JAPAN TRAVEL
Japan's second oldest aquarium
Besides being closed a few years during and immediately after WWII, Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium opened its doors in 1927. Located along picturesque Matsushima Bay, this second oldest aquarium in Japan is a local legend and has seen thousands of visito...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Exploring one of the best hiking spots in Miyagi
Nestled away along the coast of the Matsushima Bay sits a small set of peninsulas. Even though it is between Shiogama and Matsushima, it is technically owned by the city of Rifu. One of these peninsulas has a rather narrow pathway. It’...

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LONELY PLANET
 
Japan’s sunny southern islands see a remarkable number of 100th birthdays – the scientists have their theories as to why, but we’ve travelled to research our own list of top Okinawan lifestyle tips.
Mrs Kajigu used to get up at 5am. Now that she is 104, she allows herself a lie-in...

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LONELY PLANET
 
Japan seduces and dazzles travellers with its buzzed-up, sprawling, ultra-convenient big cities. But if you’re weary of crowds and vending-machine-packed streets, get yourself to Matsue in Western Honshū and hop a ferry to the slow life on the remote and fascinating Oki Islands.
N...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
The Birth of the One Eyed Monster Boy, Kitaro
In a recent article about our Trip to Tottori I mentioned our visit to Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato. 
Shigeru Mizuki, born Shigeru Mura, was a very famous manga artist, but many are not aware that he was also a historian who wrote a...

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THE JAPAN NEWS
 
FUNABASHI, Chiba — The Children’s Museum at the Funabashi Andersen Park in Chiba Prefecture offers children a chance to become Thumbelina, the heroine of the famous fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875).
On a recent day, the voices of children playing the char...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
 
Enjoy some stunning views of Beppu from atop Mount Tsurumidake! The cable car will carry you to the height of 1000 meters, and you can enjoy clean crisp mountain air whilst gazing down at Beppu. At the top of the mountain there are seven shrines for you to visit, and you can enjoy ...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Matsuyama Castle in Ehime
Matsuyama Castle doesn’t actually look too different from other Japanese castles. Built of stone and wood, their white plastered walls with distinctive curved black tiled roofs, stamp the castles with the same corporate look. Matsuyama Castle, however, perch...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Cultural experiences at the NARA Visitor Center & Inn
A lady on the Visitor Center staff flashed a gracious smile as she placed a plate of sliced orange kaki, Japanese persimmon, and a container of toothpicks on the table in front of me. The amount of force it took and the sound stic...

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LONELY PLANET
 
With so much keeping travellers occupied in nearby Kyoto and Osaka, it’s not surprising Matsusaka is often overlooked. But while Japan’s star cities may dazzle visitors, this unassuming slice of Kansai quietly pleases those seeking a detour off the tourist trail.
Wander castle rui...

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