Japan In Depth with Okinawa: Kyoto Aoi Festival Tour

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The outer Tsukiji Fish Market offers a variety of freshly prepared food products and ingredients. Travel in between the different stores and taste a few of their dishes, freshly prepared with some of the best ingredients.

The Imperial Palace is located in the center of Tokyo, only a short walk away from Tokyo station. The palace is home to the current Imperial Family. The inner grounds of the palace is not open to the public, except on January 2nd and December 23rd where guests are able to enter and see the current members of the Imperial Family from a balcony. Visitors can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived.

Take a lesson from an expert and prepare fresh sushi. Experience the difference in the taste of Japanese-grown ingredients. Then, enjoy eating your masterpiece for lunch after completing your sushi lesson.

The Sensoji Temple located in Asakusa is one of the most popular Buddhist temples to visit. The temple was built and completed in the year 645 and is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The surrounding area offers shopping for souvenirs and food. The Sanja Festival is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals and is held every May at Asakusa Temple.

The Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure ever built and the world’s second tallest structure ever built at the time of its completion. Located not too far from Asakusa, this 634 meter tall tower is now one of the most popular destinations for visitors. The main observatory is 350 meters high and the second observation deck is 450 meters high and both offer a breathtaking view of the city.

Mt. Fuji is a widely-known symbol of Japan. At 3,773 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain. “Station (gome)” is the unit representing one tenth of the length from the trail entrance to the top.The fifth station Mt. Fuji is the fifth point from the base at the height of 2,305 meter. Being the end of the Fuji Subaru Line toll road and the highest point that general cars can reach. From the observatory you can see below Komitake Shrine, an ancient place for prayer that has been visited by worshippers and disciplinant, and Yamanaka-ko, the largest lake among the five Fuji lakes.

One of the most popular ways to get around Hakone is by taking the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway travels between Sounzan and Togendai. The Hakone Ropeway gives visitors a beautiful view of Hakone and on a clear day, it is possible to get a nice view of Mount Fuji as well.

Owakudani is located in Hakone and is an area around a crater where gaseous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers exist. Just like most of Hakone, on a clear day, it is possible to see Mount Fuji as well. There are hiking trails available for guests, but these trails are difficult for inexperience hikers.

Hikone Castle is located in Hikone Japan not too far from Kyoto off the shores of Lake Biwa. This castle is one of the four castles in Japan that were declared as national treasures. This castle is an original castle that has never been destroyed and rebuilt. Around the castle is the Hikone Castle Museum and the beautiful Genkyuen Garden.

Built on the grounds of Hikone Castle in 1677, the Genkyuen Garden features a central pond and a circular walking path. It was originally built as a means of entertainment for the local lord, his family, and his guests. From the garden visitors can see the Hikone Castle’s mainkeep, known as “borrowed scenery”. There are also a cluster of wooden buildings where tourists can enjoy a cup of tea during their serene visit.

The Miho Museum is located in the city of Koka and along with Koka’s ninja attractions, is a fun side trip from Kyoto. This museum has a unique architecture that blends in well with its surroundings and artwork display. This museum features many exhibits of world history and culture.

The Aoi Festival is among of Kyoto’s three most famous festivals that takes place between the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shimogamo Shrine, and Kamigamo Shrine. The main attraction is the large parade that starts from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and then proceeds to Kamigamo Shrine. This fun festival takes place every year on the 15th of May.

Arashiyama is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is a well-known destination for both the cherry blossoms and fall colors seasons. North of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge is Sagano, and together they make this place a nice little getaway from temples and shrines to enjoy nature. Popular destinations include the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama.

One of the most popular and well-known spots for visitors is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A nice walking path takes visitors through the groves of bamboos. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also one of the most famous and photographed places in all of Kyoto and brings many visitors every year during the autumn color season.

The famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Temple is located in northern Kyoto and is most known for the building covered in gold leaf. This famous building is the number one most popular destination for tourist visiting Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion sits overlooking a large pond and various small attractions and shops are available for visitors.

Take the chance of interacting with a maiko while drinking tea, ask her about her profession, training, and lifestyle. What is different between her life and other girls in Japan? Drink a cup of tea with her, and fulfill some of your curiosity, and even take a picture with her.

The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is located only 15 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station to the eastern side of Kyoto. This temple is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto and is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple features a large wooden terrace that offers a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors during the fall season with the city of Kyoto in the background.

Located only 20 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station, is the Gion Geisha District. The Gion Geisha District is one of the most famous and popular destinations for tourist visiting Kyoto. This area is filled with restaurants, teahouses, shops, and other attractions to entertain guests. The machiya merchant houses along with river and the occasional geisha walking around, brings visitors from everywhere to experience everything that this area has to offer.

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Grand Shrine is located in southern Kyoto and is one of the most famous and visited shrines in Kyoto. This shrine is only five minutes away from Kyoto Station by train, and features over a thousand vermillion colored torii gates that brings many tourist to this shrine every year.

Located north of Nara Park is one of Japan’s most historic and famous temple called the Todai-Ji Temple. This temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple’s main hall named Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden building in the world. It is home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha siting at fifteen meters tall.

Located in central Nara is Nara Park, it is one of the most famous and popular parks in Japan. The park is famous and popular because it is home to over one thousand deer. The deer roam freely throughout the park and visitors are able to get up close and feed the deer as well. This park is conveniently located near most of Nara’s main tourist destinations, which include Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-Ji Temple, and the Nara National Museum.

Shinsaibashi is Osaka’s main and most popular shopping center. This crowded area is full of stores that cover everything from clothes to food and entertainment. Nearby this busy shopping center is also the famous entertainment district called Namba. This area also is full of restaurants and shops as well.

Himeji Castle is located in the city of Himeji and is only a five minute bus ride away from Himeji Station. Himeji Castle the most popular and visited castle in Japan, it is also listed both as one of Japan’s national treasure castles and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This castle is also one of Japan’s twelve original castles, which means it was never destroyed in its history and has been standing since it was originally completed in the year 1609. The surrounding area is also one of Japan’s most popular cherry blossom destinations during the spring.

Kurashiki’s canal area is one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved canals that date back as far to the Edo Period. The canals were once used to transport rice into the storehouses where they would be shipped to cities such as Osaka and Tokyo (was known as Edo during those times). Now this historic area is the most popular destination for tourist visiting Kurashiki. Many of the historic storehouses have been turned into shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums for guests to enjoy.

One of the most popular museums located in the city of Takamatsu is the Shikoku Mura Village. This is an open air museum that features preserved buildings and structures from all over Shikoku. Many of the structures on display have been relocated from all over Shikoku and provide guests with a pleasant experience of Shikoku’s history. The exhibits feature old traditional buildings, farmhouses, storehouses, and other structures.

Ritsurin Koen Park is one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape garden located in the city of Takamastu. Many consider this garden to belong on the list of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. This spacious and beautiful park features many ponds, hills, trees, bridges, and pavilions. There are a number of walking routes throughout the park and provides views that would leave any guest satisfied.

One of the most unique attractions in Onomichi City is the Shimanami Kaido. This long 60 km (close to 37.25 miles) road connects the main island of Honshu to Japan’s Shikoku Island and passes over six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. This roadway is the only way to travel into Japan’s Shikoku Island by foot or bicycle. Visitors can rent bikes to travel between Onomichi, the small six islands, and Imabari City on Shikoku Island. The scenery is spectacular and lets travelers enjoy the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and the islands.

The Hiroshima Peace Park is a memorial park located in the center of the Hiroshima City. Many of the memorials related to the dropping of the atomic bomb are located in and around this area. The park is the location to the memorials such as the A-Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument, and the Peace Memorial Museum. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Peace Memorial Museum is one of the main destinations for guests visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park. The features the history of Hiroshima, effects of the atomic bomb, and its aftermath. Guests visiting the museum can explore the various artifacts and displays related to the atomic blast.

One of the most famous and well known shrines in Japan is the Itsukushima Shrine. This location is one of Japan’s top three most scenic places along with the famous Matsushima Bay and Amanohashidate, and brings plenty of tourist every year. This shrine and its famous torii gate are built over the water, which makes it seem like it is floating in the sea. Guests can stay in the ryokan hotels nearby or ride one of the many boat cruises while here.

The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.

Kitsuki’s most popular attraction is its two well preserved samurai districts. The samurai districts sit opposite to each other on hills north and south with a commercial district in between both areas. Both areas are well preserved with hidden powerlines and no large modern signs to keep a well preserved authentic atmosphere. There are plenty of former residences and museums in both districts for visitors to explore and learn about the history of the area.

There are a few hot springs located in Beppu that are very unsafe for people to go into, but those hot springs are perfect for viewing. There are eight different hot springs that are open for the public due to how beautiful and unique they look. These eight hot springs are all located in different areas within Beppu and offer its own unique view. Some of the hot springs are blue, white, and red or have animals like crocodiles. Some of the hot springs are also a designated national special scenic spot as well.

The Takasakiyama Monkey Park is located at the base of Mount Takasaki between the city of Beppu and Oita. This park is one of the most popular destinations for tourist visiting Kyushu and is known for being the home to over 1500 wild monkeys. Guests can watch the monkeys up close as they are fed and watch the monkeys play or relax in the sun. Guests should avoid eye contact or feeding the monkeys for their own safety.

Located within Takachiho is the Takachiho Shrine, and is one of the most popular destinations for guests visiting the town. The town is known for the legend of the sun goddess hiding herself in a cave and thus taking the world’s sunlight with her. One of the other gods performed a ridiculous dance which caused all the other gods to laugh, and the sun goddess came out to see what all the commotion was and thus brought back the light into the world. The Yokagura dance is a reenactment of the legend and is one of the most popular events to see.

Takachiho Gorge is a beautiful ravine in which the Gokase River flows through. This place is known for its natural beauty and religious importance. The Takachiho Gorge features the scenic Manai-No-Taki Falls and is a popular tourist destination. Guests can view the gorge from renting a boat and rowing down the gorge itself. Another popular way to see the gorge is by walking along the trail above the cliffs to get a good view of the entire gorge.

Located within Takachio is the Amano Iwato Shrine, and is one of the most popular destinations for guests visiting the town. The town is known for the legend of the sun goddess hiding herself in a cave and thus taking the world’s sunlight with her. The Amano Iwato Shrine is near the cave where the sun goddess hid herself in the legend. This beautiful location is one of the most visited and famous destinations in Japan.

The Nagasaki Peace Park commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki of August 9, 1945, which destroyed wide parts of the city and killed ten thousands of inhabitants.

Located in the city of Nagasaki is Dejima, the former district that was once reserved for Dutch traders. During Japan’s period of isolation, the Dutch were the only ones to trade with Japan and were restricted to this district. This popular location is free for guests to explore and has plenty of shops and restaurants for travelers.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Nagasaki is the Glover Garden, a popular destination representing Japan’s trade history with foreign countries. Nagasaki was one of the earliest port cities that traded with the western world, the Glover Garden is a nice mix of Western and Japanese culture and is an important cultural location.

As a part of Catholic religion in Japan, the Oura Church is often regarded as a must-visit site. It is not only the first foreign building declared as a national treasure, but is often referenced along with the 26 martyrs who were murdered for their conversion to Catholicism despite established laws.

There are many restaurants located within Kobe that serve Japanese or international cuisine, but there are many places that offer Kobe beef. Kobe is known around the world for its famous Kobe beef, which is beautifully marbled, delicious, and very expensive beef. The most popular way to enjoy Kobe beef is in a restaurant where the chef grills the meat in front of the guests. Eating Kobe beef is a popular activity for tourist visiting Kobe and can provide a delicious and unforgettable experience.

The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters was constructed in 1944 by the Japanese Naval Engineering Corps. It housed around 4000 soldiers and was commanded by Admiral Minoru Ota during the Battle of Okinawa. The bleak atmosphere of this museum sets in from the moment you enter; walking long, narrow, gloomy stone hallways lined with thin utility pipes paints an affecting picture of the horrible conditions during the intense battle of Okinawa. Each room you pass adds a new layer of emotion to the overall experience as you see the places the soldiers lived and even died, as one of the rooms was used to accomplish suicide by hand grenade when the battle became hopeless. The museum also keeps recovered documents from the base, uniforms and weapons, and various personal articles of the soldiers stationed here. It includes a copy of a telegram sent from Admiral Ota to his commanders, which makes special mention of the courage and sacrifices made by the people of Okinawa.

An Okinawa Cooking Class offers the unique opportunity to understand both local Japanese cuisine and the incredible longevity of the Okinawan people. The people of Okinawa have become known for their incredible longevity, and though its partly because of genetics, their diet does play a major part in the long lives of the Okinawans. The Okinawa diet is typically low in fat and carbohydrates, with less meat and protein. The focus of the diet is usually on vegetables, grains like rice, and soy products, and the meat consumed is usually healthy seafoods. The Okinawa Cooking Class offers the opportunity to work with these foods to create simple, healthy dishes in a friendly and relaxed environment, under the guidance of an expert instructor.

Awamori is a type of liquor that is native to Okinawa, and is separate from Japanese sake. Unlike sake, it made from long-grain indica rice and is distilled rather than brewed using a time-honored, 500-year-old process involving rice, water, yeast, and a cultivated mold called "black koji". It is then stored for a long time, giving the flavor a chance to mature. Awamori has a long history in Okinawa, predating their absorption into the nation of Japan, back in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, when Awamori was sent as a gift by the Ryukyu king to the Tokugawa shogun. There are different varieties of the liquor, including kusu, which Awamori that is three years or older (which deepens the flavor), and hanazake, a higher proof awamori "flower wine" produced mainly on Yonaguni Island. An especially famous kind is called Habushu, a clear yellow awamori with a deadly habu pit viper bottled inside. During the Awamori Distillery Tour, visitors have the opportunity to learn more of the history and process behind the making of Awamori.

Kokusai dori is a broad shopping thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Naha city in Okinawa. Kokusai means "International" and the street was named for the Ernie Pyle International Theatre, which catered to soldiers coming from the nearby American military bases. The boulevard experienced major growth as a commercial hotspot, becoming a "Miracle Mile" for growing Okinawa's economy back from the destruction it suffered during WW2. Kokusai-dori is now one of the best places for tourists to shop Okinawa souvenirs and taste local treats, offering everything from Chinsuko cookies to Blue Seal ice cream to Habu snake wine. Several covered shopping arcades branch off from Kokusai Dori, packed with smaller shops and stalls that cater to local needs, selling local produce, cookware, clothing, furniture, appliances, medicine, and cosmetics.

Makishi Public Market was established in Naha in the 1950s after WW2 and quickly became one of Naha's top public produce markets. The market was recently rebuilt and refurbished in 2023, but its overall atmosphere still retains the feel of visiting an old Okinawan seafood market. On the first floor of the market, one can find fresh seafood, pork, and produce of all kinds, including a popular local vegetable with a bitter taste called goya. After shoppers buy meat and seafood on the first floor, they can have them cooked up on the second floor. You can look for seafood you haven't tried before, such as parrotfish, green turban snails, lobsters, or shellfish. The second floor is laid out in the style of a food court, and includes various eateries where you can try various kinds of local Okinawan dishes.

Sefa-Utaki is a sacred place in the Ryukyu religion - the native pre-Japanese religion of Okinawa. The Ryukyu Island people had animist beliefs similar to (and later affected by) Japanese Shinto, especially regarding the worship of ancestors, and included belief in the existence of gods and spirits, and these were worshiped at special sacred places called Utaki, which were always connected to the natural world. The creation goddess worshiped by the Ryukyu people was Amamikyu, who made Okinawa and the nearby islands, and came to live there. The Sefa-Utaki marks the place where she initially came to earth. Large stones form a triangle-shaped opening, which is a significant feature of the utaki. Within is an altar where people came to pray, and two stalactites which occasionally dripped holy water that was used by local priestesses to foretell the future.

Okinawa World is a theme park about the culture and nature of Okinawa. The main attraction of Okinawa World is the Gyokusendo Cave, an enormous limestone cave that is the largest cave on Okinawa, and the second largest in Japan. The cave stretches for about 5 km, but visitors can only walk 850 meters (about half a mile) through the cave on a raised platform, with warm interior lighting that allows for easy views of the cave scenery. This includes hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites, an underground river, little waterfalls, and a variety of cave-dwelling critters including bats, fish, insects, and small reptiles. Travelers are requested to wear warm clothing while exploring the cave as the temperature drops significantly the further in you go. In addition to Gyokusendo Cave, Okinawa World also has a traditional Ryukyu craft village and a Habu Snake Museum.

In June of 1945, the armies and navies of the United States and her allies clashed with Imperial Japan in what was to be the bloodiest battle of World War 2's Pacific Theater - the Battle of Okinawa. Okinawa's Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate that event and the lives - both soldiers and civilians - who were lost in the battle. The central feature of the park is the Peace Memorial Museum, which offers provoking exhibits on the battle, including the events leading to it and the post-battle reconstruction. The Park also features the Cornerstone of Peace, bearing over 200,000 names of those who fought in the battle regardless of what side they were on, as well as memorial monuments donated by Japan's other prefectures.

The Himeyuri, or Lily Princess Corps, were a group of 222 high school girls and 18 teachers who served as nurses during the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of WW2. The girls who served in the Himeyuri were told when they signed up that they would be serving in a Red Cross facility away from the battle, but in truth they were sent to care for wounded soldiers on the front lines. The majority of them never returned, having perished due to the battle or having committed suicide to avoid capture. The Himeyuri Peace Museum consists of exhibits related to the girls, memorabilia from their lives, and guided tours by Himeyuri survivors. The Museum and Monument are maintained in commitment to a peaceful world and to the memory of the girls who died.

Experience a rare inside look at traditional Ryukyuan culture through an unforgettable evening of dance performances and local cuisine during the Ryukyu Dance and Okinawan Dinner Show. Traditional Ryukyu dance encompasses many kinds of dances. Some of these were formal dances performed for the king at state occasions, and others were simpler folk dances performed at seasonal festivals. A mix of formal and folk dances will be performed at the dinner show. They also prepare a exquisite meal of delectable Okinawa cuisine. The meals have similarities to traditional Japanese cuisine, but they include special dishes that offer a local twist to the meals The meals include such elements as rice, pickled vegetables, pork, fish, seaweed, and tofu.

Tamaudun Mausoleum is a large stone landmark in Naha, Okinawa, which houses the deceased members of the Ryukyu Kingdom's second Sho Dynasty, which was the last royal house to rule Okinawa before it was made a part of Japan. The mausoleum has a distinctive Ryukyuan architecture, having been modeled after Shuri Castle and featuring statues of guardian lions known as shisa. It is considered a part of the Historic Sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior of the mausoleum is divided into three rooms - one for the bodies of kings and queens, one for the bodies of princes and princesses, and a third room which was used to ceremonially wash the bones. The mausoleum was extensively damaged during WW2, but has since been repaired.

Shuri Castle was built in the 14th century, eventually becoming the palatial dwelling of the king of Ryukyu. Locally, it is known as a "gusuku", which is a Ryukyuan style fortress. Visitors to Shuri castle who are familiar with mainland Japanese castles and palaces will readily recognize differences in the Ryukyuan design. In addition to governmental administration of the kingdom, the castle also served religious purposes and housed several 'utaki" or sacred places. The castle was burned down a few times through the centuries, such as when it was used as a command post for the Japanese Army during WW2. Most recently, the castle was partially burned due to a fire in October of 2019, and is being reconstructed to reach its former glory. The castle is considered a part of the Historic Sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Southeast Botanical Gardens are located in Okinawa city on the main Okinawa Island, near Naha. The Gardens were built in 1968 and grew to contain over 2000 species of plants, including trees, fruit- producing plants, and flowers. The highlight of their collection are its numerous species of palm trees, including a walkway lined with Alexander Palms. Other highlights of their collection include baobab trees, dainty pink lotus flowers, and dragon blood trees. The gardens also have a hands-on workshop, a restaurant, and a small petting zoo with cute little creatures such as capybaras and squirrel monkeys.

The Mihama American Village was built as American bases were established on Okinawa to provide a "home away from home" for soldiers off-duty, but its unique charms attract both locals and tourists to its rare collection of stores proffering nostalgic, heartwarming American kitsch, sometimes with an Okinawan twist. The restaurants are also a mix of American and Japanese: a classic American-style diner, a hamburger grill, an ice-cream parlor, and an eatery selling Philly- style cheesesteaks sit side-by-side with restaurants offering sushi, soba, shabu-shabu, and wagyu beef, and a snack stop offering fresh-roasted rice crackers. Its location near some of the American military bases on the island make Mihama popular with off-duty soldiers.

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located on Okinawa Main Island and is widely considered to be one of Japan's top aquariums. Originally a marine life aquarium exhibit for the 1975 Okinawa International Expo, the aquarium fell into disrepair before it was rebuilt and renamed "Churaumi", which means "Graceful Ocean". It is one of the only aquariums in the world capable of breeding larger sea creatures, and they have tanks with manta rays and whale sharks in tanks for people to view within its "Kuroshio" Tank. One of the aquarium's most popular attractions, the Kuroshio Tank is massive, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into an ocean world. There is even a place to view the tank from underneath! There are many other marine exhibits and activities to do as well.

The Nakijin Castle Ruins are on the island of Okinawa, and are one of Okinawa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites related to the Kingdom of Ryukyu. The fortress once served as the seat of power for the Hokuzan Kingdom - a principality located on northern Okinawa island, and was eventually conquered when Hokuzan was made a part of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1609, the Japanese invaded and established the Ryukyu Kingdom as a dependent state of feudal Japan's Satsuma domain. They destroyed Nakijin Castle and it was never rebuilt, but its ruins are an impressive reminder of what the castle once was. The ruins are an especially popular place to visit in late January - early February, when the Okinawa cherry blossoms begin to bloom.

Kouri Bridge is a bridge in Okinawa, connecting the Okinawa Main Island with Kouri Island - a tiny island off the northern coast. The bridge is Okinawa's second- longest bridge (6,430 ft / 1,960 m), and is popular with tourists and locals for the incredible scenic views it presents. From the bridge, visitors can appreciate a beautiful ocean view that ranges in color from aquamarine to cobalt blue, bordered by the green island coastline. They can also view Frog Island, a tiny rock off the coast shaped like a sitting frog. The bridge has driving lanes and a sidewalk, so some visitors enjoy a 30-minute walk to Kouri Island, taking extra time to admire the stunning seascape.