Japan’s railway network has a reputation for being fast, punctual and remarkably well organized. That does not mean it feels simple the first time you walk into a major station. Shinjuku, Tokyo and Osaka stations can resemble small cities, with multiple railway companies, dozens of platforms and signs pointing in every possible direction.

Most first-time train mistakes are harmless. They usually involve standing on the wrong platform, boarding a service that skips the intended stop or spending far too long staring at a ticket machine. The good news is that a little preparation removes most of the stress, leaving more time to enjoy one of the easiest ways to explore Japan.

For longer journeys between major cities, getting familiar with Japan’s Shinkansen Bullet Trains is a useful starting point. The high-speed network connects destinations across much of the country, but understanding train types, reservations and station signs before reaching the platform can make the first trip considerably smoother.

1. Getting on the Right Line but the Wrong Train

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Finding the correct railway line is only half the battle. The same platform may serve local, rapid or express trains, and they do not necessarily stop at the same stations.

A traveler heading toward a small station can easily board an express service that sails straight past it. There is also the classic mistake of choosing the correct line but traveling in the wrong direction.

Before boarding, check three things: the train type, the destination shown on the platform display and whether the intended station appears on the stopping pattern. In Tokyo, Tokyo Metro’s route and station information also uses station numbers, which can be easier to follow than unfamiliar place names.

If something still looks wrong, ask station staff before the doors close. Fixing a mistake on the platform is much easier than discovering it 20 minutes later.

2. Assuming One Card or Ticket Works Everywhere

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Prepaid IC cards make city travel dramatically easier. Instead of buying a separate short-distance ticket for every journey, passengers can tap through many train, subway and bus gates.

But an IC card is not a magic ticket for every train in Japan. IC cards such as Suica and PASMO are widely interoperable, but there are still routes and services that require different tickets or reservations.

This becomes particularly important when leaving the major cities. Some rural and scenic railways have their own rules. GaijinPot Travel’s guide to the Tadami Line, for example, notes that IC cards are not accepted on that route.

The safest approach is to check the specific journey rather than assuming that what worked in Tokyo will work everywhere else.

3. Treating a Seat Reservation Like a Magic Shield

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A reserved seat is useful, especially on busy long-distance journeys, but it does not eliminate the need to check the train.

Many Shinkansen services offer both reserved and non-reserved seating, while some trains require reservations. If a passenger accidentally boards the wrong Shinkansen, the sensible move is to speak with train staff rather than simply sitting in whichever seat appears empty.

The JNTO Shinkansen guide advises passengers who board the wrong service to notify staff, who can explain what to do next.

Reservations are particularly worth considering during busy travel periods or when several people want to sit together. Just remember to check the train name, departure time, car number and seat number before boarding.

A reservation guarantees the reserved seat. It does not guarantee that the person holding it is standing beside the correct train.

4. Getting Train Etiquette Backwards

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Visitors sometimes become so worried about Japanese etiquette that they invent rules that do not actually exist.

Eating is a good example. Pulling out a full meal on a crowded commuter train is generally considered poor manners. On long-distance services such as the Shinkansen, however, eating is normal. Picking up an ekiben, or station bento, before boarding is part of the experience for many travelers.

According to JNTO’s guide to traveling by rail in Japan, food is generally fine on Shinkansen and limited express trains but should usually be avoided on local and subway services.

Phone calls are another matter. Conversations should be kept quiet, and calls are generally avoided while seated. On long-distance trains, passengers who need to make a call can move to an appropriate area between cars where permitted.

A useful rule is simpler than memorizing dozens of etiquette tips: look at what the people around you are doing and avoid inconveniencing other passengers.

5. Bringing Too Much Luggage With No Plan

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A giant suitcase that feels manageable at the airport can become considerably less charming halfway up a station staircase.

Japan’s major stations usually have elevators and escalators, but using them may involve taking a less direct route. During rush hour, large bags can also make crowded platforms and commuter trains unnecessarily difficult.

Long-distance travelers should check luggage rules before heading to the station. Some Shinkansen routes have specific arrangements for oversized baggage, so travelers with large suitcases may need to reserve appropriate luggage space in advance.

On commuter trains, keep backpacks and bags from blocking doors or taking up seats. Traveling outside the busiest morning and evening periods also makes carrying luggage easier.

Before the Doors Close

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A few simple habits prevent most first-time train disasters:

• Check the line, direction and train type—not just the platform number.
• Allow extra time for transfers at major stations.
• Keep the tickets or the correct IC card accessible until the journey is finished.
• Confirm whether a seat reservation is required.
• Check luggage requirements before long-distance journeys.
• Avoid phone calls and loud conversations on board.
• Save the destination name on a phone in case asking station staff becomes necessary.

And if the wrong train does happen? It is rarely a catastrophe. Get off when appropriate, check the route again and ask railway staff for help.

Japan’s rail system becomes far less intimidating once its basic patterns start to make sense. After a few trips, the station that initially looked like an underground maze starts to feel logical—and there is a good chance the next train will already be pulling in.

Fukui City is historically significant for its status as a major political center under the Matsudaira clan during the Edo period. The Matsudaira family ruled major parts of Echizen Province from the fortified Fukui Castle, their headquarters. Despite suffering catastrophic destruction during World War II and a massive earthquake in 1948, the city continued to rebuild. Eventually, Fukui adopted the nickname “Phoenix City” to symbolize its steadfast recovery.

History of Yokokan Garden

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Built in the early 17th century along the former outer moat of Fukui Castle, Yokokan Garden served as a secondary residence and villa for the Matsudaira family. Its original name, osensui yashiki (garden pond residence), reflected the garden’s strategic function as a channel that supplied drinking water from the Shibahara Aqueduct to the castle town. Following the Meiji Restoration, the government assumed ownership of the castle, though the Matsudaira family retained the villa. The site was later renamed “Yokokan,” symbolizing the “nurturing of a broad and generous spirit.” While the horrendous war destroyed the primary historic structures and surrounding trees, the garden’s stone arrangements, artificial hills, and spatial layout remained unaltered. Yokokan was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1982 and continues to uphold its reputation as one of Japan’s finest mid-Edo-period villa gardens.

Garden Layout and Features

Photo by: Alma Reyes

Designed as a strolling-style garden, Yokokan was not only a sanctuary for the Matsudaira family but also a venue for tea ceremonies and banquets. Guests look out onto a large, 2,300-square-meter crystal-clear pond flanked by a pebble-covered veranda. Locally sourced stepping stones line the exterior of the mansion artistically, extending to the pathways around the small hills. A stream creates the illusion that the building is floating on the water. At the rear edge of the pond, a quaint teahouse pavilion, “Seiren,” crafted from zelkova wood, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Next to it, a seven-story stone pagoda rests on a daruma-shaped rock island. It represents prayer and tranquility, evoking a solemn and meditative atmosphere amid the landscape’s water-and-stone composition.

Villa Residence

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The lord’s mansion has carefully preserved its traditional “sukiya-zukuri” architectural style, which seamlessly integrates into the circuit-style water garden. It sits close to the central pond, allowing family members and guests to feel an intimate connection with the landscape. Giant, flat stones support the wooden pillars and merge with the curved outline of the shore—a rare landscaping technique. The ceilings use thin boards of Sawara cypress fastened with lacquered rods, while the beams reveal an elegant cedar finish. On a sunny day, sunbeams mirroring off the pond flicker across the ceilings, adding brilliance to the interior.

The gozanoma (lord’s audience room) boasts a projecting alcove featuring an openwork design, carved from a single slab of mulberry wood. Pieces of Echizen “fusuma” paper finished with Echizen Torinoko paper decorate the sliding walls. Meanwhile, the otsukimi-no-ma (moon viewing room) consists of a cloud-shaped window designed to capture the moon’s reflection on the water. Mother-of-pearl inlays adorn the side shelves. There is also a bathhouse, “Oyudono,” tucked away at the rear side of the villa. Built from Japanese Hinoki cypress, it features a steam bath used by the Matsudaira family. The unique construction of the residence maintains the exact eye-level view of the garden as it was enjoyed centuries ago, making the site a truly timeless work of art.

Just over an hour from Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, Jozankei Onsen is an easy mountain escape. Set along the Toyohira River, framed by the peaks of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the area has served as a sanctuary for geothermal bathing since 1866, when the monk Miizumi Jozan established a healing spa here with the help of local Ainu guides.

Jozankei Onsen

Photo by: PIXTA/ はっさく One of Hokkaido’s best-known onsen resorts.

Jozankei draws its waters from nearly 60 natural hot spring sources, making it one of Hokkaido’s best-known onsen resorts. The developed resort town combines traditional ryokan and modern hotels with shops and eateries along the river. The sodium chloride-rich waters have a mild salt content that helps retain warmth after bathing.

Several ryokan, including Nukumori no Yado Furukawa, open their baths to day visitors, while free footbaths like Kotono-yu and Jozan Gento-an make it easy to experience Jozankei on a short visit.

Between baths, you can try local onsen manju (steamed red bean cakes) or visit nearby Hoheikyo Onsen, known for its naan and Indian curry.

Jozankei’s local culture is also closely tied to the kappa, a mythical river creature from Japanese folklore. Today, 21 unique bronze kappa statues are scattered throughout town, including near a dedicated kappa footbath.

Seasonal Highlights

Photo by: PIXTA/黄金虫 Jozankei transforms into a classic Hokkaido winter landscape.

Spring and Summer

As the snow melts, Jozankei’s forests turn green and wildflowers bloom. Summer is ideal for hiking, fruit picking and fishing around Hakkenzan and Jozankei Farm. From June to late October, Futami Park hosts Jozankei Nature Luminaria, a forest light installation featuring projection-mapped artwork. 

Autumn

Autumn is one of Jozankei’s busiest seasons, when the surrounding mountains turn red, orange and gold. The Five Great Autumn Foliage Spots include the Jozankei Onsen area, Hoheikyo Dam, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Okujozankei and Hakkenzan. Seasonal buses make it easier to explore beyond the main resort, including the guided Autumn Leaves Kappa Bus.

Winter

Heavy snow transforms Jozankei into a classic Hokkaido winter landscape, with snowshoeing in Futami Park and skiing and snowboarding at nearby Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. After dark, Jozankei Shrine and parts of the onsen town will glow with the new Snow Light Road from late January through February 2027. The event replaces the 15-year Snow Light Path, introducing a new style of winter illumination without the former snow-candle displays.

Things to See and Do

Photo by: PIXTA/ mabubu Jozankei Shrine transforms into a winter wonderland.

Jozankei Shrine

Jozankei Shrine was established in 1905 and is closely connected to the development of the hot spring resort. The shrine sits among forested hills overlooking Jozankei, with a trailhead for Mt. Yuhi behind the grounds. It is particularly scenic during autumn, while ezoengosaku flowers bloom along the approach in spring.

Futami Suspension Bridge

The bright red Futami Suspension Bridge crosses the Toyohira River and is one of Jozankei’s most recognizable landmarks. From here, the Futami-Jozan Road follows the river through the forest toward Kappabuchi Pool, the quiet river bend central to the town’s kappa folklore. The trail passes Futami-iwa (twin rising rocks) and features steps and uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are recommended. 

Iwato Kannon-do Temple

In the center of Jozankei town, this Buddhist temple’s entrance leads into a 120-meter cave carved into the hillside. The candlelit passage contains 33 stone statues of Kannon, carved by laborers who prayed for safety while building the valley’s early roads.

Spoilt for choice, traveling across northern Kyushu by train means railfans can choose between a speedy intercity service or the leisurely scenic journey aboard the Yufuin no Mori. JR Kyushu’s Sonic Limited Express offers the faster option with two distinct train series.

Designed by Eiji Mitooka, the visionary designer behind some of JR Kyushu’s most unique rolling stock, the Sonic uses active tilting technology to negotiate curves at speeds of up to 130 km/h.

From Hakata, the Sonic heads east to Kokura, where passengers can transfer from the Sanyo Shinkansen, before turning south along the Nippo Main Line. The route follows Kyushu’s eastern coastline for much of the journey, passing through Nakatsu, Kitsuki and Beppu before terminating at Oita. With services departing every 30 minutes, it is an easy way to swap Fukuoka’s busy city streets for Beppu’s famous bubbling hot springs.

The 883 Series

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Debuting in 1995, the 883 Series is instantly recognizable by its bold metallic-blue exterior and industrial front end. Inside, bright metallic walls with embossed aluminum flooring accent the central gangways, while the regular class cars pair warm wooden floors with whimsical seat headrests shaped like Mickey Mouse ears.

Photo by: PIXTA/ KUZUHA

At the front of the train, the green car features a spacious 2+1 layout with plush leather seats over soft carpeted flooring. There is also a wooden panorama cabin where passengers can watch the tracks unfold directly behind the driver’s cab. 

The 885 Series

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Introduced in 2000, the 885 Series has a distinctly different look from the colorful 883 Series, with a sleek, aerodynamic white body reminiscent of European bullet trains. The fleet is also used on the Relay Kamome service to Nagasaki and is often transformed with eye-catching promotional liveries, including designs featuring Nintendo’s Super Mario and Pikmin.

The interiors carry an upscale feel throughout, styled with leather seats and rich, dark wood accents. Having traveled in the Green Car, I found the 2+1 seating layout noticeably roomier than standard class (2+2), though the actual jump in comfort is minimal. It’s also worth noting that passengers with large luggage still have to walk to a separate car to use the dedicated baggage racks.

Opened in June 1975, the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum commemorates the casualties and deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians. In educating the next generation about the human destruction caused by warfare, this museum casts our eyes on the violent past while pointing us toward a more peaceful future.

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum

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Divided into five rooms, the museum’s permanent exhibition traces the history of Okinawa from before Japanese colonization to the present day.

In the first room, visitors will explore the Ryukyu Kingdom and its eventual colonization by the Japanese Empire. Setting the stage for the Second World War, the exhibition examines Japan’s militarization and escalating conflicts with Western colonial powers.

In the second room, visitors will learn about the Battle of Okinawa, waged during the final months of the war. Drawing on photographs, maps and artifacts, this space documents the island’s devastation, particularly in the south.

Zooming in on the horrors Okinawans faced at the hands of invading powers and the Japanese military, the next room captures the terrible civilian cost of the war which far outnumbered military casualties and deaths.

Personal Stories

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With the historical background, the fourth room turns the spotlight on the personal testimonies of Okinawan survivors. Sharing firsthand experiences of the battle, narrators offer visitors glimpses into their everyday lives in a world at war. Those with children may want to check out the special children’s exhibition room, which aims to deliver the museum’s messages about war and peace.

Using the premise of shared humanity, children can expect to see themselves in the lives of youth living around the world, regardless of nationality, with the hope of viewing the global community through commonality rather than difference.

While the bulk of the museum focuses on the Battle of Okinawa, the last room focuses on the postwar period to the present day. Detailing the American occupation of Okinawa through to 1972 and the ongoing struggles against the expansion of American military bases on the island, this room highlights Okinawan activism in the face of militarism.

Niigata is well known for its premium Koshihikari rice, first-rate Japanese sake, bitter winter snow and world-class ski resorts. In fact, Niigata Port is the largest container cargo handler on the Sea of Japan coast of Honshu Island. In the latter half of the 17th century, the port served as a shipping hub for transporting the Shogunate’s rice, making it a flourishing trade hub. At the tip of the port, visitors can find Hakusan Shrine, which has stood as a vital guardian of the harbor. During the Edo period, in addition to religious worship, the shrine grounds were also a hub for loading rice bound for Osaka and Edo.

Hakusan Shrine History

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With a history spanning over a thousand years back to the Heian and Kamakura periods, Hakusan Shrine in Niigata originally enshrined the deity of Mount Haku (Hakusan), regarded as one of Japan’s three consecrated mountains. The god was transferred from the head shrine, Hakusan Hime Shrine in Kaga Province to the present site. Because Niigata was a crucial port city, its seamen and traders considered Mount Haku to be a key protector of the seas. The shrine was later rebuilt in 1647, and Hakusan Park was completed in 1873.

Today, the religious site is renowned for its matchmaking goddess, Kikuri-hime-no-Okami, who fosters love and harmony in relationships. Worshippers can explore symbolic landmarks such as the sacred Hakusan “kukuri” rock brought down from Mount Haku, the “Musubi no Ichou” ginkgo tree and the “Musubi no Ema Kake” wooden plaques—all believed to bring good luck, healthy partnerships and family safety.

Shrine Grounds

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Grand Torii Gate and Zuishinmon Gate

These two gates serve as the shrine’s auspicious landmarks. The Grand Torii Gate gleams in bright vermilion as people pass through a stone-lined approach surrounded by nature. Along the sandy pathway stand two reddish-brown, Bizen-ware guardian dogs, which were brought to the shrine from the Seto Inland Sea via traditional Kitamaebune cargo ships.

Walking past the Grand Torii Gate, visitors arrive at the majestic Zuishinmon Gate, characterized by a gabled roof, thick zelkova pillars, and complex woodwork. Sentinel figures protect the estate from evil forces.

Haiden Hall of Worship

Built in 1644, the main hall features a dark natural façade and a gracefully curved roof. The building design is devoid of ornamentation, expressing serenity and simplicity. It houses an “Ōfune” votive plaque depicting a maritime port.

Enkikan

The historic Meiji-era merchant residence belonged to the wealthy Saito family, a prominent business clan in Niigata. The building has preserved the traditional craft of “ranma” (ornate transom carving) and “jibukuro” (low, built-in cabinet carpentry). As a National Tangible Cultural Property, the architecture also encloses an elegant courtyard with a shikinkutsu (buried acoustic water cistern). Visitors can pay a special fee to enjoy a cup of green tea while admiring the garden.

Koryu Shrine

This structure honors the powerful Yellow or Golden Dragon god, who invites good fortune and wards off calamities. Visitors pray for protection by touching the divine jewel held by the dragon stone.

Hakusan Park

The shrine sits within an enormous seven-hectare park patterned after a Dutch-style garden. Both geometric and naturalistic, the landscape extends over walkways and a grove of cherry blossom and maple trees. The most eye-catching scenery is the charming Hasu Lotus Pond. Spectacular giant green lotus leaves with pale pink blossoms cover the pond entirely. It links to the Hyoutan Pond, which features a log-like bridge draped with crawling vines, traditional stone lanterns and a water fountain. During the flower season, wind chimes tinkle in the gentle breeze as visitors walk the winding paths.

Every city and town in Japan, big and small, has meibutsu (local specialties) and Okinawa has more than most. 

As Japan’s southernmost region, Okinawa has retained many cultural, linguistic and culinary differences from the mainland. When visiting this tropical paradise, here are five popular items that make for perfect omiyage to share the good memories of your trip. 

1. Yukishio Chinsuko 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

These famous cookies, produced by sweets shop Nanpudo, are based on traditional Okinawan shortbread-like biscuits and flavored with premium salt from Miyakojima Island. As one of the area’s most popular omiyage, these are easy to find while still having a refined and subtle flavor and native Okinawan ingredients. 

• Price: ¥432 (set of 6 pairs of cookies) 
• Website

2. Hormel’s Taco Rice 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Taco Rice, a Japanese Tex-Mex favorite that could only be conjured up in Okinawa, is easy to recreate via this ready-made pack of spiced ground meats and hot sauce for those who like it spicy. Just add raw veggies, like lettuce and tomatoes, and cheese on top and you can bring the classic Okinawan taste home with you. 

• Price: ¥439 (includes 2 servings) 
• Website

3. Miyakojima Shima Banana Cake

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Using special island bananas from Miyakojima, this cake souvenir is a lovely treat, with a moist texture reminiscent of pound cake. Since Miyakojima bananas are slightly more sour than other varieties, the cake is not overly sweet and has a pleasing banana fragrance. 

• Price: ¥356
• Website

4. Okihamu’s Okinawan Sata Andagi Donuts 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

This omiyage is a version of a traditional Okinawan sweet, known as sata andagi in the native Ryuukan language, that resembles a deep-fried donut. Here, the fried dough is wrapped around bean paste cooked with Okinawan shikuwasa citrus for a double-punch of local flavor. It tastes even better when reheated too. 

• Price: ¥421 (set of 4) 
• Website

5. Muchimuchi Salt 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Mixing two of Okinawa’s unique local ingredients, kokutou (black sugar) and yukishio salt, these treats are great souvenirs. The small-sized packaging and salt content make them a good grab-and-go option, especially before or after a workout. 

• Price: ¥216 
• Website

Hopping between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto usually means hauling luggage onto commuter cars and bracing through rush-hour crowds. Kintetsu Railway’s AONIYOSHI Sightseeing Limited Express provides an alternative, luxury way to travel.

Debuting in April 2022, the four-car train quickly became trendy on Instagram feeds, recognizable by its rich royal-purple exterior – a nod to the coveted metallic dyes of eighth-century Nara. The name draws from a word once used in ancient poetry to honor the original Japanese capital. Kintetsu, Japan’s largest private rail operator, already has a reputation for design-forward services like their sleek Hinotori Limited express that runs between Osaka and Nagoya. With the AONIYOSHI, they took a retrofitted 12200 series fleet and reimagined it entirely around slow travel.

Onboard the AONIYOSHI

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Instead of dense, forward-facing rows, the carriage interior feels like a refined lounge. Capped at just 84 passengers per trip, the train gives everyone breathing room. Cars 1, 3 and 4 feature a 1+1 layout of comfortable, muscat-green armchairs, angled diagonally toward floor-to-ceiling windows so you can watch suburban Kansai fade into forested hills. Passengers traveling in small groups or as a family can book Car 2’s salon booths, where tall bronze-tinted glass partitions craft a cozy, semi-private compartment.

Despite the vintage aesthetic, practical details like dedicated luggage storage racks in Cars 1, 3 and 4, free onboard Wi-Fi and accessible barrier-free spaces make traveling on the Aoniyoshi comfortable and effortless. Car 2 also houses a sales counter serving craft beer, local sake and Nara speciality desserts. Down in Car 4, a small onboard library stocks books on local craft, temples and rail design. 

Exploring Osaka, Nara and Kyoto

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In Osaka, boarding at Osaka-Namba Station places you moments from the sensory overload of Dotonbori’s neon-lit alleyways. Before stepping onto the train, grab a quick bite in Amerikamura or wander the historic arcades of Shinsaibashi.

Arriving at Kintetsu-Nara Station puts you noticeably closer to the city’s heart than JR alternatives. A short ten-minute walk brings you into Nara Park to see the Great Buddha at Todai-ji and the moss-draped stone lanterns of Kasuga Taisha. To drop away from the peak crowds, slip into the narrow residential lanes of Naramachi, where traditional machiya townhouses have been repurposed as quiet craft shops and neighborhood eateries.

In Kyoto, Kintetsu’s dedicated platforms sit integrated directly into the central Kyoto Station complex. Rather than heading straight for the overcrowded main temple trails, use the location as a pivot to quieter corners. A quick stroll north leads to Shosei-en, a serene temple garden that remains remarkably peaceful even in peak season.

The Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is one of only two major theatrical centers in Japan that host residency programs for local and foreign artists. Established in 1995, it was the first organization in the country to assemble a full artistic staff of actors and production crew members who operate within its own dedicated theatre venues. Award-winning architect Arata Isozaki, in collaboration with founder Tadashi Suzuki, designed the expansive 2.1-hectare complex of theater buildings spread across the Nihondaira Hills. Isozaki envisioned an open facility that integrates modern and classical structures, allowing performers and spectators to connect closely with each other while coexisting with nature.

Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC)

Photo by: Alma Reyes

Open Air Theatre: Udo

Accommodating 400 guests, the open-air Udo arena entertains its audience entirely under natural light. The seating layout resembles an ancient Greek theater, while the multi-tiered gallery and roof follow the architectural typology of Elizabethan playhouses. To incorporate Japanese aesthetics, the long, raised platform behind the stage reflects a traditional Noh stage. As a counterpart to the “hanamichi” wooden runway found in Kabuki theaters, Isozaki conceptualized a unique, tea-bush-lined passageway for actors called the “cha-michi.” Additionally, the striking Izu-Wakakusa stone construction blends beautifully with the green forest and tea fields, offering the public a rare, ecological outdoor theatre experience. 

Box Theater

As a simple, rectangular black box, this theater functions primarily as a rehearsal, training, and performance studio. The floor plan is flat and adaptable, permitting its 110 seats and stage to be reconfigured for maximum flexibility and comfort. Seamless wooden framing encompasses the walls, ceiling, and exposed beams.

Ellipse Theater: DAENDO

The structure exhibits prominent Japanese features: tatami-mat corridors, wooden pillars, beams, and rafters, alongside a circular lounge with views of Mount Fuji. Based on Italy’s Teatro Olimpico, Isozaki embodied the Renaissance concept of inscribing a flattened ellipse directly across the stage backdrop and the spectator area so that the audience feels closer to the performers. Furthermore, the intricate craftsmanship of the stunning cypress high-vaulted dome funnels vertical shafts of natural sunlight down onto the pitch-black stage, emanating a mystical sensation.

Mini Museum: Teatron

The compact museum displays the historical context of major performances by SPAC, as well as those from other regions in Japan and around the world. It also serves as a rest area and venue for workshops. Next door is the Kachi Kachi Yama Café, where spectators can grab a drink before or after a show.

Shizuoka Arts Theater

Photo by: Alma Reyes

Located outside Higashi-Shizuoka Station, the GRANSHIP (Shizuoka Convention & Arts Center) building houses the Shizuoka Arts Theater on its top floor. Its enormous, striking metallic exterior mimics an ocean liner. Inside, the theater’s proscenium-free, horseshoe-shaped layout provides an intimate space for the audience. Soft, dramatic lighting casts rhythmical shadow patterns across the brick-stone walls and deep crimson seats. 

Tochoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in the Hakata area of Fukuoka. Just a short walk from Gion station. It was built in 806 by the famous monk Kobo Daishi after his return from China. It is one of the oldest Shingon Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple is best known for its peaceful grounds, the impressive Fukuoka Great Buddha and its long connection to Japanese history and culture.

Tochoji Temple

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Kukai (Kobo Daishi) built the temple hoping to spread the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism across Japan. The temple was damaged several times during wars, including the Mongol invasions. It was still rebuilt and continued to play an important role in Fukuoka’s history.

During the Edo period, Tochoji Temple became the family temple of the powerful Kuroda clan, who ruled the Fukuoka Domain. The graves of the second, third and eighth lords of the Kuroda family can still be found within the peaceful temple grounds. Today, the temple remains a place of worship and a well-known historical landmark.

The Famous Great Buddha

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The highlight for many visitors is the Fukuoka Great Buddha, the largest seated wooden Buddha. Behind the statue is a dark underground passage that offers a memorable part of the visit. After passing displays that describe Buddhist ideas about right and wrong, visitors walk through complete darkness while following a handrail. The experience is meant to encourage quiet reflection. It symbolizes moving from darkness and uncertainty towards light, wisdom and inner peace.

Temple Grounds

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

Walking around Tochoji Temple gives visitors the chance to see several beautiful buildings. The impressive five-story pagoda is one of the first things that catches the eye. At the same time, the peaceful Rokkakudo Hall is popular for its unique hexagonal shape and revolving shelves that house Buddhist scriptures. The temple’s Main Hall houses the historic Thousand-Armed Kannon statue, an Important Cultural Property from the Heian period.

Tochoji Temple is also famous for its traditional festivals. Every February, the temple celebrates the Setsubun Festival, one of the oldest festivals in Fukuoka. It attracts large numbers of people who come to pray for good luck and protection from misfortune. During the festival, people dress as the seven gods of fortune and colorful red and blue demons take part in the popular bean-throwing ceremony.

Situated between Suruga Bay and the Southern Alps, Shizuoka City offers various leisure and cultural destinations overlooked by visitors. One of them is the exquisite Nihondaira Yume Terrace, designed by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma.

Nihondaira Yume Terrace

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Approximately forty minutes by bus from Shizuoka Station, the site stands on a plateau at an altitude of about 308 meters, and presents 360-degree lookouts stretching to Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay,  Miho-no-Matsubara Forest, Shimizu Port, Izu Peninsula, and the Southern Alps. Kuma completed the terrace building in 2018, keeping modern engineering and traditional Japanese aesthetics in mind. The overall structure follows an octagonal geometric layout, based on the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyu-ji Temple in Nara. It consists of three stories, which use floor-to-ceiling glass walls and local cedar. The wood frames are finely cut into complex branch-like patterns.

Interior Highlights

Photo by: PIXTA/ たこ

The first floor houses the Exhibition Area, showcasing the history, topography, and culture of Nihondaira through picture scrolls, graphic panels, and 3D projection mapping. Limestone-textured tiles take inspiration from the classical European style. Tinted glass railings border the corridors and the staircase. An intricate weave of multi-directional timber ceiling beams emphasizes the interior’s prominent characteristics. A beautifully curated Japanese pocket stone garden outside with reflective flooring purposely mirrors the hovering pine trees and blue sky. While ascending the grand wooden staircase, visitors gaze upward to the magnificent timber ceiling design. Their protruding beams embody a forest-like atrium, resonating Mount Fuji and its environs. The diagonal framework allows flexible, multiple perspectives of the oval interior layout.

The second floor comprises the lounge and café, which face an expansive 1,200-square meter exterior garden. Savor the exhilarating backdrop of seasonal flowers while sipping special Shizuoka teas served in the café. Several paintings depict scenes of Mount Fuji and the landscapes of Nihondaira.

The observation deck is located on the third floor. Visitors can take in panoramic outlooks from various angles while encircling the 200-meter wooden walkway. This finely designed corridor extends as a loop toward the watchtower. There are also benches on the outdoor walkway to sit on as people fully absorb the superb sight. As the observation deck is open 24 hours a day, the gorgeous night scenery is exceedingly popular, which is considered one of the best panoramic vistas in Japan. It has been designated a Japan Night View Heritage Site. On a rainy or stormy day, a monitor screen permits visitors to catch a clear glimpse of Mount Fuji and the neighboring terrain.

Beyond the Terrace

Photo by: PIXTA/ ゆうた1127

Visitors often combine a tour of Nihondaira Yume Terrace with a ropeway ride to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. The Nihondaira Ropeway Station is a five-minute walk from the terrace. The shrine is another five-minute ride on the cable car. Less than ten minutes on foot is the Nihondaira Hotel, also designed by Kengo Kuma. Like the terrace buildings, the hotel is famous for its distinct wooden interior and stunning views.

Tokugawa Ieyasu lived in Sumpu (Shizuoka City) during three major periods of his life: as a child hostage of the Imagawa clan from 1549 to 1560; as a regional lord from 1586 to 1590, before his transfer to Kanto; and as a retired shogun in his final days from 1607 to 1616. He directed the construction and expansion of the Sumpu Castle Ruins and Park. During his retirement, Sumpu rivaled Edo politically and culturally. Today, the castle grounds remain Shizuoka City’s most prominent historical treasure. 

Sumpu Castle Ruins

Photo by: PIXTA/ or-kame

The roughly 178,000-square meter estate consists of three concentric moats bordered by stone walls. The innermost moat, Honmaru, served as the protective barrier for the core citadel of Tokugawa. It offers scenic waterfronts via boat tours. As the middle ring of the three defensive moats, the Ninomaru features connected angular bends and channels for strategic military safeguarding. Walkways swerve along its stone walls. The outer moat, Sannomaru, secured residences, government offices, and other facilities.

Watchtowers

Photo by: PIXTA/ taktak99

Higashi Gomon/Tatsumi Yagura

From the Masugata Gate (Higashi Gomon), an engraved stone-and-wooden bridge connects the main entrance of the castle to the east watchtower, called the Tatsumi Yagura. The striking facade of the courtyard reveals meticulous Japanese carpentry techniques and tiny slits through which soldiers threw stones or shot arrows at enemies. The three-story structure stands on an L-shaped layout, which was a rare architectural design at the time.

Hitsujisaru Yagura

Another defensive turret, the Hitsujisaru Yagura, stands out on the southwest side of the property. The tower emphasizes a dual-layered roof and traditional timber framing built entirely without nails. A distinct bay window construction, called an “ishi-otoshi” or stone drop, protrudes from the exterior walls. This functioned as a tactical mechanism to drop rocks or boiling water, or fire arrows and guns downward at attackers. Inside, the floorboards and ceiling panels were removed so visitors can inspect the exposed frames, pillars, and traditional joinery without obstruction. Behind the watchtower lies the Ninomaru Gomon Site, which leads to the second enclosure. 

Momijiyama Garden

Photo by: PIXTA/ shikema

Aesthetically designed yatsuhashi (zigzag) staggered wooden walkways allow various vantage points of the daimyo-styled landscape while strolling along the paths. Four principal sub-gardens define the overall layout. 

The Garden of the Village blooms with peonies, plums, and irises clustered around the zigzagged footpath. Toward the pond, the Garden of the Sea resembles the Hakone Pass and Izu Coast with its rock formations and pine thickets. As the centerpiece of the oasis, the Garden of the Mountain Village unveils a unique miniature grassy hill with terraced azaleas, representing Mount Fuji and Shizuoka’s tea fields. Visitors can climb the steps to the peak to catch a spectacular view of the entire garden. Finally, at the Garden of the Mountain, narrow trails, maple trees, and flowing waterfalls converge amid thick foliage.

Before leaving the park, savor Shizuoka green tea and sweets at the Ryurei-seki (table-style tea seating) facing the pond. There is also a large “sukiya” styled Unkai teahouse and a smaller Seigetsu-en teahouse for events like tea ceremonies and ikebana demonstrations.

Hidden in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Totoro Forest is a peaceful nature trail that feels like a scene from an animated film. Even though it is not an official Studio Ghibli attraction, visitors call it that because the tree-covered path looks like the forest from My Neighbor Totoro. The quiet surroundings, fresh air and beautiful scenery have made it one of Itoshima’s most loved hidden gems.

Totoro Forest (Itoshima)

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

Totoro Forest is a walking trail located in Keya no Oto Park. It is also a part of Genkai Quasi-National Park. The path is about 180 meters long. Usually takes around 15 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace. It is shaded by camellia trees whose branches stretch and meet above, forming a soft green tunnel that feels calm and enclosed. 

At the end of the path, you’ll reach a small wooden observation platform built on high ground. From there, you’ll have a sweeping view of the open surrounding Genkai Sea, the rocky cliffs and the rugged coastline of Itoshima. The deep blue water and green hills create a striking contrast. Many visitors stop here to take photos or enjoy the breeze.

Parks, Caves and Beaches

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

There is plenty more to see nearby. Keya no Oto is the park’s most striking natural landmark. It is one of Japan’s three largest basalt caves, with a huge opening of about 10 meters wide, 64 meters high and 90 meters deep. The cave has unique rock columns shaped like hexagons and octagons. These columns formed when volcanic rock cooled quickly in seawater and were later worn away slowly by the sea. Recognized as a national natural monument, it stands as one of the most remarkable coastal formations in the Genkai Quasi-National Park.

From spring to late fall, tourist boats depart from the Keya fishing port. The 25-minute journey takes visitors up close to the cave’s towering rock walls. From the water, the size of the mountains stands out even more. These steep mountains rise sharply from the Genkai Sea, showing the strong power of nature.

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

Nearby Kuroiso Beach has smooth black basalt pebbles instead of sand. It stretches along the coast, offering a long shoreline. This makes it a quiet place to walk, with wide views of the ocean.

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

Just a short walk from the forest path, a small Taiso Shrine can be found tucked beneath the trees. Marked by a simple torii gate facing the sea, it offers a quiet resting point where visitors often pause before continuing their journey.

After you explore, take some time to enjoy a cafe or eatery nearby in Itoshima. Many of these places serve fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and simple drinks made with local ingredients. This is a great way to end a relaxing walk in nature.

Atago Shrine is located atop Mount Atago in Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City. It is one of Japan’s three major Atago Shrines, along with the well-known shrines in Kyoto and Tokyo. Surrounded by nature and overlooking Hakata Bay, it is a peaceful destination where history, faith and beautiful scenery come together. 

Atago Shrine History

Photo by: PIXTA/ Ay create

Atago Shrine has a history of nearly 1,900 years, making it one of the oldest shrines in Fukuoka. Originally referred to as Washio Shrine, this site was established during the reign of Emperor Keiko. The first deities worshipped here were the creator deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Ame-no-Oshihomimi-no-Mikoto. In 1634, the second lord of the Fukuoka domain brought Homusubi-no-Kami, the god of fire, from Kyoto. The mountain was then renamed Mount Atago, and in 1901 Washio Shrine and Atago Shrine officially became a single shrine. Visitors pray here for protection from fire, family safety, success in business and studies and even strength to overcome unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking.

Highlights Around the Shrine Grounds

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

There is more to see here beyond the main shrine. The Uga Shrine is known to bring visitors business success, good luck with money, family safety, and even improved eyesight. The Inari Shrine is easy to find because of its row of bright red torii gates. People visit this shrine to pray for good harvests and prosperity. The Jizo Hall is also known as “Winning Jizo,” which is especially loved by local sports fans.

Walking through the shrine grounds is a pleasant experience, especially along the forest-lined approach or the steep Otoko-zaka, also called the “Stairway of Success.” One of the main attractions is the observation deck. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Hakata Bay, Fukuoka Tower and the city skyline from there. The scenery is popular at sunset and at night, and it was also selected as one of the “Top 100 Night Views,” making it an excellent date spot.

After sightseeing, many visitors stop at the long-established sweet shop Iwaiya to enjoy its famous Iwai Mochi.

Festivals and Seasonal Beauty

Photo by: PIXTA/ TOSHI.K

Atago Shrine is lively year-round, hosting festivals that celebrate both tradition and nature. From late March to mid-April, the Cherry Blossom Festival draws visitors who want to see about 2,000 cherry trees in bloom. The evening lights make the scenery even more beautiful. During summer, the Hozuki Summer Festival features colorful lantern plants, family-friendly events and prayers for health and good fortune.

One special event at the shrine that happens on December 5 is the Great Fire Ritual and Fire-Walking Ceremony. After praying, participants walk barefoot across hot embers as a symbol of purification and protection. This shrine is one of the most popular places in Fukuoka to watch the first sunrise of the New Year.

Every city and town in Japan, big and small, has meibutsu (local specialties) and Kagoshima is no different. Located in Kyushu’s southernmost prefecture, Kagoshima City is famous for kurobuta (premium Blackshire pork), Sengan-en, a 17th-century traditional Japanese garden, and Sakurajima, the active volcano lying off its coast. Here are five popular souvenirs in Kagoshima that make perfect keepsakes.

1. Karukan Manju 

Photo by: PIXTA/ 毒島みるく

This traditional manju confectionery from Kagoshima uses rice flour and Japanese mountain yams. The manju are stuffed with a smooth and sweetened red bean paste and become especially light and fluffy when steamed. While this traditional sweet was originally for high society, it soon spread in popularity and continues to be sought after as a souvenir from the area. Try fresh karukan manju during the autumn and winter when the yams are newly harvested.    

• Price: ¥648 (set of 4) 
• Website

2. Satsuma Imo Tart

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

This Western-style tart features a cookie-crust made with almond powder and filled with sweet potato paste produced from 100% Kagoshima-grown sweet potatoes. The tart also comes in two varieties—white sweet potatoes (Beni Satsuma and Beni Haruka) and purple sweet potatoes (Ayamurasaki). The creamy sweet potato filling has a simple, natural sweetness that makes excellent use of Kagoshima’s bounty. This omiyage is also popular for its cute shape since the filling looks like a flower.

• Price: ¥880 (set of 8) 
• Website

3. Satsuma Kurobou

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Satsuma Kurobo is a traditional brown sugar confectionery. Using baking dough, these sweets are made from flour and eggs, then soaked generously in brown or black sugar syrup before drying. It is popular for its bite-sized pieces, crisp texture and the simple, rich sweetness of brown sugar. It pairs perfectly with green tea and coffee.

• Price: ¥320 
• Website

4. Bontaname

Photo by: WikiCommons/ hashi photo

Manufactured and sold since the Taisho era, this confectionery is a one-of-a-kind mix of soft candy and caramel. Its base ingredients are starch syrup, sugar, maltose and glutinous rice. The candy’s unique flavor stems from the combination of bontan oil extracted from a pomelo citrus and southern Kyushu-grown mikan oranges. It is a beloved Kagoshima treat. 

• Price: ¥120 (set of 10 pieces)
• Website

5. Yakushima Soft Gummy 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok 

Yakushima, famous for its beautiful and ancient cedar forests, is also home to tankan, a natural citrus hybrid of navel orange and ponkan. It is a juicy fruit with a vibrant orange color, soft flesh, and strong sweetness. These gummy candies use 100% straight tankan juice and have a pleasing soft texture.  

• Price: ¥270 
• Website