Sitting at the summit of picturesque Mount Mitsumine in Chichibu is the ancient Mitsumine shrine. The shrine’s storied history goes back to the 7th century and the enshrined gods are believed to have created the islands of Japan. The journey there is a refreshing drive up gently winding mountain roads. A visit to…
The streets leading to Jindaiji Temple are so rich with culture, greenery and clear spring waters that one might forget to visit the temple itself – but that would be a mistake. The temple’s history starts in 733, and the treasures still enshrined on the grounds are fascinating windows into Japan’s past. The…
Below a breathtaking night sky, the Sunflower ferry sails passengers along the coast of Honshu and meets the sunrise in Kyushu. Ferries sail nightly from either Kobe’s Rokko Island port to Oita port or from the Osaka port to the Beppu Sunflower Ferry terminal. The sailings are particularly beneficial for travelers heading to Kyushu with motor vehicles or…