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 TRENDS
 
Sanrio’s Pompompurin character may not be as famous and popular as Hello Kitty but the loveable yellow pooch continues his attempts to conquer Japan.
 
After tempting commuters to hug columns in stations in Tokyo, now comes news that Pompompurin is getting his own cafe in Nagoya fr...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Hands-on experience with traditional Japanese crafts!
The Kyoto Handicraft Center sounds like another visit-and-forget attraction. Well, it's NOT. Not only do you get to participate in hands-on activities, you will also be able to bring home a piece of memory of your time there. 
 
U...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A Lesser Known Mountain Just Outside Of Tokyo
Located in Kanagawa prefecture, Mt Jinba is a lesser known hiking spot. An easy climb to its 857 meter peak, it offers a nice day getaway from busy Tokyo. The mountain is not crowded unlike neighboring Mt Takao, and offers uninterrupted p...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A lovely little restaurant in Takayama
Takayama in central Japan’s Gifu Prefecture is a beautiful destination for several reasons - a well-preserved Edo Period old town, its spring and autumn festivals (considered to rank among Japan’s three most famous), and wonderful people and fan...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Riverfront views in Kyoto
The old maxim in booking accommodation for all travelers is location, location, location. Find out where you want to spend the majority of your time and then book something accordingly. Well when it comes to Kyoto the undoubted place to be is Gion, the city'...

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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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JAPAN TRAVEL
Top notch accommodation in Beppu
Tucked in a back alley near Beppu Station is one of the best accommodations we have enjoyed in Japan. Guest House Rojiura opened in April 21, 2016 and months later, everything is still as clean and new as when it first opened.
 
As we stepped into the...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A sad story with a beautiful view
The Sarusawa Pond in Nara can easily be overlooked as holding not much significance compared to the many temples and attractions in the area. It is also easy to stroll past without noticing if you have a snack in hand and eyes on a map deciding which...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Play with antique karakuri handicrafts in Naramachi
While walking through Nara and looking at its houses you can see and feel its rich history in every element. Every detail is full of antiquity. Several days ago I was wandering along the streets of Nara and when I saw some beautiful...

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