OVERLANDER Co., Ltd. is a tour operator specializing in adventure tours such as cycling, trekking and hiking and indefinable experiences in Japan.

Most of local railways are being endangered the crisis of the abolition.
There are many touristic spots ,such as Kakunodate or Mt.Moriyoshi, along "Akita nairiku jukan tetsudo". Let's get on this railway!

Pictures of Akita nairiku jukan tetsudo　Movie of Akita nairiku jukan tetsudo
Facts about Akita nairiku jukan tetsudo 秋田内陸縦貫鉄道とは
Map of Akita nairiku jukan tetsudo
photo by (Japanese blog)菅原　修 <Osamu Sugawara>　　　
Official web-site (Japanese only)=>http://www.akita-nairiku.com/
Photo gallery=>http://www.akita-nairiku.com/gallery/photo/

Shinobazunoike is a part of Tokyo bay in former days(about Jomon era).


Pictures of Shinobazunoike　Movie of Shinobazunoike
Facts about Shinobazunoike
不忍池とは 　Map of Shinobazunoike

photo from (Japanese blog)プラナー、ときどきディスタゴン
URL=>http://www.planar-zeiss.com/201107/article_43.html

Chanpuru means "stir fried and mixed". Goya-chanpuru is one of typical Ikinawa dishes.


Pictures of Goyachanpuru　Movie of Goyachanpuru
Facts about Goyachanpuru 　ゴーヤチャンプルとは 　
Map of Okinawa

"Thou shalt not ungrateful."


Pictures of Hachiko　Movie of Hachiko
Facts about Hachiko 　ハチ公とは 　
Map of Hachiko

An izakaya is like an English pub, where they serve snacks to accompany your drinks at a reasonable price.


Pictures of Izakaya　Movie of Izakaya
Facts about Izakaya 居酒屋とは 　

Takidani, there are many rocks as well as steep, fragile. Therefore Takidani is described as the graveyard of the rock.


Pictures of Takidani　Movie of Takidani
　
Map of Takidani (near Mt.Kita-Hodaka

A typical Japanese breakfast at Japanese-Style Inns.


Pictures of Japanese breakfast　Movie of Japanese breakfast


Japanese Recipe site (English)=>http://www.bento.com/tf-recp.html#recipes

Isuzu river is the sacred river which flows through the Grand Shrine at Ise.


Pictures of Isuzu River　Movie of Isuzu River
Facts about Isuzu River
五十鈴川とは 　Map of Isuzu River

photo from (2002.05.01)norito satoh <from wikipedia>

Duruing Tiasho period, Mt.Yake erupted and the flow of the lava blocked the Asuza River, which caused the river to form a lake that was named Lake Taisho.


Pictures of Mt.Yake　Movie of Mt.Yake
Facts about Mt.Yake 焼岳とは 　
Map of Mt.Yake

Wakae island, or Wakaejima (an artificial island) is the oldest existing harbor ruins in Japan.

Pictures of Wakaejima　Movie of Wakaejima
Facts about Wakaejima　和賀江島とは
Map of Wakaejima
photo by '鎌倉★ブログ<Kamakura★blog>' http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/kamakurasi/　　

Digging for clams are one of seasonal words of spring in haiku.


Pictures of Shiohigari　Movie of Shiohigari
Facts about Shiohigari
潮干狩りとは 　Place of this picture

It is about the best season for Phlox subulata.


Pictures of Phlox subulata　Movie of Phlox subulata
Facts about Phlox subulata
シバザクラとは 　Map of Phlox subulata
Official web-site (Japanese only)=>http://www.shibazakura.jp/

Sand of the star is a shell of foraminifera in some protists.


Pictures of Star sand　Movie of Star sand
Facts about Star sand (French)
星砂とは 　Map of Iriomote Island

Hydrangea fits with the Japanese rainy season (tsuyu,in June).

Pictures of Hydrangea　Movie of Hydrangea
Facts about Hydrangea　紫陽花とは

It is said that there are unidentified creatures whose name is "Issie", a legendary Japanese lake monster in Lake Ikeda.
The name is formed in analogy with "Nessie" (the Loch Ness Monster).

Pictures of LakeIkeda　Movie of LakeIkeda
Facts about LakeIkeda　池田湖とは
Map of LakeIkeda
photo by 'パノラマで見る日本百名山' http://mtpanorama.net/mtrecord/74/　　

Gekkeikan Ohkura Memorial hall is one of the few Sake Research Center Gallery in Japan where visitors can visit.


Pictures of Gekkeikan　Movie of Gekkeikan
月桂冠大倉記念館とは 　Map of Gekkeikan
Official web-site (English)=>http://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/english/index.html

...."in everything count yourself last and put others before you"


Pictures of Amenimomakezu　Movie of Amenimomakezu　(0:52~3:43)
Facts about Amenimomakezu 　　雨ニモマケズとは　

Typical koinobori is made of a five-color fukinagashi (a tubular streamer) and three (or more) carp streamers.
Koinobori puts up for the Japanese boy's festival called 'tango no Sekku', held in May.


Pictures of Koinobori　Movie of Koinobori
Facts about Koinobori 　　こいのぼりとは　

Bonsai recreates the nature of Japan in miniature, and allows the one to enjoy it's beauty.
And it is said that bonsai were originally introduced from China in the Heian period, but growing bonsai was first developed as an art in Japan.


Pictures of Bonsai　Movie of Bonsai
Facts about Bonsai 　　盆栽とは　

The first cat cafe in the world was opend in Taiwan.And now there are plenty of cat cafe in Japan.

Pictures of Cat cafe　Movie of Cat cafe
Facts about Cat cafe
猫カフェとは 　
photo from 'マロンの物語 feat. 猫カフェCats' http://ameblo.jp/marron2005/theme-10019877777.html　

Takeshita-dori is the first sight that greets many visitors to Harajuku.
This street is crowded with children, teenagers and even foreign tourists.


Pictures of Takeshita Dori　Movie of Takeshita Dori
Facts about Takeshita Dori
竹下通りとは 　Map of Takeshita Dori
Official web-site (Japanese only)=>http://www.cafe-crepe.co.jp/takeshitamap.html

Tokyo Bay aqua_line is divided into two parts by Umihotaru P.A.(artificail island). One is Aqua tunnel (9.6km) of Kawasaki side and the other is Aqua bridge (4.4km) of Kisarazu side.

Pictures of Tokyo bay Aqua Line　Movie of Tokyo bay Aqua Line
Facts about Tokyo bay Aqua Line
東京湾アクアラインとは 　Map of Tokyo bay Aqua Line
photo from 'Shimizu Corporation' http://www.shimz.co.jp/tw/works/11tra/4.html　

'Sunanobijutsukan'=(The sand Museum of Art) will be permanent open as of the 14th of April in Tottori sand dunes.

Pictures of Sunanobijutsukan　Movie of Sunanobijutsukan
砂の美術館とは 　Map of Sunanobijutsukan
photo from 'What is Japan' http://ameblo.jp/what-is-japan/entry-10547099050.htmll　

There is a legend that Kobo Daishi introduced Udon noodles from Tang Dynasty to the Shikoku region, which later became Sanuki Udon.
Boiling time is strictly regulated to twelve minutes or more in Sanuki Udon, which creates excellent eating quality keeping its elasticity.

Pictures of Sanukiudon　Movie of Sanukiudon
Facts about Sanukiudon
讃岐うどんとは 　Map of Sanuki
photo from http://ito-web.dip.jp/udon/index.html　

Kokyo (Imperial Palace) is the residence of the Emperor during normal times.


Pictures of Kokyo　Movie of Kokyo
Facts about Kokyo 皇居とは
Map of Kokyo　　　

Basho Matsu visited and left this famous Haiku.
'Shizukasa ya/iwa ni shimi iru/semi no koe' (The utter silence …, cutting through the very stone a cicada's rasp)　: Risshaku-ji Temple in Yamagata Prefecture


Pictures of Risshaku-ji　Movie of Risshaku-ji
Facts about Risshaku-ji 立石寺とは
Map of Risshaku-ji　　　

In Japan, Lagopus mutus japonicus are the only birds which live on high mountains even in winter.


Pictures of Lagopus munus japonicus　Movie of Lagopus munus japonicus
Facts about Lagoppus munus japonicus
雷鳥とは
photo from http://www3.famille.ne.jp/~ochi/raicho.html　

Kurashiki city on the Seto Inland Sea that is a historic city located to the west of Okayama Prefecture.
In the city, the old merchant quarter is called the Bikan historical area.

Pictures of Kurashiki city　Movie of Kurashiki city
Facts about Kurashiki city 倉敷市とは
Map of Kurashiki city　　　
Official web-site (English)=>Kurashiki city

Landscape for 360 degrees can be enjoyed on the mountaintop and if it fine days, you can also enjoy viewing of Mt. Fuji, Northern Alps and Southern Alps.

Pictures of Mt.Ontake　Movie of Mt.Ontake
Facts about Mt.Ontake 御嶽山とは
Map of Mt.Ontake　　　

Isumi Railway runs through in a spring landscape of oilseed rape blossoms covering the ground.

Pictures of Isumi Railway　Movie of Isumi Railway
Facts about Isumi Railway いすみ鉄道とは
Map of Isumi Railway　　　
Official web-site (Japanese)=>http://www.isumirail.co.jp/

'Jindaizakura' is one of the longest-lived species (about 2000 years old)and which is designated as a precious natural treasure.
Pictures of Jindaizakura　Movie of Jindaizakura
神代桜とは
Map of Jindaizakura
photo from wikipedia　　　
Official web-site (Japanese only)=>http://park8.wakwak.com/~matsunaga/

Oigawa Railway Company performed along the Oi river, using a dynamically preserved steam locomotive C10,C11.

Pictures of Oigawa Railway　Movie of Oigawa Railway
Facts about Oigawa Railway 大井川鉄道とは
Map of Oigawa Railway
photo by Kazuo Miwa http://park12.wakwak.com/~kazuo/Ooigawa-SL/　　　
Official web-site (English)=>http://www.oigawa-railway.co.jp/pdf/oigawa_rail_eng.pdf

Toshiie Maeda was given Kaga and Ecchu Provinces and set the foundation of the so-called Kaga Hyaku-man koku
(the Kaga domain with one million koku [about five million bushels] of rice produced annually).
Pictures of Kanazawa Castle　Movie of Kanazawa Castle
Facts about Kanazawa Castle 金沢城とは
Map of Kanawaza Castle
　　
Official web-site (English)=>http://www.toei-eigamura.com/?c=2

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is a movie theme park located in Uzumasa Higashi Hachigaoka-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City.
Also you can do "Samurai experience" in this park.

Pictures of Uzumasa Studio Park　Movie of Usumasa Studio Park
太秦映画村とは
Map of Uzumasa Studio Park
photo by Kenji Okumura (Taxi driver )http://www.slownet.ne.jp/sns/my/article/200702071629-1000000.html　　　
Official web-site (English)=>http://www.toei-eigamura.com/?c=2

Ritsurin Park is designated "three-star" of worth visiting places in Japan by Michelin Guide. Its Japanese park is also rated high.

Pictures of Ritsurin Park　Movie of Ritsurin Park
Facts about Ritsurin Park　栗林公園とは
Map of Ritsurin Park
photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/local/photo/kagawa.html　　　
Official web-site (English)=>http://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/ritsurin/index_e.html

A Japanese castle and cherry blossoms are a good combination of Japanese traditional motif.

Pictures of Odawara castle　Movie of Odawara castle & cherry blossoms
Facts about Odawara castle　小田原城とは
Map of Odawara castle
photo by stuff blog of "ニューさがみや" http://www.atami-sagamiya.com/blog/?p=4573　　
　　　　　　"ホテル　ニューさがみや" Hotel URL=>http://www.visitsado.com/en/

An ex-gold mine, many sake breweries, Mumyoi ceramic art experience,hot springs and trekking, there are plenty of historic and sightseeing spots in Sado Island.

Pictures of Sado Islamd　Movie of Sado Island
Facts about Sado Island　佐渡島とは
Map of Sado Island
photo by "北日本新聞旅行会" http://kitanippon.exblog.jp/8585550/　　
　　　　　　"佐渡観光協会" http://www.visitsado.com/en/

Inokashira park is chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites.


Pictures of Inokashira Park　Movie of Inokashira Park
Facts about Inokashira Park　井の頭恩賜公園とは
Map of Inokashira Park

Takachiho gorge is the enormous gorge of the Gogase River which is designated as a Country's scenic beauty, natural monument.


Pictures of Takachiho gorge　Movie of Takachiho gorge
高千穂峡谷とは
Map of Takachiho gorge
website of　Takachiho gorge "Miyazaki sightseeing photograph collection"

Tomioka Silk Mill is aiming to register as a World Heritage.


Pictures of Tomioka Silk Mill　Movie of Tomioka Silk Mill
Facts about Tomioka Silk Mill　富岡製糸工場とは
Map of Tomioka Silk Mill
Official website of　Tomioka Silk Mill

Cherry Blossom Front' is a coined term made up by the media and not an official terminology of the Japan Meteorological Agency which has been used since about 1967.

Pictures of Cherry blossom flont　Facts about Cherry blossom front
桜前線とは
Japan　Meteorological Agency
Photo ｂｙ"Japan Meteorological Agency"

The road between Tateyama city and Minami-Boso city is called "Boso Flower Line". Especially, about 6km of between Ido and AIhama has been selected as one of the 100 famous Japanese roads.

Pictures of Boso Flower Line　Movie of Boso Flower Line
房総フラーワーラインとは
Map of Boso Flower Line

One of typical seasonal feature to announce the advent of spring is "Haruichiban".
This i the first strong south winds of the year that is blowing at 8 meters per second (10 minutes average) from a southern high pressure.

Pictures of Haruichiban　Movie of "Spring has come."
春一番とは

A parasite volcano which name is Mt.Hoei ( 2,693 m in hight) has erupted in 1707. It is the biggest parasite volcano of Mt.Fuji.

Pictures of Mt.Hoei　Movie of Mt.Hoei
Facts about Mt.Hoei　宝永山とは
Map of Mt.Hoei
photo by T.Ikoma http://www.tiny.jp/~ikoma/

In early spring, Uguisu begin to sing everywhere in Japan, so we also call it "haru-tsuge-dori" (spring-announcing bird).


Pictures of Uguisu　Movie of Uguisu
Facts about Uguisu　うぐいすとは

According folklore, it is said that when Azaihimenomikoto's head sank it sounded 'Tsufu, tsufu' and so the island was named 'Tsufushitsu Island', or it was named 'Chikubu Island' because the first grown plants there were bamboos.


Pictures of Chikubu Island　Movie of Chikubu Island
Facts about Chikubu Island　竹生島とは
Map of Chikubu Island

The stories in 'The Dancing Girl of Izu' (Izu no odoriko), a novel by Yasunari KAWABATA who won
the Nobel prize for literature ,are centered on this area.


Pictures of Amagi Tunnel　Movie of Amagi Tunnel
天城トンネルとは
Map of Amagi Tunnel

Facts about 'The Dancing Girl of Izu'( Izu no odoriko)
=>http://www.geocities.jp/ant3rn/200810.shimonoroka.html

Kurobe River originates in Mt.Washiba at the hight of 2,924m, and its length about only 85km. Therefore, Kurobe River flows very swiftly.


Pictures of Kurobe River　Movie of Kurobe River
Facts about Kurobe River　黒部川とは
Map of Kurobe River
photo by "Chochin no hi"
URL=>http://www.geocities.jp/ant3rn/200810.shimonoroka.html

Hinamatsuri is the Japanese Doll Festival, or Girls' Day which is held on March 3.


Pictures of Hinamatsuri　Movie of Hinamatsuri
Facts about Hinamatsuri　ひな祭りとは

Many swans pass the winter in Lake Hyo (Hyo ko).


Pictures of Lake Hyo　Movie of Lake Hyo
Facts about Lake Hyo　瓢湖とは
Map of Lake Hyo

Pearl cultivation was first invented in Ago Bay by Kokichi Mikimoto.


Pictures of Ago Bay　Movie of Ago Bay
Facts about Ago Bay　英虞湾とは
Map of Ago Bay
photo by Miketukunibito (to Japanese Wikipedia)

The mysterious Yonaguni Monument is a massive underwater rock formation off the coast of Yonaguni.
It is yet to be seen whether this Yonaguni Monument is artificial futures or not.


Pictures of Yonaguni Monument　Movie of Yonaguni Monument
Facts about Yonaguni Monument　与那国島海底遺跡とは
Map of Yonaguni Monument
Official website of Yonaguni Monument

Take care! It is said that it is one of the most spicy noodle in Japan. Hokkyoku means the North pole.


Pictures of Hokkyoku Ramen　Movie of Hokkyoku Ramen
Map of Mohko Tamnen
Official website of　Mohko Tanmen

"Snow monster" in Zao.(So-called, trees covered with hoar frost )


Pictures of Juhyo　Movie of Juhyo
Facts about Juhyo　樹氷とは
Map of Juhyo
Official website of　Juhyo

Sergia lucens are a kind of luminescent creatures which are distributed only Suruga bay, Tokyo bay and off the coast of the East Taiwan.


Pictures of Sergia licens　Movie of Sergialucens
桜えびとは
Map of Suruga bay (Yui Port)

Prunus mume comes out in March, it is a typical seasonal feature to announce the advent of spring.

Pictures of Prunus mume　Movie of Prunus mume
Facts about Prunus mume　梅とは

Umeboshi are extremely sour and salty "Tsukemono" which are popular as a stuffing for rice balls.
Usually we eat it WITH RICE!
Pictures of Umeboshi　Movie of Umeboshi
Facts about Umeboshi　梅干しとは

photo by http://iwanori.jugem.jp/?day=20110716

The Great Hanshin earthquake (M7.3) was caused by Nojima Fault (野島断層, Nojima Danso).


Pictures of Nojima Fault　Movie of Nojima Fault
Facts about Nojima Fault　野島断層とは
Map of Nojima Fault Official website of Nojima Fault
photo by http://www.geocities.jp/chari_hoi/pottering/page_12_ekirinn.htm
HOIHOI Rent-A-Cycle [EKIRIN-KUN] Pottering

Mt.Aino(3,189m) is the forth highest mountain in Japan.


Pictures of Ainodake　Movie of Ainodake
Facts about Ainodake　間ノ岳とは
Map of Ainodake
photo by T.Ikoma http://www.tiny.jp/~ikoma/

Mt.Odaigahara is known as a rainy region from a global standpoint.


Pictures of Mt.Odaigahara　Movie of Mt.Odaigahara
Facts about Mt.Odaigahara　大台ケ原山とは
Map of Mt.Odaigahara

So-called the "Sleepless Town", Kabukicho is an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku, Tokyo.


Pictures of Kabukicho　Movie of Kabukicho
Facts about Kabukicho　歌舞伎町とは
Map of Kabukicho

Yonaguni island is the westernmost inhabited island of Japan.
It is also well-known for a striking underwater rock formation (Yonaguni Monument) which was discoverd by local divers.


Pictures of Yonaguni Is.　Movie of Yonaguni Is.
Facts about Yonaguni Is.　与那国島とは
Map of Yonaguni Is

According to tradition, HashiguiIwa was buitd by Kobodaishi as a consequence of a competion with Amanojaku.
Amanojaku is an antagonistic demon in Japanese folklore.Hashigui means a bridge pillar.


Pictures of HashiguiIwa　Movie of HashiguiIwa
橋杭岩とは
Map of HashiguiIwa

Swimming jewels,Nishikigoi.


Pictures of Nishikigoi　Movie of Nishikigoi
Facts about Nishikigoi　錦鯉とは

Some say that the Izu peninsula was created by the Philippine Sea Plate colliding with the Okhotsk Plate at the Nankai Trough.


Pictures of IzuPeninsula　Movie of Izu Peninsula
Facts about Izu Peninsula　伊豆半島とは
Map of Izu Peninsula
WMP of Izu Peninsula

Hateruma Is. is the southernmost residential island of Japan.


Pictures of Hateruma Is.　Movie of Hateruma Is.
Facts about Hateruma Is.　波照間島とは
Map of Hateruma Is
photo by http://www.ishigakijimaumibe.com/09photo/link.html

Mount Gozaisho is impressive for the exposed rocks of unusual shape.


Pictures of Mt.Gozaisho　Movie of Mt.Gozaisho
Facts about Mt.Gozaisho　御在所岳とは
Map of Mt.Gozaisho
photo by　 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lake_Hibara-ko4.JPG

Setsubun is the day before the calendrical beginning of spring.


Pictures of Setsubun　Movie of Setsubun
Facts about Setsubun　節分とは

Lake Hibara was formed as a result of eruption of Mt Bandai(1,816.29m high).We can enjoy ice-fishing (pond smelt) in winter..


Pictures of Lake Hibara　Movie of Lake Hibara
Facts about Lake Hibara　桧原湖とは
Map of Lake Hibara
photo by　 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lake_Hibara-ko4.JPG

Mt.Warusawa is one of Arakawa three mountains. It is the sixth highest mountain in Japan.


Pictures of Warusawadake　Movie of Warusawadake
Facts about Warusawadake　悪沢岳とは
Map of Warusawadke
photo by T.Ikoma http://www.tiny.jp/~ikoma/

Senjogatake,the queen of Minami Alps, is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
In Japanese, 岳(=take) means mountain.


Pictures of Senjogatake　Movie of Senjogatake
Facts about Senjogatake　仙丈ケ岳とは
Map of Senjogatake
photo by T.Ikoma http://www.tiny.jp/~ikoma/

Natto is a Japanese food produced by fermenting soybeans with bacillus subtilis natto.


Pictures of Natto　Movie of What is Natto?
Facts about Natto
納豆とは
Official website of Natto

Dotonbori is a sacred place for Kansai Kabuki and is also famous for its neon sign.


Pictures of Dotonborii　Movie of Dotonbori
Facts about Dotonbori　道頓堀とは
Map of Dotonbori

An ossiferous Naumann elephant found in Lake Nojiri.


Pictures of Lake Nojiri　Movie of Lake Nojiri
Facts about Lake Nojiri　野尻湖とは
Map of Lake Nojiri

Let's go to the fantastic Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival. It's for free! Visit official web-site
http://www.city.hirosaki.aomori.jp/kanko/matsuri/fuyu1.html


Pictures of Hirosaki CastleSnow Lantern Festival　Movie of HirosakiCastle Snow Lantern Festival
弘前城湯灯篭祭りとは
Map of Hirosaki Castle Official website of Hirosaki city
Photo by Hirosaki City

Mt.Togakushi (1,904m) appear in the birth-myth of a nation and is well-known for its steep craggy mountain...


Pictures of Mt.Togakushi　Movie of Mt.Togakushi
戸隠とは
Map of Mt.Togakushi　Official website of Togakushi

Bonfire Festival in Koshi,Tanesuhara.This year will be held on 10th Mar..


Pictures of Koshinohimatsuri　Movie of Koshinohimatsuri
Facts about Koshinohimatsuri　古志の火祭りとは
Map of Yamakoshi-Tanesuhara Official website of Nagaoka city

Nobi plain is a vast alluvial plain which formed by Kiso Three Rivers.


Pictures of Nobi Plain　Movie of Nobi Plain
Facts about Nobi Plain　濃尾平野とは
Map of Nobi Plain

The 63rd Sapporo Snow Festival will be held from February 6 (Mon.) through 12 (Sun.) in 2012.


Pictures of Sapporo Snow Festival　Movie of Sapporo Snow Festival
Facts about Sapporo snow Festival　札幌雪祭りとは
Map of Sapporo Official website of Sapporo Snow Festival

Yodo River is the only effuluent river which flows down from Lake Biwa.


Pictures of Yodogawa　Movie of Yodogawa
Facts about Yodogawa　淀川とは
Map of Yodogawa Livecamera of Yodogawa

Former shape of Mt.Komagatake was a composite volcano (like Mt.Fuji) and its elevation was about 1,700m. Because of a major volcanic eruption in 1640, most of the crest has broken down and its elevation is now 1,131m..

Pictures of　Mt.Komagatake　 Movie of Mt.Komagatake
Facts about Mt.Komagatake　北海道駒ケ岳とは
Map of Mt.Komagatake

Sadamisaki peninsula is well-known as the most long narrow peninsula in Japan(about 40km).

Pictures of　Sadamisaki peninsula　 Movie of Sadamisaki peninsula
Facts about Sadamisaki peninsula　佐田岬半島とは
Map of Sadamisaki peninsula

Mt.Hotaka is listed among the 100 famous mountains in Japan.Because of its dignified shape,Mt. Hotaka is also referred to as the "Leader of the Northern Alps".

Pictures of　Mt.Okuhotaka　 Movie of Mt.Okuhotaka
Facts about Mt.Okuhotaka　奥穂高岳とは
Map of Mt.Okuhotaka

Mt.Myoko is listed among the 100 famous mountains in Japan and is also called "Echigo Fuji"(Echigo is old name of Nigata Pref.) There are plenty of hot-springs and ski resort at the foot of Mt.Myoko.

Pictures of　Mt.Myoko　 Movie of Mt.Myoko
Facts about Mt.Myoko　妙高山とは
Map of Mt.Myoko

Yatsugatake is a volcanic group which is listed among the 100 famous mountains in Japan.
The cluster of these summits divide Suwa region and Saku region in Nagano Pref.

Pictures of　Yatsugatake　 Movie of Yatsugatake
Facts about Yatsugatake　八ヶ岳とは
Map of Yatsugatake

Motsu-ji was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" in June 2011. A Jodo-sect-style gardens of this temple is worth seeing.

Pictures of Motsu-ji　 Movie of Motsu-ji
Facts about Motsu-ji　毛越寺とは
Map of Motsu-ji
Motsu-ji official　web-site

The "Three wise monkeys" is a kind of a child rearing instruction.

Pictures of Sanzaru　 Movie of Sanzaru (0'45''-0'56'')
Facts about Sanzaru　三猿とは
Map of Nikko Toshogu (Sanzaru)

Yubatake is a hot spring source where people gather main ingredients of Onsen (Yunohana) and
adjust the temperature of hot spring water..

Pictures of Yubatake　 Movie of Yubatake
湯畑とは
Map of Yubatake(Kusatsu hot spring
Kusatsu hot springs official web-site

This is the Year of the Dragon in Chinese astrology.
Pictures of The Dragon　
十二支とは Facts about the twelve horary signs

On New Year's Eve, temple bells are rung 108 times, corresponding to the Buddhist concept of 108 worldly desires.
Pictures of Joyano-kane　 Movie of Joyano-kane
除夜の鐘とは

photo　byhttp://kobe-mari.maxs.jp/index.htm

Kazue-town(主計町) in Kanazawa-city is selected as an important preservation district of historic builcings in 2008.
Pictures of Kazuemachi　 Movie of Kazuemachi
主計町茶屋街とは
Map of Kazuemachi
Kanazawa-City Official web-site

It is said that December 28th is considered the best day to being displaying kagami-mochi.

Pictures of Kagamimochi　 Movie of Kagamimochi
Facts about Kagamimochi　鏡餅とは

Naritasan Shinsho-ji is well known for not only Japanese but foreign tourists because of its good location (near The Narita Intl. Airport).There will be dense crowd of people in January 1 - 3 (The first three days of the new year).

Pictures of Naritasan Shinsho-ji　 Movie of New year's day of Shinsho-ji
Facts about Naritasan Shinsho-ji　成田山新勝寺とは
Map of Naritasan Shinsho-ji
Naritasan Shinsho-ji Official web-site

A kadomatsu is a traditional Japanese decoration of the New Year's day.Generally,it places both sides of　an entorance door to welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest."Kado" means "door, and "matsu"means pine trees.

Pictures of Kadomatsu　 Movie of Kadomatsu
Facts about Kadomatsu　門松とは

Kakita River Yusui spots are formed with the abundant snowmelt water of Mt.Fuji.It is one of
the "Three Clear-Flowing Rivers in Japan".

Pictures of KakitaRiver　 Movie of KakitaRiver
Facts about KakitaRiver　柿田川とは
Map of KakitaRiver

The Ashio mine was a major copper mine in the Tokugawa shogunate.It was shut down in 1973.
Nowadays, it partially opens for Ex-Copper mine sightseeing spot.

Pictures of AshioCopperMinei　Movie of AshiCopperMine
Facts about AshioCopperMine　足尾銅山とは
Map of AshioCopperMine

Aokigahara is known as the vast Sea of Trees (a 35 km2) which lies at the north west base of Mt. Fuji.

Pictures of Aokigaharajukai　Movie of Aokigaharajukai
Facts about Aokigaharajukai　青木ヶ原樹海とは
Map of Aokigaharajukai

Aogashima is a volcanic island which is located about 360km south of Tokyo. It is surrounded by the steep coastal cliff of 50～200m high.

Pictures of Aogashima　Movie of Aogashima
Facts about Aogashima　青ヶ島とは
Map of Aogashima

Sushi？　No!!!　It's sweet gummi candies. The way of making these gummi candies are so marvelous!
Artificial coloring is NOT used.

Pictures of Candy Sushi　
Movie of Candy　Sushi　making　①
Movie of Candy　Sushi　making　②

A seashore outdoor hot spring.

Pictures of KoganezakiFurofushiOnsen　Movie of KoganezakiFurofushiOnsen
Official site of KoganezakiFurofushiOnsen　黄金崎不老ふ死温泉とは
Map of KoganezakiFUrofushiOnsen

The matagi are traditional winter hunters who hunt deer and bear in the mountain of Tōhoku region,
mainly, Akita and Aomori Pref. in northern part of Japan.

Pictures of Matagi　Movie of Matagi's knife making
Facts about Matagi　またぎとは
Map of Shirakami mountains(Land of Matagi)

"Namahage" is an annual Japanese ritual which takes place on the 31st of December throughout
Oga Peninsula, Akita Pref.

Pictures of Namahage　Movie of Namahage
Facts about Namahage　なまはげとは
Map of Oga peninsula

Former railway bridge (Shinetsu-Line) is an elegant railway brick bridge in Usui pass. It was constructed in 1891. Usui pass was the most difficult part of Shinetsu-Line. Nowadays, it uses as a hiking course.This bridge is about 91m long , 31m high and about 2,000,000 of bricks are used.


Pictures of Usui No3 Bridge　Movie of Usui No3 Bridge
碓氷第3橋梁とは
Map of Usui No3 Bridge

Kuma River (球磨川, Kuma-gawa) is 115 km long and has a drainage area of 1,880 km².
Kuma River is a popular tourist spot because of its rapid stream. Many tourists take a ride on a rafting boats.


Pictures of Kuma River　Movie of Kuma River
Facts about Kuma River　球磨川とは
Map of Kuma River 　photo by Kumagawa riverside camp site

A gigantic body of Mt.Goryu(2,814m high) is one of The 100 Famous Japanese mountains in Hida mountain range.

Pictures of Mt.Goryu　Movie of Mt.Goryu
五竜岳とは
Map of　Mt.Goryu

Gokuraku-ji (Gokuraku temple) is the 2nd temple of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. This temple is said to have been founded by Gyōki(行基).The benefits of Gokuraku-ji are a goddess of　pregnancy, easy delivery and longevity.


Pictures of Gokuraku-ji　Movie of Gokuraku-ji
Facts about Gokuraku-ji　極楽寺とは
Map of Gokuraku-ji Ohenro equipment　【→20111125 #1Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage】

Nishi-Shinjuku, meaning West Shinjuku(西新宿), is a skyscraper business district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The (Tokyo) Metropolitan Government (Office) is also located in this district..

Pictures of Nishi-Shinjuku　Movie of Night view of Shinjuku(0:49～1:29)
Facts about Nishi-Shinjuku
西新宿(新宿副都心)とは
Map of Nishi-Shinjuku

Kamuinupuri(858m high) is located on the south east edge of Lake Mashu. Kamuinupuri means "Mount
of Gods" in *Ainu Language.
[*Ainu are indigenous people or groups in Japan and Russia.]


Pictures of Kamuinupuri　Movie of Kamuinupuri
Facts about Lake Mashu (Kamuinururi)　摩周湖(カムイヌプリ・摩周岳)とは
Map of Lake Mashu (Kamuinupuri)

Sashimi is one of popular food of Japanese. The first appearnace of Sashimi in the literature is in 1399.
(『鈴鹿家記』Record of Suzuka family)


Pictures of Squid Sashimi　Movie of Squid Sashimi cooking (sorry,language is Japanese)
Facts about Sashimi　刺身とは

Himeji Station of Shinkansen is the best observation point for watching maximum speed (300km/h) of Shinkansen (mainly west bound "Nozomi") in Japan. Many foreign travelers visit here and enjoy
Shinkansen's passing at high speed.


Pictures of Himeji Stn.　Movie of Himeji Stn.
Facts about Himeji Stn.　姫路駅とは
Map of Himeji Stn

Hobamiso is a local cuisine of Hida region."Miso" is a traditional Japanese seasoning mainly produced by barley soybeans, with salt and the fungus kōjikin.It's an indispensable seasoning for our daily life. .


Pictures of Hobamiso　Movie of Hobamiso
朴葉味噌とは
Map of Gifu-Takayama Hida-Takayama HP English

Ryozen-ji(Ryozen temple) is the first temple of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Therefore there are many shops ,where pilgrims can buy various goods (eg. a pilgrim's staff<walking stick>,book of stamps,white robe) for "Ohenro".


Pictures of Ryozen-ji　Movie of Ryozen-ji
Facts about Ryozen-ji　霊山寺とは
Map of Ryozen-ji Ohenro equipment

Gens d'armes is the name of an avance-guard mountain of Mt.Oku-Hotaka.This french origin name (meaning "the military police") of this mountain is 3,163m high.


Pictures of Gens d'armes　Movie of Gens d'armes
ジャンダルムとは
Map of Kappabashi

Kappabashi is a name of street in Tokyo between Ueno and Asakusa which is almost entirely populated with shops supplying the restaurant trade. In this area, many shops are selling everything concerning about cuisine.


Pictures of Kappabashi　Movie of Kappabashi
Facts about Kappabashi　合羽橋とは
Map of Kappabashi

Yokohama Chinatown is the most biggest chinatown not only in Japan but in South East Asia.
It is one of famous tourist spots in Yokohama. There are roughly 620 Chinese shops and restaurants (Investigation in Jun.2010) scattered in this 200㎡ area.


Pictures of Yokohama-Chinatown　Movie of Yokohama-Chinatown
Facts about YOkohama-Chinatown　横浜中華街とは
Map of Yokohama Chinatown

A bowl of rice topped with slice of fresh fish(eg salmon, tuna,octopus,youngyellowtail, salted salmon roe).

Pictures of Kaisendonburi　Movie of Kaisendonburi
Facts about Donburi　海鮮丼とは

Because Sensoji is easily accessible, it is one of typical tourist spot for foreign travelers in Tokyo . Senso-ji also has a famous gate which hanging big red lantern,"Kaminari-mon=Thunder Gate<雷門>".


Pictures of Senso-ji　Movie of Senso-ji
Facts about Senso-ji　浅草寺とは
Map of Senso-ji

20111114 Mt.Hakkaisan <八海山>(Nigata pref. Hokuriku region)
Mt.Hakkai is one of Echigo three famous mountain. It is difficult for beginner clibmers to reach its peak.　Mt.Hakkai has been respected for many prayers because of its almost inaccessible for humans.


Pictures of Mt.Hakkaisan　Movie of Mt.Hakkaisan
八海山とは
Map of Mt.Hakkaisan

20111111 Hakusan <Mt.Haku>(on the border of Toyama,Fukui,Ishikawa and Gifu)
Hakusan (meaning "white mountain=Mt.Haku) is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains" (the others are
Mt.Fuji and Mt.Tate).People have come to Haku for prayers (Hakusan Shinkō) since the medieval period.



Pictures of Hakusan　Movie of Hakusan
Facts about Hakusani
白山とは
Map of Hakusan

20111109 The Great Image of Buddha(Nara pref. Kinki region)
Rushana-butsuzo is known as a "Nara no Daibuts" at Tōdai-ji in Nara (752).Daibuts-den is the Daibuts's hall and is the largest wooden building in the world.


Pictures of The Great Image of Buddha　Movie of The Great Image of Buddha
Facts about Todai-ji　盧舎那仏とは
Map of Todai-ji

20111108 Kita-dake buttress(Yamanashi pref. Kanto region)
The Kitadake Buttress is a 600 m tall rock face on the eastern side of Mt Kita (2nd highest mountain in Japan) and is a representative rock face in Akaishi Moutain ridge (so-called "Minami-Alps").


Pictures of buttress　Movie of buttress
Facts about buttress　北岳バットレスとは
Map of Mt.Kita

20111107 Nakasu(Fukuoka pref. Kyushu region)
Nakasu is the largest red-light district in Kyushu region. There are number of restaurants and stores including adult-entertainment establishments is around 3,500. One of recommended view of Nakasu is its glittering neon sighns.

Pictures of Nakasu　Movie of Nakasu
Facts about Nakasu　中洲とは
Map of Nakasu

20111104 Mt.Asama(On the border of Gumma and Nagano prefectures)
Mt.Asama is an active complex volcano which stands on the border of Gumma and Nagano pref. It is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. It is said that Mt.Asama ejected enormous volcanic ejecta (about three billion) in 1108.

Pictures of Mt.Asama　Movie of Mt.Asama
Facts about Mt.Asama　浅間山とは
Map of Mt.Asama Livecamera of Mt.Asama

20111102 Tofukuji Fundain Zunantei(Kyoto pref., Kinki region)
Tofukuji (東福寺芬陀院図南亭)is a gigantic temple of Rinzai sect in Kyoto. It was founded by Tadahira Fujiwara in 924.
Tofukuji is the fourth Temple of Kyoto-Gozan (so-called five great Zen temple of Kyoto).

Pictures of Tofukuji　Movie of Tofukuji
Facts about Tofukuji　東福寺とは
Map of Tofukuji

20111019 Morning sunrise of Mt.Fuji　(Shizuoka & Yamanashi pref. Chubu region)
Who can see this scene without a feeling of worship?


Live camera of Mt.Fuji
Movie of Mt.Fuji Facts about Mt.Fuji

20111018 Dogo hotsprings <Dogo Onsen:道後温泉>　(Ehime pref. Shikoku region)
Dogo hotsprings is one of the three oldest hotsprings of Japan.(For the other two hotsprings are "Arima hotsprings" in
Hyogo, "Shirahama hotsprings" in Wakayama.) It is said that Dogo hotsprings has 3,000 years of history.


Pictures of Dogo hotsprings　Movie of Dogo hotsprings
Facts about Dogo hotsprings　道後温泉とは
Map of Dogo hotsprings

20111017 Kintai-kyo <Kintai bridge:錦帯橋>　(Yamaguchi pref. West Chugoku region)
Kintai-kyo is a five-arch bridge which crosses over Nishiki river. It is named for one of the three most unique bridges of Japan.


Pictures of Kintai-kyo　Movie of Kintai-kyo
Facts about Kintai-kyo　錦帯橋とは
Map of Kintai-kyo

20111014 World Heritage Himeji Castle (姫路城)
Himeji Castle is the most beautiful and gigantic Castle in Japan. Another name it is known by is Shirasagi (which means egret) Castle. Unfortunately, now it is being renovated, we can't see a full view of the castle (covered with material for construction).
If you want to know about "Restoration of Himeji Castle Main Keep",click the under pdf files please.
(Pdf files are described in English,Korean,Chinese,and Japanese.)
Restoration of Himeji Castle Main Keep (PDF; 4092KB)
http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/var/rev0/0025/0057/201068153657.pdf


Pictures of Himeji Castle　Movie of Himeji Castle
Facts about Himeji Castle　姫路城とは
Map of Himeji Castle

20111013 Mt.Hiuchi & Lake Okutadami (Mt.Hichi:燧ケ岳，Lake Okutadami:奥只見湖)
Mt.Hiuchi is the highest mountain (2,356m) in Tohoku region and also is the 100 famous mountains of Japan. The Lake is a man-made lake which made as a result of the construction of gigantic Okutadami dam.The Okutadami Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Tadami River.

Pictures of Mt.Hiuchi　Movie of Mt.Hiuchi
Facts about Mt.Hiuchi　燧ケ岳とは
Map of Mt.Hiuchi

20111011 Mt.Yari (Yarigatake:槍ヶ岳)
Mt.Yari is the fourth highest mountain in Hida mountain ranges (3,180m). Many climbers are fascinated with its divine shape.


Pictures of Mt.Yari　Movie of Mt.Yari
Facts about Mt.Yari　槍ヶ岳とは
Map of Mt.Yari

Enveloped in morning fog. This typical scenery of Lake Kinrin is called "tray fog" because fog exist on the tray (=Lake Kinrin).


Pictures of Lake Kinrin　Movie of Lake Kinrin
Facts about Lake Kinrin　金鱗湖とは
Map of Lake Kinrin

Ozegahara is ine of famous high moor in Japan. Ozegahara sets ablaze with red and yellow tints in the autumn.


Pictures of Ozegahara　Movie of Ozegahara
Facts about Ozegahara　尾瀬ヶ原とは
Map of Ozegahara

The mangrove forest in Amami Oshima. Amami Oshima is the fifth largest island in Japan.

Pictures of Amami Oshima　Movie of Amami Oshima
Facts about Amami Oshima　奄美大島とは
Map of Amami Oshima

A calm Japanese park, Korakuen is located in Okayama pref.

Pictures of Korakuen　Movie of Korakuen
Facts about Korakuen　後楽園とは
Map of Korakuen

Kurashiki city is not only a popular resort town but an industrial city in Okayama pref.

Pictures of Kurashiki　Movie of Kurashiki
Facts about Kurashiki　倉敷とは
Map of Kurashiki

The patch of potatoes spread out as far as the eye could see. This is a typical landscape of Hokkaido.

Pictures of Biei　Movie of Biei
Facts about Biei　美瑛とは
Map of Biei

Ａ splendid view of Senboh Pass in Furano, Hokkaido. People can see a chain of Tokachi mountains.

Pictures of Senboh Pass Movie of Senboh Pass
Facts about Senboh Pass 千望峠とは
Map of Senboh Pass

There are lots of long and straight roads in Upper Furano, Hokkaido.

Pictures of Panorama Road Ehana Movie of Panorama Road Ehana
パノラマロード江花とは Map of Panorama Road Ehana