Fukuzenji Temple Taicho-Rou

Fukuzenji is a temple constructed in Edo Period. It has a sitting room, a zashiki, where one can enjoy the beautiful painting-like view of the Seto Inland sea of Japan.

Yuwandake Observation Park

Yuwandake is the highest peak in the Amami Islands with an altitude of 694 meters. This observatory is located at the entrance to the trailhead of Yuwandake, 480 meters above sea level. From the observatory, about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot along a mountain path, one can see 360° around the mountain, mainly […]

時の鐘

蔵造りの町並みの中にある鐘撞堂で、川越のシンボル的な存在だ。 木造の三層構造で、櫓の高さは約16m。 1630年頃の創建以来3回も焼失しているが、その都度再建されている。 現在のものは1893年の大火災の翌年に再建された4代目だ。 今でも1日に1日4回(6時、12時、15時、18時)、趣深い音色で鐘が鳴っている。

Machida Shuzo

Located in the town of Tatsugo in northern area.

川越一番街

川越一番街は、約400mの風情がある通りで、川越で最も賑わうエリアだ。 江戸時代(1603〜1868年)後期から明治時代(1868〜1912年)にかけて建てられた30棟余りの蔵造りの建物が立ち並んでいる。 ※通りが歩行者専用となっておらず双方向に車が通るのでちょっと落ち着かないのが難点。 かつて東京に多数あった蔵造りの建物は、関東大震災 (1923年)や第二次世界大戦時のアメリカ軍による空襲によって失われてしまったため、川越の蔵造りの町並みはより一層重要な歴史的遺産となっている。

Starbucks (Kitano, Kobe Ijinkan Store)

This Starbucks was originally the 2nd floor of a mansion that was built in 1907. An American lived in the building during that time. There are six rooms including the lounge, dining, and guest rooms. Starbucks kept this set up, along with the antique furniture. You won’t have to pay the entrance fee for the […]

Sakibaru Beach

This beach is called the most beautiful beach on Amami Oshima. Located at the tip of a cape jutting out into Kasari Bay, the beach is quiet with few tourists, making it seem like a private beach. Pass through the rows of sandalwood trees along the shore, and you will be struck by the beautiful […]

飛騨民俗村

山あいに広がる約130,000㎡の広大な敷地に、このエリアの昔の暮らしを再現した野外博物館。 飛騨地方の特色ある古民家約30棟が各地より移築・復元され、保存されている。 ※そのうち4棟は日本の重要文化財。 ほとんどの民家の中に入って見学することが出来る。 その他、昔の農具や家庭で使用された用具などが約8,000点展示されている。    

Gokayama General Information Center

Kobe City Hall

There is an observatory on the 24th floor of the 1st building. The city hall is in the middle of town, so it’s fairly easy to get there. It’s also open all-year round until 10pm every night. And it’s free! You can enjoy both the ocean and mountain views in the comfort of inside a […]

Tomita Shuzojo

Located in Naze, it is easily accessible, but costs 1,000 yen to visit.

Taen-hama Beach

The beach has white sand and extremely clear emerald green waters. It is located near the western end of Amami Oshima Island and is famous as a sunset spot. There are many colorful tropical fish swimming among the coral reefs, and if your timing is good, you can see dolphins swimming just offshore. A breakwater […]

Kochiyama Observatory

It is the observatory with the best view in Amami Oshima (probably) and is located at an altitude of 415 meters above sea level. The observatory is a rather cute mushroom-shaped building, but a superb view awaits you on the top floor. The top floor offers a superb view of the Oshima Strait with its […]

Amami Oshima Shuzo

It is located in the town of Tatsugo in northern area.

吉島家住宅

かつて両替商と造り酒屋として栄えた豪商・吉島家の住宅で、日本を代表する町家建築物だ。 ※オリジナルの建物は1875年の大火で焼失し、すぐ再建されたものの、翌年に再び消失した。 1907年になってようやく現存のものが建てられた。 見どころは、玄関を入ったところにある土間の大きな吹き抜け空間。 大黒柱を中心として、梁と束柱で組まれた空間は幾何学的な美しさを持っている。 その他、漆塗が施された柱や梁など、繊細で優美な意匠にも注目してくれ。   日下部民藝館の北隣にある。

Heart Shape Bay Viewpoint　

This is an observatory located on high ground along Prefectural Road 626. Looking down on the bay from here, the view is not “beautiful” but somehow heart-shaped. If you come here as a couple and look at the heart-shaped bay together, or take a selfie with the heart in the background, it will surely be […]

Deai (Encounter) Bridge

This 107-meter-long suspension bridge connects the Seseragi Park parking lot to the Hagicho village with its rows of Gassho-zukuri buildings, and spans the Shogawa River. The bridge offers a clear view of the Gassho-zukuri houses and the contrast between the mountains and the clear stream, as well as the fresh greenery and autumnal leaves. However, […]