5, 1945. There is a set of stairs that lead to the memorials on top of a hill. There is a small pull off for vehicles to park. Address: 615 Maezato, Itoman, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.1146274, 127.6802595 Caves of Okinawa I took a Tunnel Rats Tour in Okinawa that explored various caves around Okinawa related to the Battle of Okinawa. Many of the caves around Okinawa are open to the public and accessible while others are blocked off or dangerous and entering is not advised, so please use common sense and do your research before entering any cave in Okinawa. During the Tunnel Rat Tour I took, we visited the Shimuku Gama Cave otherwise known as “Happy Cave.” The second cave was Garabigama in the Shimajiri District in Southern Okinawa. Todoroki Cavern is another cave I personally explored on my own. According to a sign posted at Todoroki Cavern, locals fled to this cave during air raids in March of 1945. Around June 15th, around 20 Japanese Imperial Forces arrived at the cave and placed themselves at the entrance, of course this mix of Japanese Forces and civilians did not bode well. On June 18th U.S. forces threw drums of gasoline and explosives into the cave in a “clearing operation.” killing and injuring many of the civilians. On June 25th, around 500-600 civilians
Okinawa Food Guide: Discovering the Island’s Must Try Dishes
Okinawa isn’t just an island known for stunning beaches and its vibrant culture, it’s also a foodie paradise with it’s own unique dishes. From delicious Okinawa Soba to American influenced taco rice and fresh fruits you won’t find anywhere else in Japan, Okinawa deserves to be one of Japan’s top food destinations. My Okinawa food guide will take you through all the must try dishes, local specialties, and some of my recommended places to eat in Okinawa. **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! What Separates Okinawan Cuisine from Mainland Japan? I’ve traveled all throughout Japan and think Okinawa is so underrated when it comes to food. Afterall, you can find all your typical Japanese dishes like Okonomiyaki, Ramen, and Tonkatsu in Okinawa. Okinawa’s history involves strong trading with China, has been influenced by Southeast Asian countries, and has a lot of United States inspired dishes. Think: Chinese inspired stir-fried dishes, spices from Southeast Asia, and a fusion of Japanese-American dishes like Taco Rice. Mainland Japan eats a lot of chicken and seafood, whereas in Okinawa, Pork is King! It’s evident in many Okinawan dishes like tebichi (pork feet) and rafute (pork belly). Since Okinawa is a subtropical climate, many ingredients grow well here that are not common in Japanese cooking like goya (bitter melon) and beni-imo (purple sweet potato). There you have it! In Okinawa, I can find all my favorite mainland dishes but here I can also have tacos for lunch, order goya chanpuru as an appetizer, and eat pig feet as a main course. Okinawa Food Dishes You Have to Try! Whenever you visit Okinawa, make eating out a priority. The food in Okinawa is unique and absolutely delicious. I made this Okinawa food guide to first explain some of the dishes that are unique to Okinawa but secondly because I have a deep love for the cuisine here and want to share all the must-eats when visiting Okinawa, so you don’t miss out! Okinawa Soba Perhaps the most recognizable dish that every Okinawan loves is Okinawa Soba. You can’t walk but 5 minutes without seeing a small Okinawa Soba shop. Unlike soba in mainland Japan that is made of buckwheat noodles, Okinawa Soba features a thick wheat noodle that is served in a pork-based broth. The soba is then topped with meat slices or chunks, green onion, and various other toppings. On the table, you will find pickled ginger and Koregusu, which is a chili sauce made of awamori (local rice spirit) and chilis. You can freely add these toppings to your soba to your liking. There are several types of Soba. You’ll see traditional Okinawan Soba which is topped with slices of pork belly. My favorite is Soki Soba which includes pork ribs. There is also Tebichi Soba or tofu Soba. For starters, I’d try the traditional Okinawa Soba. Here are 3 Soba Restaurants Worth Trying: ✅ Jaagaru Soba98-1 Yoshihara, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0105 ✅ Soba Pan1 Chome-4-29 Takahara, Okinawa, 904-2171 ✅ Tetsukono Soba760 Gushiken, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0201 Taco Rice One dish you wouldn’t expect to find anywhere in the world but it exists in Okinawa and is delicious is Taco Rice. Taco Rice is a fusion dish that blends Japanese Rice with Tex-Mex. You start off with a layer of rice and top it off with your favorite taco mix ins like ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Traditionally, there are places like King Tacos that serve it old fashioned with just rice and taco toppings. As taco rice gains in popularity, some restaurants, like Kijimuna have added their own twist the taco rice like adding an omelet on top or teriyaki chicken. When visiting Okinawa, Taco Rice is a must try food dish. It’s cheap, filling, and surprisingly delicious. Here are 3 Taco Rice Restaurants Worth Trying: ✅ KijimunaMultiple Locations6092-1 Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411 Rycom and Parco City Malls ✅ Rice Bowl Factory348-1 Kouri, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0406 ✅ Coco Demo Tacos94 Misaki, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2321 Burgers, that’s right! Burgers! What if I were to tell you I’ve had the best burgers of my life in Okinawa. Most people wouldn’t believe me. After all burgers are an American thing therefore the best are in the USA. Well, the Japanese like to take one thing and perfect it. Just so happened that in Okinawa, they perfected the American Hamburger. They use the freshest ingredients here, locally baked buns, and mouthwatering meat. Just because you are visiting Okinawa and want to try local Okinawan cuisine, don’t pass up a decent burger joint, it just might be the best burger you’ve ever had! Here are 3 Hamburger Restaurants Worth Trying: ✅ Burger Wolf2 Chome-56-3 Awase, Okinawa, 904-2172 ✅ Sandbox Burgers1-20 Miyagi, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0113 ✅ Burger Revolution2 Chome-1-1 Tomari, Naha, Okinawa 900-0012 Umibudo (Sea Grapes) Umibudo otherwise known as sea grapes are an Okinawan specialty and can be found thorough out the island. Sea grapes are sometimes referred to as “Green Caviar,” and resemble tiny grapes. I love the texture of the sea grapes as they pop in your mouth releasing a salty and ocean flavor. Sea grapes are usually come chilled and are served with soy sauce or ponzu sauce. Many Izakaya’s in Okinawa will have sea grapes on the menu. They can also be purchased at most markets and grocery stores. Tebichi When visiting Okinawa, you have to try Tebichi. Tebichi is a dish that is made from pig’s feet. Tebichi is so tender, you can pull it apart with chopsticks. It can be eaten as is or added to soups like Soba. Tebichi Soba is wonderful! I think a lot of visitors are put off by the appearance of tebichi or the texture. The pork foot is bony and full of gelatinous meat. But it’s so rich in flavor, I absolutely love it! Don’t be discouraged by the look of tebichi, it’s a flavorful Okinawan dish that is a must try. Goya Champuru Besides Okinawa Soba, nothing else represents Okinawan cooking better then Goya Champuru. Goya is a bitter melon and Champuru is Okinawan for “Something Mixed.” Goya Champuru is a dish that is made at almost any Izakaya, Shokudo, and restaurant in Okinawa and it is prepared and cooked differently at every place. The typical ingredients you’ll see in Goya Champuru include the goya, tofu, eggs, a meat (usually pork), topped with bonito flakes and soy sauce. This savory and bitter dish will surely catch your attention. Like me, you might not like it as much at first but over time you’ll find yourself craving it. Okinawa Tempura Tempura is a dish that is found all throughout Japan and is just as popular as Sushi and Ramen. So why am I talking about Tempura in an Okinawa specific post? Well, Okinawa has their own style of tempura that is both unique and delicious. Mainland Japan likes their tempura light and crispy, meanwhile Okinawans love their tempura thick and fluffy. Common tempura dishes in Okinawa include fish, squid, crab, pumpkin, and mixed vegetable (my favorite)! You can find Okinawa Tempura all around Okinawa but hands down, the best tempura in Okinawa can be found on Ojima Island, about 30 minutes from Naha Airport. There is one restaurant in particular that is my favorite and loved by both locals and tourists. That restaurant is called, Oshiro. It’s takeout, you order the tempura you want on a list and the number of pieces you want. Hand the staff your ticket, pay, and wait. Your tempura will be freshly made and you can sit at the restaurant and eat or enjoy tempura on the nearby seawall. My recommendation is come closer to when they open, especially if you want to try the mixed vegetable tempura. Bizarre Food Dishes in Okinawa I am a big fan of trying everything at least once. How else are you going to know if you like a certain dish or not. In general, you don’t find to many bizarre foods in Japan. Sure you can if you look hard enough. None the less here are some of the more interesting foods in Okinawa that I’ve tried, actually enjoyed, and highly recommend trying! Irabu (Sea Snake) Soup Irabu is an Okinawan soup that is made with sea snake. The particular sea snake used in Irabu is the Black-Banded Sea Krait, the one you see all the time while snorkeling or diving in Okinawa. The snake is dried and smoked before being prepared and added to the soup. The soup consists of a broth, maybe chunks of pork, konbu (type of kelp) and a piece of the sea snake. In my Interesting Food Around the World post I have additional information on Irabu Soup in Okinawa. There are a couple places in Okinawa to eat Irabu, I tried the soup when visiting Kudaka Island. Basashi (Raw Horse Meat) Basashi or raw horse meat is a Japanese delicacy. Not specific to Okinawa but it can be found in a lot of restaurants, particularly at Izakaya’s. Basashi is usually served as sashimi and is thinly sliced. It can be enjoyed with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or other sauces. Torisashi (Raw Chicken) The only place in the world I would trust to eat raw chicken is in Japan. In Japanese, raw chicken is known as Torisashi. Although Torisashi can be found in both mainland Japan and Okinawa, I am including it in my Okinawa food guide, because it is in many Izakaya’s menus here and is worth trying. Torisashi is usually served in the form of sashimi and can be lightly seared on the outside. The few times I’ve eaten it, I have enjoyed it and recommend trying it at least once if you see it on the local menu. Yagi Sashi (Raw Goat) Yagi Sashi is actually a raw meat dish that hails from Okinawa and has deep cultural roots. Yagi means goat and Sashi means sashimi. That’s right, raw goat! At Izakaya’s and specialty restaurants the raw goat is served thinly sliced and chilled usually with a dollop of ginger and soy sauce. The Yagi Sashi has a gamey taste and seems like you either love it or hate it. I am on the “Love it” side of the spectrum and love the gamey flavor. Okinawa Snacks and Desserts With a blend of tropical flavors and traditional Japanese sweets, Okinawa has some of the best desserts in Japan. From beni-imo snacks and fun chinsuko flavors to refreshing shaved ice and local ice cream flavors, here are some of the snacks and desserts in Okinawa that you have to try! Shaved Ice During the summer, Okinawa gets really hot and humid. Sometimes it is unbearable. Because of the extreme heat and humidity, a lot of places sell a dessert called kakigori or shaved ice. I’ve never been a fan of shaved ice in the United States but the few times I’ve had it in Okinawa during the summer months, I find it really refreshing. Kakigori is a dessert that is made of real fine shaved ice with flavoring. In Okinawa, a lot of the flavors mimic fresh fruit like Mango. Not for me, but locals love the Okinawan Zenzai shaved ice. This style of shaved ice is topped with sweet red beans, mochi, and brown sugar syrup. I’ll just stick to the Mango or Dragon Fruit shaved ice. Blue Seal Ice Cream Blue Seal Ice Cream is an Okinawan brand of ice cream that is known for it’s local and traditional flavors. On a hot Okinawa summer day, who doesn’t love a nice bowl or cone of ice cream? Thankfully, Blue Seal is everywhere here, even at Naha Airport.
Visiting Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
The Jomon Prehistoric Sites are a collection of archaeological sites found in Hokkaido and the Northern Tohoku region (Akita, Aomori, and Iwate Prefectures) of Japan. There are 17 unique sites that make up the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settlements, earthen mounds, stone circles, intricate pottery and figurines, are all hidden treasures of the Jomon people, a hunter-gatherer culture that dates back over 10,000 years. Learn more about the Jomon Prehistoric Sites, its people, and the locations I visited while touring specific sites in Northern Japan. **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: Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan The Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was inscribed in 2021. According to UNESCO, there are 17 archaeological sites ranging from Southern Hokkaido to the Northern Tohoku region of Japan. The Northern Tohoku region includes the Japanese Prefectures of Akita, Aomori, and Iwate. The Jomon Sites around Northern Japan and Hokkaido include settlements, burial mounds, ritual and ceremonial sites, stone circles, and many recovered artifacts like pottery and weapons. Who Were the Jomon People? The Jomon people is a name given to the prehistoric inhabitants of Japan during the Jomon period, 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE. The Jomon people were hunter-gatherers who lived a semi-sedentary lifestyle. This is known because of archaeological evidence found at many of the settlements. The Jomon people lived in settlements made of many pit dwellings. The structures varied in size from small rooms to huge longhouses like the one at Sannai Maruyama. According to the museums visited, the Jomon people used stone tools, bone tools, and even fished using nets. They used weapons and had arrow and spearheads. Honestly, it reminded me of arrowheads like the Native Americans used. It’s crazy to me how close the tools and weapons were comparing two different cultures on opposite sides of the planet. Jomon Pottery and Artifacts The Jomon people are most known for their pottery. The pottery was of course handmade and characterized by the patterns made by cord markings. Cord markings is a technique used by the Jomon people where ropes or cords were pressed into the clay to make patterns. The pottery was multi-functional and was used for cooking, decoration, and storage and came in all shapes and sizes. The thing that fascinated me the most was the figurines or Dogu. They’ve uncovered many of these figurines which resemble humans. The Dogu are made from clay and are believed to be ritual objects and not children’s toys like I initially thought. The Google-Eyed Dogu are my favorite. The Google-eyed figurine from the Kamegaoka Burial Site is the most famous and is currently at the Tokyo National Museum. Jomon Sites in Northern Japan The Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan are a must-visit for any traveler visiting Japan that is interested in history and looking to explore parts of Akita, Aomori, and Hokkaido. Recognized as a UNESCO site in 2021, the Jomon Sites are are historically significant and well worth visiting. Although there are many more sites, 17 are listed and protected under UNESCO. I managed to visit 4 major Jomon Sites across Akita, Aomori, and Hokkaido Prefectures. Below you can find more information on the particular sites I visited. Sannai Maruyama Site Located in Aomori Prefecture just outside the city of Aomori is the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site. Sannai Maruyama was the most significant and largest of the Jomon sites I visited in Northern Japan. You could literally spend a whole day here between browsing the museum and walking the grounds. Sannai Maruyama has it all: Mounds, remains of pathways, storage pits, burial areas, reconstructed dwellings and structures, and so much more! There are multiple routes to walk on the grounds of Sannai Maruyama, We just took the standard route. There were many reconstructed dwellings, you can even access them to see what the inside most likely looked like. Don’t forget to spend time in the museum to get a better understanding of the Jomon people and see many of their pottery and artifacts on display. For more information on the Sannai Maruyama Site to include opening hours and admission fees, view the official website. Kamegaoka Archaeological Site Nearly an hour drive from Sannai Maruyama is the Kamegaoka Archaeological Site. Kamegaoka Archaeological Site is most famous because of the iconic Shakoki Dogu (Goggle-Eyed figurine) that was discovered at the site. According to a sign posted at the site, the figurine found here named Shakoki Dogu gets its name because Shakoki means snow goggles and its eyes resemble snow goggles, I prefer Goggle-Eyed. The Google-Eyed figurine, Shakoki Dogu was moved to the Tokyo National Museum. Omori-Katsuyama Archaeological Site Omori Katsuyama Archaeological Site consisted of stone circles that date back to 1,000 BCE. The site was most likely a burial and ceremonial area. According to signage at the site, there are no other stone circles in the surrounding areas. It is thought that several settlements jointly used Omori Katsuyama. We visited Omori-Katsuyama in the evening hours and it was so peaceful walking around. The trails were nicely maintained and well marked. Goshono Archaeological Site Located in Iwate Prefecture just south of the town of Ichinohe is Goshono Archaeological Site. Goshono Archaeological Site is a preserved Jomon site that dates back over 4,000 years ago. On the grounds here, you can find reconstructed pit dwellings, burial mounds, and a large museum. The picture above is actually the covered walkway that acts as an entrance to the site. After the walkway, you enter the museum area where you can freely walk around before going outside to walk the grounds. Conclusion Visiting the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan is both a journey through Japan’s incredibly beautiful landscapes but it’s also a step back in time to one of the oldest known civilizations. I had no idea that the Jomon Period even existed until living in Japan. Come to learn that the Jomon people created highly intricate pottery and had semi-stationary settlements. From viewing the pit-dwellings at Sannai Maruyama to the seeing the Google-Eyed Dogu at Kamegaoka Archeological Site, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a glimpse into the lives, spiritual beliefs, and artistic abilities of the Jomon people. 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.
Why You Should Stay at a Ryokan When Visiting Japan
If you are looking for an authenticate experience, then staying in a Ryokan Hotel in Japan is as genuine as it gets. Ryokan hotels are traditional Japanese hotels that offer a unique experience that will certainly be a highlight from your trip to Japan. Staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan is a cultural experience that typically includes meals, a Yukata to wear, hospitality, and an onsen (public bath). I’ve stayed at several Ryokan hotels throughout Japan and want to share my love of Ryokan hotels with 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! What is a Ryokan Hotel Ryokan hotels come in all shapes and sizes and are found throughout Japan. The Ryokan is loosely defined as a traditional Japanese inn that offers its guests a unique experience, Japanese culture, omotenashi (hospitality), and a relaxing stay. Ryokan hotels are found all throughout Japan and can be located anywhere from small mountain villages to large cities like Kyoto. Ryokan hotels are much different then your typical western or business hotel that is popular in Japan like APA or Toyoko Inn, which I love. Apart from the experience itself and exceptional hospitality, some key features that separate a Ryokan from a business hotel are the full tatami rooms where you sleep on a futon on the floor, onsens, Kaiseki meals, and the provided yukatas. Reasons you Should Stay at a Ryokan Hotel in Japan For that quintessential Japanese experience, I recommend staying at a Ryokan hotel while visiting Japan. If anything, stay at least one night at a Ryokan during your visit to Japan just to say you’ve done it. Ryokans come in all forms and at a variety of price ranges but no matter what, I promise you it will be a unique experience. If you want to experience culture, onsens, taking photos in a yukata, or just want to relax, then staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan is a must, below are a few reasons why staying in a Ryokan offer a better experience then a regular hotel in Japan. Cultural Experience Most people book a Ryokan for the cultural and unique experience. A Ryokan hotel is something unique to Japan and you can’t really find this style of inn anywhere else. Staying at a Ryokan is much more then just staying overnight at a hotel in Japan. It’s more of an immersive experience into Japanese culture and hospitality. Most Ryokans will have traditional decor, tatami-matted rooms, shoji screens, and comfortable futons to sleep on. Meals As someone who loves food, of course the meals, both breakfast and dinners served at Ryokan hotels are always a highlight. The meals served at Ryokan hotels are known as Kaiseki. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal that is usually served in your room, a private dining area, or a communal space. The Kaiseki comes in many different ways. It is popular to have a whole table spread of small dishes that include an appetizer, sashimi, fermented vegetables, grilled fish, steamed rice, miso soup, and a dessert. A few Ryokans I’ve stayed at, include a buffet option. The buffets are always outstanding with a huge variety. So far, Nikko Tokanso in Nikko has had my favorite Kaiseki while Yukai Resort Koshinoyu in Wakayama Prefecture has had the most outstanding dinner buffet. Onsen (Public bath) Another big draw to staying at a Ryokan is the onsen or public baths. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and are found all around the country. Natural onsens are rich in minerals and heated by volcanic activity. Sometimes the onsens are so hot it’s almost unbearable. But it’s all about relaxation and healing. Most of the Ryokans I’ve stayed at have both public and private onsens. Private onsens are great if you want to enjoy the experience with your partner or have tattoos and cannot go to the public onsen. Typically, private onsens, you have to pay extra and need to check the times at the frond desk of the Ryokan. Depending on the Ryokan, some have onsens on site, in the room, or public baths around town. Wearing a Yukata If you are visiting Japan, I am sure wearing a kimono crossed your mind. How about a Yukata? A yukata is basically a casual kimono and most Ryokan hotels come equipped with them. The yukata will be placed in your room or can be found at the front desk. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear your yukata while dining in the Ryokan, walking to and from the onsen, or just lounging in your room. If you are staying in an onsen town, you can even wear your yukata out and about. Relaxation Besides the meals, I love staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan because it is a relaxing and peaceful experience. Ryokans are meant to have a relaxing ambience and are generally set in natural locations whether it is in a mountainous area or quiet street set back a few blocks from the busy city districts. It doesn’t get more relaxing then slipping into a yukata, enjoying the onsen, or just spending time in your room. Conclusion Staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan combines culture, food, and atmosphere. I promise you will get a one of a kind and memorable experience staying at a Ryokan. Some of my best and most memorable overnight stays in Japan have all been at a Ryokan. While visiting Japan, even if it is just for one night, ditch that generic hotel room and book a Ryokan hotel, you won’t regret it. 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.
Visiting Japan’s 12 Original Castles
There are hundreds if not thousands of castles in Japan. I’m sure you’ve visited famous castles in Japan like Osaka Castle, Okayama Castle, or Hiroshima Castle. Truth is, these are all reconstructed and restored castles. The majority of castles have been destroyed due to either war, environmental disasters, or politics. A few castles scattered throughout Japan have survived these obstacles. There are only 12 original castles in Japan and I’ve visited them all. This post explains what makes a castle “original” and gives a first-hand account of my visits to Japan’s 12 original castles. **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! What Makes it an Original Castle? Throughout Japan’s history castles have been under constant siege, threatened by environmental catastrophes, or completely dismantled during the Meiji government era. Out of the hundreds or thousands of castles that once existed throughout Japan there are only 12 original ones remaining. In Japan these castles are known as “Genson-tenshu,” which translates to “The existing castles.” Of the 12 original castles in Japan, 5 of them are considered to be national treasures like Matsumoto Castle while 7 are important cultural assets. So what makes these castles Genson-tenshu or original? While visiting many of Japan’s original castles, the majority of the castles are just walls with a moat and castle keep. The castle’s keep or fortified tower is what makes these castles original. The common thing amongst Japan’s original castles is that their main keep is still intact and has been since the Edo period, around the mid 1800’s. 12 Original Castles in Japan After living in Japan for over 5 years now, I finally visited the last of the 12 original castles in Japan, which was Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture. The original castles are scattered throughout mainland Japan from Aomori Prefectures to Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. These castles vary in sizes, Himeji being the largest and grandest whereas Uwajima Castle is a small keep hugging the coast line of the Pacific Ocean. 1. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Not to be confused with Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is located in Okayama Prefecture but shares a similar name. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is not only famous for being one of Japan’s original castles but for it’s location. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is the only true mountain castle located in the mountains of Okayama Prefecture. It is located about 430 m above sea level on Mt. Gagyu. Originally built in 1240 as a fortified fortress, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle has been conquered by various clans to include the Mori Clan. During the Meiji era, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle was abandoned and left to wither away. Thankfully in the early 1900’s, groups began restoration work on the castle and we can enjoy it today! Today, visitors can walk to the main keep. There is a parking lot near the castle, but it is still a 20 minute or so walk. For those that are unable to walk the incline to the castle, there is a shuttle bus that leaves the parking lot and arrives close to the castle. What makes Bitchu Matsuyama Castle one of my favorites is, Sanjuro the current castle or cat lord that guards the grounds and greets visitors. You can read all about Sanjuro, how he got here, and so much more on the castles website. Castle HoursApril to September: 9:00 – 17:30October to March: 9:00 – 16:30 Entrance FeeAdults ¥500/Elementary and Jr. High Students ¥200 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 2. Hikone Castle Located in the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture is Hikone Castle. This castle is listed as a National Treasure and still has it’s original keep (tenshu). Hikone Castle dates back to 1622 and was constructed by the Ii Clan. The castle was built to protect the Nakasendo route toward the city of Kyoto. Hikone Castle is listed as a National Treasure due to its spectacular architectural style, original turrets, and horse stable. Castle Hours8:30 to 17:00 Entrance FeeCastle ¥700Castle and Garden ¥1000Castle, Garden, and Museum ¥1500 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 3. Himeji Castle Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, is the grandest and best preserved of all Japan’s original castles. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure. If you were to ask me what castle in Japan is a must see? My response is always going to be Himeji. It’s superior to any other castle, even the famous Osaka and Nagoya Castles. Most castles in Japan only have a keep along with a gate, maybe a turret, and remaining walls. But Himeji gives its visitors a look at what a full castle looked like back in the day. Himeji castle has over 80 buildings, in tact turrets, gates, and complex corridors. The castle keep you see today is in its original form since it was built in 1609. Surprisingly, Himeji Castle was not affected by WWII, although the town of Himeji was heavily destroyed. Himeji Castle was painted black, that way it could not be seen from planes flying above the city. Himeji Castle has one of the best preserved interiors. When walking through, pay attention to the stone throwing platforms, special hiding places for warriors, weapon racks, and the impressive doors. Castle Hours9:00 – 17:00June 1 to August 31: 9:00 – 18:00 Entrance FeeAdults ¥1000 / Elementary and Jr. High Students ¥300 Combined Ticket for Himeji Castle and Kokoen GardenAdults ¥1050 / Students ¥360 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 4. Hirosaki Castle Located in the far north Prefecture of Aomori is Hirosaki Castle. Most visitors come here during Cherry Blossom season as Hirosaki Castle is spectacular during this time of year. Built in 1611, Hirosaki Castle was home to the Tsugaru Clan. Originally, the main keep was 5-stoies but was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground in 1627. The keep you see today on the site is from 1810. The keep is more recent but the building process used traditional techniques with original features. At the current moment (2024), the Hirosaki Castle has been moved from its original location. They are currently working on the foundation. The keep is close to the original site and the inside is still accessible. The construction process is said to last a couple years. Castle HoursApril 1 to November 23: 9:00 – 17:00Duing Sakura Festival: 7:00 – 21:00 Entrance FeeAdults ¥320 / Students ¥100 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 5. Inuyama Castle Located about 25 km north of Nagoya in Aichi City is Inuyama Castle. Considered to be the oldest of the original castles in Japan, built around 1537 by Oda Nobukatsu, one of Oda Nobunaga’s sons. Inuyama Castle is also a National Treasure. Visible on a hill overlooking the Kiso River below, Inuyama Castle is known for it’s beautiful architecture and wooden interior. Inuyama Castle is one of the better ones to visit if you want to see a castle in its original form, with little modern updates compared to other castles. Castle Hours9:00 – 17:00 Entrance FeeAdults ¥550 / Children ¥110 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 6. Kochi Castle Kochi Castle is located in Kochi City which also happens to be located in Kochi Prefecture. Since 1959, Kochi Castle has been listed as a National Historic Site. Kochi Castle is unique as it was used as a residence for the local daimyo. The main keep is connected to the palace, it is not separate like other castles. Kochi Castle was first built between 1601 and 1611 but much of the castle was burnt down in the 1700’s. In 1753 it was built back to its original form. Castle Hours9:00 – 17:00 Entrance FeeAdults ¥420 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 7. Marugame Castle Marugame Castle is located on Japan’s Shikoku Island in Kagawa Prefecture. Besides being one of Japan’s original castles, Marugame Castle is known for its original wooden keep, towering stone walls, and its location, being perched on Kameyama Hill overlooking Marugame City. Marugame Castle was bult in 1597 by Ikoma Chikamasa, a daimyo during the Edo period. During the Meiji Restoration, when many castles were dismantled, Marugame was no exception. Most of the castle was dismantled but the keep and walls were saved. Castle Hours9:00 – 16:30 Entrance FeeAdults ¥400 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 8. Maruoka Castle One of the more lesser known of the original castles is Maruoka Castle. Maruoka Castle is located in Sakai City in the Japanese Prefecture of Fukui. Maruoka Castle is one of the oldest original castle in Japan dating back to 1576. The castle was built by the daimyo Katsutoyo Shibata. Maruoka Castle has a three-story keep that is made of wood and stone. The keep is also known as the “Mist Castle” based on a legend that claimed mist would appear during warfare to protect the castle from enemies. The keep is all that is left here with the exception of a few walls. The surrounding area of Maruoka Castle has been turned into a nice park. Castle Hours8:30 – 17:00 Entrance FeeAdults ¥450 / Children ¥150 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 9. Matsue Castle Located in Shimane Prefecture, Matsue Castle is listed as a National Treasure and was completed in 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu. Matsue Castle is a prime example as being build in a typical watchtower style for warfare. Thankfully, Matsue Castle has never been involved in a battle and therefore still stands in its original form. A beautiful moat surrounds Matsue Castle. Today, boat tours can be taken around the castle. The keep is well worth visiting as there is an informative museum that houses a few artifacts. Castle HoursApril 1 to September 30: 8:30am – 18:30October 1 to March 31: 8:30 am – 17:00 Entrance FeeAdults ¥680 / Children ¥290 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 10. Matsumoto Castle After Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle is my favorite of Japan’s original castles. Also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its unique black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is located in Nagano Prefecture. Another unique aspect about Matsumoto Castle is its location. Instead of being built on a hill, it sits on a flat plain. Matsumoto Castle dates back to 1594 and newer structures were added to the castle in the 1630’s. Matsumoto Castle was supposed to be entirely dismantled during the Meiji Restoration, but many residents from the city and one in particular, Ichikawa Ryozo stood up to spare the castle from destruction. Matsumoto Castle today is a spectacular castle to visit. The unique black design and tenshu are absolutely beautiful. Visitors can go inside and see the Moon Viewing Room. Castle Hours8:30 – 17:00 Entrance FeeAdults ¥700 / Children ¥300 For more information feel free to view the Official Website 11. Matsuyama Castle Matsuyama Castle, is one of two castles located in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku along with Uwajima. Matsuyama Castle is located on Mt. Katsuyama in the heart of Matsuyama City. The castle was built between 1602 and 1628 by the daimyo, Yoshiaki Kato. Matsuyama Castle is one of the more complex castles in Japan. The main keep is three-tiered in the traditional style. Several of the watchtowers, gates, and walls are still in its original form. Since Matsuyama Castle sits on top of Mt. Katsuyama it is worth coming here for the views alone. You get a great view of the city, mountains, and Seto Inland Sea. Castle Hours9:00 – 17:00 Entrance FeeAdults ¥520 / Children ¥160 For more
Overnight Layover at Incheon Airport: Eat, Sleep, and Explore
For many travelers, the idea of a long or overnight layover sounds miserable. However, Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea can be a wonderful place to have a layover. There is plenty to see, eat, and do in the airport. For those that have an overnight layover at Incheon Airport or a longer layover and are itching to experience some of the Korean culture, might I suggest leaving the airport. Just a couple subway stops away is Unseo Station in the Jung District of Incheon. Here you can experience Korean nightlife, eat delicious food, and even stay in a nice hotel, all without going directly to Seoul or getting to far from the airport. **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! Summary Overnight Layover at Incheon Airport: If you are wondering what to do at Incheon Airport during a long layer then I suggest taking the subway to Unseo Station to experience a slice of South Korea. Where to Stay near Incheon International Airport: Browndot Airport New Town Golden Tulip Incheon Airport Hotel Happy Place Guest House Overnight Layover at Incheon Airport If you have a long layover at Incheon Airport or are staying overnight, I highly recommend leaving the airport. You have several options depending on your length of stay. Automatically, people want to get out and visit Seoul. But I recommend giving yourself plenty of time to do so. The city of Seoul is further from the airport then you might think. The train ride can take upwards to an hour. You can also stay inside the airport. Incheon Airport is huge and has plenty to do. It’s no Changi Airport in Singapore, but the airport does offer great dining options, shops, and a few interesting things to look at. Incheon does have lounges and napping zones which I’ve used in the past. But if you are staying on a long layover in Incheon, especially an overnight layover, I highly recommend taking the train to Unseo Station in Incheon’s Jung District. Staying in the Jung District, Unseo Station Area If you have a long layover at Incheon Airport and want to experience and explore a bit of South Korea, I recommend taking the train from the airport a couple stops to Unseo Station. Outside of Unseo Station, you get your first glimpse of South Korea. You might see street vendors, buildings that are several stories tall full of restaurants, and bars, lots of bars! I’ve been to Seoul several times now and can honestly say skip Seoul if you are limited on time and enjoy a stress free layover here in Incheon. You won’t feel rushed, overwhelmed, or anything else really. Instead you will get a taste of South Korea and be close enough to Incheon International. Why Spend a Long Layover Here? A Couple Stops by train or easy taxi ride from Incheon International Airport. Less stressful getting to and from the airport because you are so close. Decent nightlife, great bar scene, and craft beer. There are a lot of hotel options from budget friendly to more high end hotels. Amazing restaurants from Korean Chicken to Bibimbap. There is a lot of nature. Perhaps you want to walk in one of the parks or stroll the beach. There are plenty of Convenience Stores: GS25 and CU. Everything is within walking distance from Unseo Station. Recommended Places to Eat The great thing about Incheon in particular the Jung District is that there are so many places to dine at. Just a few stops from Incheon Airport you have this little city with a plethora of food and drink options. In the mood for Japanese? There is a tonkatsu restaurant or a curry restaurant. Want Korean Fried Chicken? There are several places to include Oven Maru, one of my favorites. Or perhaps you want to grab breakfast or a dessert, you have bakeries and places that sell ice cream and macarons. Regardless of what you are after, chances are you can find it here. Based on my layovers and overnight stays in the area, here are some of my recommended places to eat. Oven Maru I was craving Korea Fried Chicken the moment I got off the plane at Incheon International Airport. Based on reviews, I found Oven Maru. Located just outside of Unseo Station, is this mom and pop chicken restaurant. As an English speaker, there was an English menu and the women running the shop understood what I was trying to order. My eyes were bigger then my stomach but everything on the menu looked so delicious. Of course I was not alone, but I ordered Bulgogi Fried Rice and an order of chicken, half and half. I believe I ordered Sweet Garlic and Teriyaki. The Bulgogi Fried Rice was great, you can’t go wrong with that but the chicken was exactly what the doctor ordered! The chicken was huge, flavorful, and the texture was everything you imagine great fried chicken to be like. Overall, I highly recommend Oven Maru. Kongsim Incheon Yeongjong Branch Another craving we have when visiting Korea is Bibimbap. Bibimbap is a rice bowl topped with other ingredients. It varies, but usually it comes with meat, veggies, and an egg if you are lucky. In our search for Bibimbap, we found a restaurant called Kongsim Incheon Yeongjong. This place was not as English friendly. Thankfully, they had pictures plastered on the wall and I could point to the bibimbap I wanted. Of course it was Bulgogi Bibimbap. We were both completely satisfied with our meals. This place is open 24/7 too which is a plus. So weather you are getting late night food or need breakfast prior to catching your early morning flight at Incheon Airport, Kongsim Incheon Yeongjong has got you covered. Paris Baguette I fell in love with Paris Baguette the first time I visited Korea in 2017. I was surprised to walk past one here in Incheon. I quickly went in and grabbed a few pastries for the following morning. You can find great pastries here and filling sandwiches. Places to Stay To me, it seemed like the whole Jung District was built up to cater to serving Incheon Airport. It’s so conveniently located. Of course there are a ton of hotel options here. You can find everything here from 4-star hotels to guest homes. We basically had two overnight stays here, so I wasn’t to keen on spending a fortune on a hotel I’d only spend a few hours in. So I went with two options that were within walking distance from Unseo Station and reasonably prices: Browndot Airport New Town and the Happy Place Guest House Browndot Airport New Town For just a basic hotel stay in Incheon that is within walking distance from Unseo Station, I recommend the Browndot Airport New Town. I have no complaints about this hotel, check in and check out was simple, the rooms were spacious, comfortable, and clean, not to mention the bathrooms were large. For updated pricing and more information, check out their listing on Agoda. Happy Place Guest House Another affordable stay in Incheon is the Airport Happy Place Guesthouse. This guesthouse is a house with separate rooms, all with private bathrooms. The rooms were very private, comfortable, and had everything you need when staying for a night or two. Happy Place Guesthouse even has a free airport transfer service. For more information and pricing, feel free to view the listing on Agoda. Other Benefits of Staying in the Jung District Outside of a ridiculous amount of restaurants and a nice variety of hotels, there is more to do in the Jung District of Incheon. Surprisingly, there is a decent amount of nature here. There are nice city parks and a tree lined walkway that makes for a great evening stroll. If looking for groceries or just curious what you can find in a Korean supermarket, there is a Lotte Mart. Here you can find everything from snacks and treats to beverages and items to cook your own meals. We stopped in here twice to load up on HBAF, which is a famous brand that sells flavored nuts. There are also convenience stores in Incheon that sell your typical convenient items like drinks and snacks. 7-Eleven and GS25 seemed to be the two dominant convenience stores in Incheon. Conclusion If planning for a long or overnight layover at Incheon Airport, I highly recommend leaving the airport and taking the train to Unseo Station. The Jung District is the perfect place to experience a little bit of what Korea has to offer. You can get great food here, do some shopping, and experience the nightlife all just a few minutes away from Incheon Airport. 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.
11 Things to do in Ulaanbaatar: From Cultural Sites to Shopping
Often overshadowed by Mongolia’s vast steppes, nomadic culture, and beautiful landscapes, Ulaanbaatar is a city that deserves more then just a quick stopover. As the country’s bustling capital, it offers a nice mix of ancient Buddhist temples, Soviet-era monuments, modern development, and a growing food and coffee scene. During the two days I stayed in Ulaanbaatar, I explored as much as I could from historic monasteries and museums to panoramic viewpoints and lively markets. While many visitors fly into Ulaanbaatar and use it as a gateway to places like the Gobi Desert or Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, spending some time here does provide an insight into Mongolia’s rich history, culture, and daily life. This guide covers my itinerary and recommended things to do in Ulaanbaatar to help you make the most of your time in Mongolia’s interesting and sometimes chaotic capital. * This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, 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! Planning a trip to Ulaanbaatar? Best Area to Stay: Downtown near Sukhbaatar SquareRecommended Hotels: Puma-Imperial Hotel & Urgoo HotelEasy Day Trip Tours: Chinggis Khaan and Turtle Rock Day TourAirport Transfer: Chinggis Khaan UBN Taxi Transfer Where to Stay in Ulaanbaatar I recommend staying centrally located in Ulaanbaatar around Sukhbaatar Square. From here, there are a lot of attractions, shops, and restaurants, within walking distance. I stayed at the Puma-Imperial Hotel one night and Urgoo Boutique Hotel. Both had spacious and clean rooms with breakfast. Puma Imperial HotelAddress: Ikh Surguuli, University Street,, Sukhbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 210646→ Check Availability, Here. Urgoo Boutique HotelAddress: Tourist Street Urgoo Boutique Hotel, CHD – 1 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 15160, Mongolia→ Check Availability, Here. Things to do in Ulaanbaatar If you have plans to visit Mongolia and looking for things to do in Ulaanbaatar, I have listed a few of my recommendations and popular attractions in Ulaanbaatar. Whether you are looking for free attractions, things to do at night, or places to eat, I have you covered. 1. Sukhbaatar Square and Parliament of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar’s central square is Sukhbaatar Square and is considered to be one of the largest in Asia. Named after Damdin Sükhbaatar, a revolutionary war hero. He even has an equestrian statue at Sukhbaatar Square. The Parliament Building of Mongolia is also located here. There is a large statue front and center of Genghis Khan. On one side of the Parliament Building is a statue of Kublai Khan and Ögedei Khan on the opposite side. Today, Sukhbaatar Square is a public area where you can see families gatherings, school children, and tourists. I assume there are events staged here, concerts, and any large gathering. Every time we walked by Sukhbaatar Square, there were people riding bicycles and electric scooters. Interested in Exploring Beyond Ulaanbaatar? I went on a 5-day Central Mongolia tour, it was one of the best adventures I’ve had. READ MORE 2. Ghinggis Khaan National Museum The Chinggis Khaan National Museum is a block or so from Sukhbaatar Square and is well worth a visit. The Chinggis Khaan National Museum is a newer museum that has over 10,000 artifacts and various exhibits. You can find artifacts here from the Hun Dynasty and Mongolia’s first nomadic state to items from the 20th century. About 85% of the artifacts in the museum are original. Oddly enough, there isn’t a whole lot about Ghinggis Khaan at the museum. I guess it makes sense though sense they’ve never found his burial site. I recommend visiting this museum in Ulaanbaatar because there are so many artifacts and things to learn here about Mongolia’s past. For more information to include visiting hours, admission, and exhibits, I recommend visiting the Chinggis Khaan National Museum Website. 3. Gandantegchinlen Monastery One of my most recommended things to do in Ulaanbaatar is visiting the Gandantegchinlen Monastery or Gandan Monastery for short. During our 5-Day Central Mongolia Tour, our guide mentioned this attraction in Ulaanbaatar because of the 26.5 meter tall Buddha Statue. The Buddha Statue is of Megjid Janraisag. There is a fee to enter the Temple that houses the giant Buddha but it is well worth it. The monastery and grounds are beautiful. If you get here around 9:00 am, you can potentially see monks performing services. 4. Narantuul Market An interesting place to visit in Ulaanbaatar is the Narantuul Market. Originally I expected to find fun food and stuff to try here but found out it’s more of a local market selling clothes, house goods, yurt supplies, and produce. Nonetheless it was interesting to walk around and see the cheap goods being sold. Honestly, if you came to Mongolia unprepared, you might find cheap clothes and other items here like gloves, beanies, sweaters, etc. Doing research online, you get a mix of reviews about Narantuul Market being unsafe. We walked around for a solid hour and felt just as safe here then anywhere else in Ulaanbaatar. Just use your common sense and you’ll be fine! 5. Sample Mongolian Food There are a lot of great dining options in Ulaanbaatar. Now a days, you can find a wide range of restaurants in Ulaanbaatar from burger joints to vegan restaurants. I’ll be honest, after spending 5-days in Central Mongolia eating mutton and goat, it was refreshing to eat western food in Ulaanbaatar. We ate delicious burgers at Black Burger Factory and even had a Hawaiian Pizza at MB Beer Plus. But, there are still plenty of local restaurants in the big city. Whether you are staying in Ulaanbaatar briefly or just love Mongolian food, there are plenty of options. Modern Nomads is a good restaurant where you can try Tsuivan or Khuushuur. 6. MB Beer Plus For the beer lovers out there like me, Mongolia does have decent beer and there are breweries in Ulaanbaatar. Not far from Sukhbaatar Square is MB Beer Plus, a restaurant and brewery. They specialize in western food but also have Mongolia food like Tsuivan and Khuushuur. Food wise, we needed a change and ordered a Hawaiian Pizza and it was surprisingly good. Beer wise, I tried the Weizen and a Schwarzbier. They specialize in German beers. Everything I tried was good, so I’d say it’s a solid brewery in Ulaanbaatar. 7. State Department Store and Malls Surprisingly, Ulaanbaatar has a lot of large and modern shopping malls. On the outside, they look like old worn out buildings but the inside is a different story. One of the best and most convenient shopping malls in Ulaanbaatar is the State Department Store. On the 6th floor, you can find souvenir shops. The other floors host a wide variety of shops from electronics to outdoor gear. Not to mention there is a grocery store that has a lot of great treats to bring home. The malls are also a great place to use a bathroom if you are walking around the city all day. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Day Trip from Ulaanbaatar If you have a few days in Mongolia’s capital, I recommend going o Gorkhi-Terelj as a day trip. I have a dedicated post on what to expect. READ MORE 8. Buy Cashmere at GOBI Galleria Store I’m not much of a shopper and know nothing about Cashmere. But Jill is and knew that Mongolian Cashmere is of high quality and relatively cheap compared to other destinations. One of the best places in Ulaanbaatar to buy cashmere is at GOBI Cashmere Galleria Store. It’s right by Sukhbaatar Square. You can find sweaters, scarfs, jackets, and so much more. All made of high quality Mongolian cashmere. GOBI Cashmere Galleria StoreAddress: SBD – 8 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 14200, MongoliaWebsite 9. Nature and City Parks Sometimes you just need a break from city life and the horrendous traffic in Ulaanbaatar. I found there to be quite a few nature escapes and city parks. Some major roads have parks with walkways dividing the road. This was a nice escape from walking alongside the road. There are also parks scattered throughout the city with playground equipment, so something for the little ones. For nature escapes there is always Bogd Khan Uul outside the city. If you are looking for a day trip from Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park is a beautiful mountainous area with so much to see and do. 10. Bogd Khaan Palace Museum Bogd Khaan Palace Museum is another must visit tourist site in Ulaanbaatar. It’s a bit outside the city center but well worth the effort. This is the winter residence of VIII Bogd Gegeen. After his death in 1924, the temple and his residence was turned into a museum. Today, visitors can walk the temple grounds and go inside the western-style home where the actual museum is. Here you can see what life was like for Mongolia’s last Khaan. Relics here include royal clothes that he and his queen wore, sculptures, paintings, and religious objects. 11. Zaisan Monument Another popular attraction in Ulaanbaatar that is outside the city center is the Zaisan Memorial. This memorial is on a hilltop and depicts various scenes with people from the USSR and Mongolia. The memorial is interesting but I recommend coming here mainly for the views. You get great views of the city of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding hills. Additional Information and Tips for Visiting Ulaanbaatar Traffic is horrendous in Ulaanbaatar. Out of all the places I’ve visited, I’ve not seen traffic as bad as in Ulaanbaatar. Buyant Ukhaa International Airport is only 18 km from the city center and it took us more then 3 hours to get to our hotel from the airport. Plan ahead and allow for plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B. Mongolia has a great relationship with South Korea, so you will find a lot of Korean restaurants and even convenience stores throughout Ulaanbaatar. Buying alcohol in Ulaanbaatar seemed to be complicated and honestly, I still don’t understand it. We visited Ulaanbaatar in October, there was some type of election going on and alcohol sales were banned that weekend. Apparently they are worried that citizens will get to drunk and forget to vote. After the elections, I tried buying a few beers from a convenience store and was denied. The person never gave me an explanation why and I couldn’t find anything online. So I guess, don’t be surprised if you can’t buy alcohol in Ulaanbaatar during certain times. I read a lot about crime in Mongolia, mainly petty crimes and minor offenses. We felt completely safe, even while browsing the markets or walking around at night. That being said, always be on your guard and use common sense, it goes a long way. It is recommended to book an airport shuttle service to take you to your hotel. There is no public transportation in Ulaanbaatar outside of private hires and taxis. We found an airport shuttle service and they picked us up from the airport and got us to our hotel safely and cheaply. We booked in advance here. Electric Bikes and Scooters are a popular way to get around Ulaanbaatar. Conclusion If you are looking for things to do in Ulaanbaatar then there is plenty here to keep busy for a day or two. We spent about two days in Ulaanbaatar and could easily have spent one more day visiting some of the museums and attractions on the outskirts of the city. But sometimes, a day or two is all we have. If you have anymore recommendations or must visit places in Ulaanbaatar, feel free to comment below. Safe Travels! 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
5 Day Central Mongolia Tour: Itinerary, Sites, & Expectations
Central Mongolia is a region full of beautiful landscapes, rich history, and it’s own unique cultures. From visiting Terelj National Park to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley, there is so much to see and do. Experiences include staying in yurts with nomadic families, riding horses and camels, visiting monasteries and temples, and sampling local food from mutton to yak. A Central Mongolian tour offers an immersive experience and deep dive into the “Real Mongolia.” If you have a week or longer in Mongolia, I highly recommend getting outside of Ulaanbaatar and exploring Central Mongolia. **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! Booking A Central Mongolia Tour If you want to travel outside of Ulaanbaatar and see more of what Mongolia has to offer, I recommend booking a tour either through Viator or Get Your Guide. Why do I recommend booking a tour in Mongolia? Here are a few reasons why it’s worth it. Leave the planning and itinerary up to the tour company. The company generally picks you up and drops you off at your hotel. The tour will come with a guide and driver. Food is covered throughout the tour, at least the main courses. Water is provided. Entrance fees are typically included in the price. You learn so much from a local guide and can ask questions throughout the trip. You will get a local experience: Staying with nomads, eating local meals, and seeing attractions not many others get to see. I spent a week in Mongolia and wanted to see more then just Ulaanbaatar. Based on our interests and time, I went with this 5 Day Terelj National Park and Central Mongolia tour. There are many other tours on Viator and Get Your Guide. Here are a few more that might be of interest. 2 Day Central Mongolia 7 Days Central Mongolia and Great Gobi 4 Days Tour: Central Mongolia From Ulaanbaatar: Central Mongolia Guided 3 Day Tour From Ulaanbaatar: Semi Gobi, Nomads, Ancient Kharkhorin Tour 5 Day Central Mongolia Tour Based on time and interest I decided to book a 5 day Central Mongolia tour. I felt 5 days gave me plenty of time to see as much of Central Mongolia as possible. Booking 5 day Central Mongolia tour was done through Viator. I have nothing but great stories and experiences to share from this tour. The guide and driver were outstanding. I learned so much about the history, culture, wildlife, food, and nomadic lifestyle through the tour. The tour hit so many highlights of Central Mongolia and the accommodations were all unique. We stayed in yurts every night. If you are interested in my Central Mongolia itinerary, I broke it down by each day below. I am including what we did, where we stayed, attractions, food, and everything I else I learned and experienced along the way. Day 1: Terelj National Park I stayed at the Puma Imperial Hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar. Our tour started at 9:00 am and our guide and driver were promptly there to pick us up. Before I go to deep into our Central Mongolia itinerary. I want to vent. The traffic in Ulaanbaatar is horrible! I mean it took 3.5 hours to get from the airport to the hotel, which is only about 18 km. Driving within and near Ulaanbaatar was horrendous. So in case your driver shows up late, or it takes more time then expected to get from one place to the other, just note it’s no ones fault, just horrible Ulaanbaatar traffic. Bogd Khaan Palace Museum Our first attraction of the day was the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum. This temple complex is in Ulaanbaatar. Feel free to walk the grounds an enter the Winter Palace. There is an interesting museum on the grounds with exhibits and personal items from the Bogd Khan. Zaisan Memorial After visiting the Winter Palace, we drove to the Zaisan Memorial. This is a very soviet memorial and it’s apparent. The memorial is a circular painting with scenes of people from the USSR and Mongolia. I found the memorial to be quite interesting. I’ve never traveled to a place quite like Ulaanbaatar. It felt more Eastern European then Asian to me. Other then the memorial, the views from the Zaisan Memorial are worth the hike up the stairs alone. You get views of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding hills. Genghis Khan Statue Complex The next stop was the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. In the middle of nowhere it seemed like, is the largest equestrian statue in the world. The statue truly is massive standing at 40m tall (130 ft). You can walk inside the statue and if you pay the entrance fee, you can walk the stairs to the top of the statue and access the museum. Lunch: Mutton Ribs and Tsuivan On the way to Terelj National Park, we stopped at a family owned restaurant. The restaurant was in a yurt and served traditional Mongolian cuisine. I ordered Mutton Ribs and Jill had a popular Mongolian dish named Tsuivan. Tsuivan is a noddle dish with meat and vegetables. In Mongolia, you will end up eating a lot of mutton. I had mutton for lunch and dinner 3 days straight. I love it, but others might not, so maybe try Tsuivan for a change. Terelj National Park The main and final stop for the first day was at Terelj National Park. Terelj National Park is an easy day trip from Ulaanbaatar and a must visit. On a day trip from Ulaanbaatar, you can visit: Turtle Rock, Aryabal Meditation Temple, go on a hike, and even ride a horse or camel. We stayed in a yurt camp for the first night in Terelj National Park. If interested in reading more about Terelj National Park, I have a dedicated post here. Day 2: Kharkhorin Day 2 of the Central Mongolia tour was more of a driving day. We drove about 6-7 hours from Terelj National Park to the ancient city of Kharkhorin. Not once was the drive boring. The entire drive, I was amazed by the landscapes, animal crossings, and everything else really. We stopped for lunch at a new road side stop. Surprisingly, Mongolia has a lot of nice and new road side stations. The ones we stopped at had nice bathroom facilities and cafeteria style restaurants serving delicious food. Kharkhorin Museum We got to Kharkhorin and had spare time, so we visited the Kharkhorin Museum. If staying in Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley, I highly recommend visiting this museum. We learned so much about the area in regards to its culture and history. There was a tomb found in the Orkhon Valley of an aristocrat from the 7th century, which I found interesting. Monkhshuuri Ger Camp Guesthouse We stayed the night in Kharkhorin at another yurt camp called Monkhsuuri Ger Camp Guesthouse. Out of all the yurt camps and nomadic families we stayed at, this one was the most equipped. This yurt camp had a nice bathroom facility with actual toilets and showers with warm water. There was even a live show for us the night we stayed here. The show consisted of an older gentleman and his student. They preformed traditional Mongolian folk songs with the traditional Morin Khuur. The Monkhshuuri Ger Camp Guesthouse can be found and booked on Agoda. Day 3: Orkhon Valley Day three of our Central Mongolia Tour consisted of a morning at Erdene Zuu Monastery, before heading to The Monument for Mongol States, and finishing the day off at Orkhon Waterfall. Erdene Zuu Monastery We started our day at the Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin. We visited in October and the weather was already chilly. Thankfully October is in the off season, so we had the monastery to ourselves. The Erdene Zuu Monastery dates back to 1586 and hit its prime around 1872. During this time period, the monastery had 60 temples and more then 500 structures. Under communist rule, in 1939 most of the monastery was destroyed as were many religious monuments throughout Mongolia. Today, there are still a few temples and structures left within the walls. Visitors can walk around the grounds and even go inside some of the temples. Monument for Mongol States A few minutes away from Erdene Zuu Monastery through town was the Monument for Mongol States. I recommend coming here for the views. You get incredible views of the Orkhon River. Horse Ride to the Orkhon Waterfall Prior to visiting Mongolia, I had hopes to ride a horse. I wanted to get the most out of my Mongolian experience and what better way then to ride a Mongolian Horse in the Orkhon Valley. From Kharkhorin we drove about 4 hours off road to Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall, otherwise known as the Orkhon Waterfall. Here we stayed in a yurt with a nomadic family. The host had horses already set up for us and we trotted along to the trailhead of the Orkhon Waterfall. We dismounted from our horses and walked the upper portion of the waterfall before taking a trail to the lower half of the falls. Being October, the pine trees were all orange. The Orkhon Waterfall is 20 meters tall and is definitely a site to see. I have a post on the Orkhon Valley with details of our itinerary, here. Stay with Nomadic Family This was our first night staying in a yurt with a real nomadic family. Beforehand, we stayed in yurt camps. We were in the middle of nowhere, hours from the nearest small town. The nomadic family stays in one location with their herds and seek other areas for livestock grazing and more suitable locations during the harsh Mongolian winter months. The yurts at this location were our favorite. The family came into the yurt several times to load wood into the burning stove. They even served us dinner and breakfast in the yurts. For dinner we had Khuushuur which is a meat filled pastry, kind of like an Empanada. The family we stayed with freshly slaughtered a yak, so of course the meat filling of the Khuushuur was yak. I found it to be delightful. The yak tasted a little like a mix of beef and goat. For breakfast we had what seemed to be a standard Mongolian breakfast that came with toast, egg, and slices of meat. The yurts are quite the experience and the bathroom saturations are as well. At this camp, they had a open bathroom that did have stalls. The toilet consisted of a wooden floor with a hole cut out in the bottom. It’s kind of like you are camping. Another side note, bring your own toilet paper to Mongolia. Interested in seeing what our experiences of staying in a yurt was like? I have a dedicated post here. Day 4: Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune Day 4 of our Central Mongolia tour was another driving day but we made stops along the way to look at wildlife, landscapes, and stopped at Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune toward the end of the day. Elsen Tasarkhai is known as the Mini Gobi Desert. Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune (Mini Gobi) Located about 280 km from Ulaanbaatar is Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune. It’s known as the mini Gobi desert. Although small compared to the Gobi desert it’s still quite large. Going north to south, Elsen Tasarkhai is 80km long and about 5 km wide with its largest part being 10 km wide. I highly recommend riding a camel here. It’s a unique experience. In my opinion it was more fun then riding a horse. You sit higher up, sitting in between the humps is comfortable, and getting on and off is an adrenaline rush. We rode camels for
Must-see Sites Around the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
Located in Mongolia’s central region is the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. Listed as one of Mongolia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Orkhon Valley has a surprisingly rich history, is home to the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, and has stunning natural beauty. There are archaeological sites scattered throughout the region, cultural landmarks, and beautiful nature areas that make the Orkhon Valley worth visiting. Visiting the Orkhon Valley can be done as a day trip from Ulaanbaatar or over several days. Join me and learn about some of the must-see sites around the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. **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! Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape: UNESCO Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was inscribed in 2004. According to UNESCO the Orkhon Valley is listed as a World Heritage Site because of the several archaeological sites found in the area, the city of Kharkhorum, and the unique landscapes and environments. How to Visit Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley The Orkhon Valley is located roughly 360 km from Ulaanbaatar. There are paved roads between the capital city of Ulaanbaatar and Kharkhorum. Technically, if you have a rental car in Mongolia, it can be done on your own. But I recommend booking a tour either through Viator or Get Your Guide. The reason I recommend visiting the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape with a guide is because they take care of everything for you. The itinerary is already planned, you will have a driver, and the guide will explain so much of the area. You get a lot more out of a tour as opposed to exploring the Orkhon Valley on your own. When I visited Mongolia, I booked a 5 Day Central Mongolia Tour and we spent full days in the Orkhon Valley. Must-see Sites Within the Orkhon Valley I spent two full days in Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley as part of a 5 Day Central Mongolia Tour. Our Central Mongolia itinerary included the Orkhon Valley and these days were some of my favorite days and most interesting. I learned a lot about historical events that took place in Mongolia and got to see and experience amazing attractions while visiting the Orkhon Valley. The attractions and sites below were all included in my Orkhon Valley itinerary and were very much worthwhile. Kharkhorum Museum The Kharkhorum Museum is a must when visiting the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. This museum is a great introduction to learning about the region, seeing archaeological artifacts discovered in the area, and has a lot of additional information on Mongolia’s history. There are over 3,000 artifacts at the museum. One of the more interesting exhibits is the tomb of an aristocrat from the 7th century. According to the museum, the tomb was 42 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, and 7.5 meters high. 550 artifacts were discovered within the tomb. Erdene Zuu Monastery Considered to be the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, Erdene Zuu Monastery dates back to around 1586. In its prime in 1872, Erdene Zuu Monastery had over 60 temples and over 500 structures. Unfortunately, in 1939, most of the monastery was destroyed under communist rule. Communist leader Horloogiyn Choybalsan destroyed much of Mongolia’s religious sites. After the fall of communism in Mongolia, the monastery was handed over to the monks and once again became a place of worship. Today, only a few temples and structures remain within the walls. Visitors can walk within the walls and enter a few of the temples. It is still a must visit site in the Orkhon Valley. Monument for Mongol States Just outside the city of Kharkhorum is the Monument for Mongol States. Although the attraction itself isn’t particularly interesting to non-locals, the view of the valley behind the monument is worth the stop alone. This monument is also known as the King’s Monument. It’s a cone shaped monument surrounded by a walls. The Orkhon River below and the surrounding valley makes for a picture perfect setting. Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall (Orkhon Waterfall) The Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall or simply Orkhon Waterfall is a 20 meter tall waterfall that is kind of in the middle of nowhere. Visiting the Orkhon Waterfall was part of my 5 Day Central Mongolia Tour, we drove hours on an offroad trail to get here and ended up staying with a local nomadic family. We even rode Mongolian horses from the yurt camp to the waterfall. You can view the waterfall from above or you can hike to the bottom (About 15-20 minutes). Our guide told us that people swim in the pool below during the hot summer month. Conclusion The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is one of Mongolia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Orkhon Valley is unique due to the beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and interesting archaeological finds. This truly is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful areas and is a must visit. An easy trip from Ulaanbaatar, the Orkhon Valley deserves at least two days to explore and will leave a lasting impression on you. 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.
Visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park from Ulaanbaatar
Are you looking for great or easy day trips from Ulaanbaatar? Or perhaps you want to stay in a yurt but only have enough time for one night. Maybe you just want to get outside the city and do some hiking and see cultural stuff. If all that sounds great, then it’s highly recommended to visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Just a few hours drive from Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park offers great hiking, horse back riding, cultural attractions, and so much more! **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! About Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Gorkhi-Terelj National Park or just Terelj National Park is a national park just outside of Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is considered to be one of Mongolia’s most visited and popular national parks, probably because it’s one of the closest ones to Ulaanbaatar. The park itself is 2,920 km² and is known for its pristine nature, wildlife, and unique rock formations, Turtle Rock being the most famous. Booking a Terelj National Park Tour Technically, you can visit Terelj National Park without a tour or guide. There is a bus from Ulaanbaatar but they are infrequent and only drive to certain attractions within the park. You can also rent a car and drive yourself, but after being driven through Ulaanbaatar, I don’t recommend it. The easiest way to visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is by booking a day or overnight tour. By booking a tour, you get a vehicle transfer, a guide, lunch (included with some tours), stops at main attractions, and if staying overnight, the accommodations should be included. I booked a 5 Day Terelj National Park and Central Mongolia and a visit to Terelj National Park from Ulaanbaatar was our first day. You don’t have to do a 5 day tour to visit Terelj National Park. Here are one to two day tours that I recommend from either Get Your Guide or Viator. Day Trip to Terelj National Park and State of Chinggis Khan Private Jeep Tour to Chinggis Khan Statue and Terelj National Park 2 Day Tour: Terelj National Park and Chinggis Statue Horse Riding Experience in Terelj National Park Nomad Family Home Stay in Terelj National Park We ended up doing the 5 Day Terelj National Park and Central Mongolia Tour and loved our time in Terelj National Park. The Chinggis Khan Statue was impressive and Terelj National Park was just beautiful. I found that most tours offer the same packages, it is worth browsing all the tours on either Get Your Guide or Viator to see what tour best fits your itinerary. Where to Stay in Terelj National Park If you book a tour either through Get Your Guide or Viator, chances are the tour will include an overnight stay in a yurt. If you plan to do a solo trip to Terelj National Park, you can book yurt stays through places like Agoda or Booking. Between Turtle Rock and Arayabal Temple, there are yurt camps everywhere that range in price from cheap to higher end. Top Things to do in Terelj National Park Terelj National Park is an easy day trip from Ulaanbaatar. In fact, many locals come here for the weekends to escape the chaotic traffic and city life of Ulaanbaatar to enjoy the nature, secludedness, and cultural attractions. I personally think, to fully enjoy a visit to Terelj National Park, you should stay the night in one of the yurt camps and take your time exploring the park. Below is our Terelj National Park itinerary and what was included in our tour. Genghis Khan Statue Complex The Genghis Khan Statue Complex is the biggest equestrian statue in the world and it’s on the way to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. It’s usually added on to every tour that going to Terelj National Park. The statue itself is 40m tall or 130 ft. It’s a stainless steel statue and Genghis Khan is facing east, the direction of his place of birth. Today, visitors can enter the statue, walk the stairs to the top, and access the museum. It’s all worth the entrance fee. There is even a cafe inside and souvenir shops. Turtle Rock Probably the most popular attraction in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is Turtle Rock. Why is the rock called Turtle Rock? You guessed it, it resembles a turtle. From one side, you can see the head and shell. Turtle Rock is 24 meters tall and can be enjoyed from a distance or up close. Visitors can hike on Turtle Rock, just use caution. Aryabal Meditation Temple Another stop and must see site in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is the Aryabal Meditation Temple. One our day tour of Terelj National Park, this temple was the last stop before we departed back to our yurt camp. Getting to Aryabal Temple from Turtle Rock is easy but I recommend an offroad vehicle as the road is unpaved and not in the best condition. The temple itself was built in the early 1800’s by artists from both Mongolia and Tibet and monks came here to meditate. In Buddhism, 108 represents the Kangyur which is the Tibetan Buddhist Canon. 108 is a favorable number in Buddhism, therefore there are a total of 108 steps that lead to Aryabal Temple. Along the route, there are 144 Buddhist teachings written on boards. There is a structure, prior to the signs. Inside the structure you can spin a wheel, it will land on a specific number. You can find that number on one of the signs and read the teaching of Buddha. I believe I landed on number 121. “Wisdom not conjoined with skillful means is bondage, but wisdom conjoined with skillful means is liberation.” Horse or Camel Riding Horse riding is a popular activity in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. If you want to try something different, you can even ride a camel. Many of the yurt camps offer horse riding experiences but horse riding is also offered at some of the major attractions within the national park. I saw both horses and camel tours being offered at Turtle Rock. I had a chance to ride both horses and camels in Mongolia. Honestly, I preferred the camel. I found it to be slightly more comfortable and getting on and off the camel was an adrenaline rush. Conclusion If planning to visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park from Ulaanbaatar, you can easily spend a day if not two exploring the park and seeing it’s fabulous attractions. I recommend staying overnight but you can still get a good sense of rural Mongolia by just doing a day trip. After all, you get to see the famous Genghis Khan Statue, Turtle Rock, Arayabal Temple, and a few other notable attractions. A visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a must when visiting Ulaanbaatar. 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.