We stopped here for a late lunch. There is a restaurant on the second floor. There are plenty of windows to take in the gorgeous view. The fried oysters were delicious, but the rest of the set was okay. This was the first time we had used the ticket ordering system and the staff was kind enough to help us use the machine (insert the money first and then select your dishes). There is a gift shop and market downstairs along with an ice cream place and several more small restaurants on the premises. There is also a small island next door that you can walk out to at the right time of day.

Nice place to stop and have a bite to eat. Motorcycle parking on the front and lots of parking out back. Small shops and benches to rest. Also has restrooms.

Great rest stop with plenty of parking and a small shop that sells local products, produce, foods and sweets. There is a Japanese teishoku restaurant on the second floor, and a strip mall filled with different food vendors. Great place to stop by while enjoying the beautiful drive through Oshima Island.

We loved here! They had all kind a local goods and people were so friendly too. We had a nice walk on the harbor too. This is must place to stop by definitely.

A variety of different restaurants and shops for souvenirs, snacks and other items. Great stop while traveling Oshima.

Love this place

Fun little place to see and eat lunch. Beautiful view of the bay.

Ahhh the peak was a bit of a let down. It's highly developed and has wifi. Great for the views, but if you're after a hikers paradise, go to the other peak! Very quiet.

A short, if not physically strenuous hike, that, if you've travelled up via the ropeway, includes a rest stop/shrine about half way up which also has vending machines for those needing a drink. The views from the top are amazing, and well worth the effort.

Best sceneary I have seen in Honshu. The ropeway takes you almost to the top but I highly recommend to hike all the way up so you can walk alongside with the wildlife Miyajima has to offer. The full hike is not very long. I walked the Momijidani Trail and it took me roughly an hour. The climb is indeed quite steep, especially the last kilometer but it's definitely worth it.

Had a great hike up & down Mount Misen. We chose the Daishoin route up via the great temple & shrine complex & the Momijifani route down. It was autumn so the trees were stunning & had beautiful views on the way up & from the very top. Pretty challenging hike with so many steps, but worth the effort. (For us it took 4 hours inc stops) Note - We did go early so hardly anybody on the trail & when we got the bottom there was a massive line up for the ropeway

Strongly recommended! Absolutely fantastic 360 degree view! Going to counter around 10am is suggested. It gets crowded later. I did the walking from the ropeway base to the bus stop during my return trip. It took me around 6-7 minutes.

One of my favourite views from my trip to Japan. Despite being a regular hiker, the August heat made this trek a little more exhausting than I anticipated. Still very manageable but make sure to bring water. Incredible views of the city, the bay and the surrounding landscape.

A beautiful summit and worth the line for the ropeway. Just be aware that if you decide to 'hike' down back to town, it's less of a hike and actually just thousands of stairs that took our fit group of regular hikers over an hour to go 1.9 km. A rough choice on your calves if you have more days walking around Japan after.

🏯 Itsukushima Shrine Great Torii (Miyajima, Hiroshima) Review When I visited Itsukushima Shrine, the tide was low, and the water around the famous red Torii gate had receded. Even though it wasn’t surrounded by the sea at that moment, seeing this World Heritage Site up close was still a deeply moving experience. Standing before such a historically and spiritually significant place filled me with admiration and peace. Many visitors from around the world were there, all captivated by the shrine’s atmosphere and beauty. I also took a boat tour around the area, which offered a lovely view of the island and the Torii gate from the water. The nearby resort area was a wonderful place to relax — the air was fresh, the environment was clean, and the food was organic and delicious. The staff were very kind and welcoming, making the stay even more enjoyable. Overall, visiting the Itsukushima Shrine and its Great Torii was an unforgettable experience. Even during low tide, the site’s spiritual energy and natural beauty left a lasting impression. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hiroshima who wishes to connect with Japan’s culture, history, and nature in a peaceful setting.

Miyajima Island - what a fantastic place. We went there with our private tour guide which we took for a whole day in Hiroshima. You can get from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island by train ( JR ) and a ferry from the Harbor or if you are in a hurry you can get also a taxi to the Harbor , a little bit more pricey but more convenient. The trip with the ferry is quite a short one , maybe 10 - 12 min. By the way we paid also for the ferry with our Suica Card. So it was very convenient. Once we arrived to the Island a lot of deers welcomed us. Very nice creatures and they are considered sacred and are protected and they’re believed to be messengers of the Shinto Gods. We saw the main sites on the Island and it took us almost a half a day. Itsukushima Shrine is a wonderful one and also Daisho-in worth definitely a visit. We went just under the iconic giant Torii to take some lovely pictures. By the way the giant Toriiin the sea on Miyajima Island is called Otorii of Itsukushima , and this is the famous floating Torii which is in the water when high tides are in. We visited in the morning and it was a low tide , so we could walk underneath ant to take pictures with it also from the other side. We highly recommend to go early in the morning , low tide and less crowded. The Torii’s legs are not buried in the sand and he’s standing there by his own huge weight. Bottom line Miyajima Island is a very nice place to visit , beautiful landscape , many small shops on the narrow streets , great street food & restaurants. A highly recommended place for a half day trip from Hiroshima. Just bring comfortable walking shoes and hit the road.

Visiting Itsukushima Jinja Temple in Hiroshima was an unforgettable experience! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is absolutely stunning — especially the iconic “floating” torii gate over the water. The atmosphere is peaceful yet full of life. I loved meeting and gently petting the friendly deer that roam the island — such a unique experience! I also tried the pull-bicycle (rickshaw) service, and the driver was incredibly nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. He explained the history of the temple and made the whole visit even more special. A must-see spot in Japan for its beauty, culture, and amazing hospitality!

The island is definitely worth a visit. It is much bigger than I thought and although crowded with tourists, especially around the shrines, you can hike up the mountains and experience nature almost all by yourself. There are also many deer everywhere which are used to people and therefore let you come very close. The ferry service works perfectly and the transfer from the mainland only takes about 15 mins. I really enjoyed coming to Myajima island.

Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima is one of the most beautiful and spiritual places in Japan. The floating torii gate rising from the sea is absolutely breathtaking, especially during high tide when it seems to float on the water. Walking through the shrine’s wooden corridors with the sound of the waves underneath feels peaceful and sacred. I visited around sunset, and the golden light on the gate was unforgettable. A truly iconic and magical spot that captures the essence of Japan’s beauty.

Go early, it’s worth it. We were pretty much the first group off ferry and there were about 50 people here in early November . Plenty of time to take all pics and stroll through building. Never rushed. On way out a couple of hours later and it was packed and would have definitely impacted experience.

Absolutely beautiful. Not only does the torii glate "float", but this pavilion also seems to float! Come by for a history lesson and beautiful scenes. Very busy and a bit of a wait while you walk around, but it's a must-see.

Nice island for either daily tours or two days there. There's a nice central shopping street full of restaurants but especially shops. The visit to the shrine and the temple is recommended.

Breathtaking place with a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The iconic floating torii gate is stunning, especially during high tide when it appears to hover above the water. Walking around the island is a peaceful experience, with beautiful shrines, friendly deer, and scenic trails.

The island is famous for the Itsukushima shrine and the floating torii gate. But other than this, there is also the famous souvenir street near the shrine. You can buy souvenirs there and try local food. The place is famous for oysters farms, so grilled or raw oysters and oyster curry bread are local delicacies. Hiroshima is famous for lemons so any lemon drinks can be nice here. Miyajima is known for maple leaf shaped cakes.

Beautiful island! I came as a day excursion and I could enjoy my time here, but if you have the chance, maybe stay one night at one of the hotels so you can more easily avoid the masses of tourist that come as flocks and also enjoy the shine at night (seeing some pictures online, it looks beautiful with the lanterns and illuminations!). You may also have a better chance of interacting with deers, although you’re not supposed to feed these ones (at Nara you can). Such a beautiful place, near a city that has known such horrors in the past…

We took the long, scenic and an enjoyable bus ride going to the ferry station. Bus rides in my country is not always pleasant so I relished this one. We looked for a lunch spot first before heading off Miyajima. Next ride was a ferry boat-a short but equally enjoyable one with the mountain and sea views. The island itself deserved half or even one whole day of exploration. There so many places to be visit, take pictures, buy souvenirs from, dine or simply sit and enjoy the nature with the deer. Upon entering the island, we were greeted by the deer gently resting along the “streets”. According to Google : “Approximately 500 deer on Miyajima are tame and socialized to human presence, though they are still wild animals and can be aggressive in seeking food. They have learned to bow for snacks, which are available for purchase, and have also been known to eat paper maps and other human items” Food crackers for the deer are available for only JPY200 and this must be the only food to be fed to them. There’s enough space for everybody despite the numerous number of tourists in the island. There’s a recommended spot for taking a good picture with the Torii gate. The queue moves fast and it’s often the person at the back taking the pictures of the people in front-regardless of race :)

This was an island off Hiroshima called Miyajima. It was quaint and beautiful. Very picturesque. Well worth a visit.

I have nothing but excellent things to say about this island. After living in Japan for 6 years, this place was absolutely a highlight. Despite it being a tourist hotspot, it didn't feel particularly overcrowded on a Thursday afternoon. Very easily accessible by ferry, only a 10-minute ride and we used our Suica card for boarding, 300 yen one way. I was shocked to see how massive this place really was. There are a couple hiking trails that take 4 to 5 hours to complete, which we will come back to and didn't have the opportunity to do this time. Plenty of shopping streets for souvenirs, plenty of food vendors, and tons of deer also! We easily spent 3 to 4 hours here. I would recommend springtime for a visit where it's not too hot yet. We went on a day where it was about 16 Celsius with the sun out, and it was just perfect. Not too windy out either. Tons of foreign visitors here, me being one of them, so just take your time while transiting the streets because it's really easy to bump into people. Otherwise, what an amazing place to visit in a staple to our visit to Hiroshima!

Ridiculously easy to just scan in and go onboard the JR ferry. Very cheap both ways to Miyajima and back. Despite the long line of people, the ferry is high capacity and is quick taking all of 10 minutes one way. Helpful staff and comfortable ride with great views of Miyajima from the boat alone.

A practical and necessary means of transportation for tourists visiting Japan's Miyajima Island is the Miyajima Ferry service. This boat service, which runs between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima Island, provides a convenient and picturesque means of traveling to the island, which is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the historic Itsukushima Shrine. The ferry voyage is a memorable event in and of itself. Along the route, visitors pass by additional small islands and are treated to stunning vistas of the Seto Inland Sea. More than just a way to get around, the trip offers a great chance to take in the tranquil waterways and surrounding scenery, making it a picturesque outing as well. Because the ferry operates on a regular schedule and is prompt, travelers may easily arrange their itinerary. Passengers may expect a comfortable and well-maintained ride on these well-equipped boats. Travelers can get information on the trip and assistance as needed from the kind and friendly staff. The renowned image of the Itsukushima Shrine's "floating" torii gate greets guests as they arrive on Miyajima Island, heightening the excitement and anticipation of visiting the island. All things considered, the Miyajima Ferry service provides pleasant travel as well as effective transportation, laying the groundwork for an unforgettable trip to Miyajima Island. The ferry travel to this visually spectacular and culturally diverse location is made delightful by the mix of smooth sailing, breathtaking scenery, and dependable service.

Dope ferry. Especially loved all the students waving as two ferries passed each other. Easy to get on and off, even if you don’t get a seat, there are tons of great spots to stand and lean. Fresh air is nice , ferry is fast.

I taking JR ferry with JR kansai hiroshima pass top up 100 yen for round trip.

The ferry costs ¥200 one way and runs every 15 minutes from 5.50 am till 10.15 pm. It is advisable to stand on the right side of the ferry to get a good view of Torii Gate. You can sit inside AC hall or stand outside or on the top , if you prefer fresh sea breeze. The ride takes 10 minutes to reach the jetty of the Miyajima island.

Prompt and comfortable. There is a 100 yen tax per person to Miyajima. I recommend going out on the earlier ship to beat the crowd. Make sure to take photo of return ferry schedule.

The ticket machine (in English) showed a discount for a disabled person and a companion, so we paid as instructed. At the boarding gate, the staff member snatched our tickets and gave us a coin instead. Only after we showed a disability certificate did he say the discount is “only for Japanese residents” – something not written anywhere. Because of this, we missed the ferry and had to wait 30 minutes. The service was confusing, frustrating, and unprofessional.

It was an unexpected surprise visit and it was extremely beautiful to see. Cross over did cost but not very expensive and its return walk ticket. I can only imagine when things are in bloom or in the fall how more beautiful this bridge and the village across it is. It was very peaceful and quiet. Enjoyable site!

I made a special trip from Hiroshima to Kintai Bridge, and it didn’t disappoint — a beautiful wooden structure. There’s an entrance fee to access the bridge, which covers a round trip. Every step on the bridge lets you feel the unique charm of its wooden architecture. Beneath it, the clear river flows over stone slabs, with many families picnicking, playing in the water, and others fishing. When leaving, you might consider heading to Shin-Iwakuni Station. The Shinkansen can get you back to Hiroshima in about half an hour, but be sure to check the train schedule.

This bridge is a little out of the way, but it is a beautiful bridge with beautiful surroundings with stunning architecture. When we were there, the crowds weren't too bad so it was nice to see a beautiful spot that wasn't too crowded. There's a bus that will take you straight here from downtown which is easy to catch so even though it's out of the way it's easy to get to.

Beautiful History, Scenic Views, and a Little Parental Awareness Needed Kintaikyo Bridge is without a doubt one of Japan’s most iconic wooden bridges and being here in person really drives that home. Built originally in 1673 during the Edo period, it’s famous for its five graceful wooden arches that span the Nishiki River. Designed to withstand frequent flooding, the structure has been rebuilt and maintained through the centuries, with the most recent full reconstruction completed in 1953 after a typhoon destroyed the previous version. Today, it remains a symbol of Iwakuni’s history and craftsmanship. From a visitor’s perspective, crossing the bridge is an experience worth savoring. I especially loved that you can purchase a ticket that allows multiple crossings perfect if you want to go back and forth without feeling rushed. Once across, you can take the ropeway up to Iwakuni Castle on the mountaintop, which adds even more to the outing. The combination of the river, the bridge, the rope car, and the castle gives you a full-day mini adventure in one spot. The only downside for me was safety awareness. While the bridge is sturdy, the railings are quite low, and I noticed several parents letting their children run freely across it. It’s easy to see how a slip could turn dangerous, so a little more attentiveness would go a long way in keeping everyone safe. Visitor Tips: • Try to come early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. • Pair your bridge crossing with the ropeway and castle visit for a complete experience. • Spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (fall foliage) are particularly stunning here. Overall, Kintaikyo Bridge blends centuries-old engineering, breathtaking scenery, and a touch of adventure. Just watch your step and your kids as you enjoy one of Iwakuni’s most treasured landmarks.

Very worthwhile visit. Well maintained ancient bridge, great for taking photos, definitely an attraction cannot be missed if u came to Hiroshima.

Everything you’d imagine on this wonderful bridge. Good food on each side. It’s a little expensive to cross the bridge so maybe do it just once. The surrounding area is beautiful and you can see the castle from it.

parking is 300 yen and return ticket if you want to walk the bridge is 310 yen. you will feel relax and peaceful in the area. can't imagine Sakura and/or red leaf season. must be beautiful

For all ages! We had a great day exploring the caves. Staff was also super friendly. Recommended

Really fun interactive and lots of cool things to see.

Great place to adventure and solve with a friend or family! Simple enough your kids will enjoy it. Across the street is a good curry place! If you get to the end and are having trouble with the key, the answers are in the building you turn your card into so don’t worry about it!

This place is amazing! My three old was a little scared of the caves but my 8 year old loved it! Bring walking shoes and yen! It has a gift shop and curry restaurant located at the entrance as well.

Great time. Neat mine with an added twist of a fun adventure to follow and solve. Yes it is for kids but the wife and I had a good time translating the signs and solving the mystery.

If you are into mystery and treasure hunting, this is tge best place for you. Perfect for group bonding. The statues, water fall and video presentable are very cool.

Mikawa Mu Valley was a great experience, the adventure you sign up for is great! Beautiful hidden location!

This is a great little zoo in north Shunan City. They have a fair variety of animals to see. Some of the exhibits are quite old, but they are in the midst of renovations, and I am excited to see what the zoo will look like when it is all ready. The red pandas building and bird area is beautiful. We even saw some nesting birds and their eggs! There is a food court available as well as restrooms. The building with the red pandas also has a small reading nook with kids books. For an extra fee kids can have the opportunity to feed the penguins.

One of the best hanami place. However, the animals were rather ordinary. We were expecting more hands-on experience and a bit disappointed not getting to see the polar bear. The hippo's house was so small and hope that the renovation will make great ease to the lonely hippo.

Love this place, the last time I was here was three years ago. The monkeys are my favorite, specifically Shudarou and the other monkeys on monkey mountain. You should visit this place if you have the time, great place for families also.

Small zoo with a few very old animal habitats. It looks like they are in the process of modernizing. The plus side is you get very close to the animals. The downside is the tiny habitats are pretty sad. The price is right though: ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for kids.

It's a nice zoo for kids I would say. The small size of the zoo makes it hard for me as an adult to look at the animals because some of them look like they're going to go mad all cramped up. Fortunately, it appears the zoo is expanding a bit and renovating. There's a place to eat, a place for some interactive fun with animals and a photo machine that's zoo themed. Staff were friendly and helpful. Zoo is walkable from the station but there's also a cheap bus service.

Animals in smaller cages then the main enclosure and a lot of construction work but not for the animals. That’s the point of the zoo I believe is to see the happy animals.

Most depressing zoo I’ve ever been to. Almost all the animals need to see a vet. Birds feathers aren’t growing, bears are missing teeth, there’s a cage where you throw food at monkeys, all the cages are to small and the water is dirty

A nice little church in the heart of the small town. Beautiful glass stain windows.

If you"re a Catholic like me and you happened to pass by Tsuwano or visited Tsuwano,Japan , there is a solemn Catholic ⛪ church there. Please visit the church and feel the peace and holiness while praying for your devotion. Outside is a playground for kids and a mini museum where you can see photograps and some religious articles about catholicism history in Japan. You can also buy religious items like rosary, pamplets saints figurine, bracelets in a very cheap price . Outside the church you will surely love to watch Koi 's (japanese colorful fish) swimming in a very clean water canal . They are really wonderful , colorful and big different kind of fishes.

Quite at home and friendly. Also very holy place!

witness to the faith

(Translated by Google) I quickly visited Tsuwano Catholic Church and found it to be a very beautiful and peaceful place. The architecture is different, with a Western style on the outside, but the inside has tatami floors, which I found very interesting. It is worth stopping by if you are exploring Tsuwano. (Original) Visitei rapidamente a Tsuwano Catholic Church e achei o lugar muito bonito e tranquilo. A arquitetura é diferente, com um estilo ocidental por fora, mas o interior tem chão de tatami, o que achei bem interessante. Vale a pena dar uma passada se estiver explorando Tsuwano.

(Translated by Google) This was the first time I'd seen a church with tatami mats, other than Sakitsu Church in Amakusa. When I entered the church, I felt a different atmosphere and it was a strange feeling. (Original) 天草の崎津教会以外で、畳が敷いてある教会を初めて見ました。 教会内に入ると、空気感が違うのを感じられ 何だか不思議な感覚でした。

(Translated by Google) R7.5 When I was feeding the carp𓆛 in the river, I noticed a church‼️😳‼️It was a small but cute and beautiful church⛪️🙂I went inside🙂The glass stands were beautiful✨✨✨😌Outside there was an explanation of the church and an unmanned sales booth🙂 (Original) R7.5 川の鯉𓆛に餌をやっていると教会に気づきました‼️😳‼️小さいけどかわいい綺麗な教会⛪️でした🙂中にも入れました🙂スタンドグラスが綺麗でしたね✨✨✨😌外には教会の説明とか無人販売所がありました🙂

Always love the walk up the mid hills to the temple as it is a good workout and it gives a breathtaking view as well. The temple is nicely done up and is quite huge.

Wonderful shintoist temple with a path going up from the town similar to the Kyoto Inari temple. From there, you can also climb to the castle ruins in about 30 minutes or go up with the chair lift, where you will have an amazing view of the tsuwano city and its valley!

Definitely worth the trip up the mountains for this. One of the most sacred and beautiful shrines in Japan, and definitely worth a visit if you want to avoid the overcrowded touristy places!

I absolutely loved this place. Amongst one of my most memorable places in Japan. I didn’t see any monks during my visit, but it was a working Shrine and I have no doubt they’re there. There is a column of Tori gates as well, plus the biggest Tori gate I’ve ever seen guarding the entrance to the town and Shrine. Admission and parking is free, but souvenir’s are offered for sale to support the Shrine. Definitely worth a visit!

A small Japanese Shrine located at mid-levels. Not many tourists and it is easy to find. Beautiful old Japanese architecture. There is a great view outside the Shrine. The drive along and the stay there will be refreshing.

(visits 1) Parking was free. No English here. This place is not really meant for foreign tourists. It's a shrine more than tourist attraction. I was here for the nearby castle and this is where the parking was. I of course went to check out the shrine. It was beautiful. The view was beautiful. But I felt rather out of place as I realized this very much more a shrine shrine rather than a tourist shrine. I quickly left to go find the castle.

The shrine is the highlight of Tsuwano town especially if you know where to find the rear entrance. Taikodani Inari-jinja shrine has a big impact on the town of Tsuwano. One of the roads down into the town has an impressive big red gate as if the hole town is part of the shrine precinct. You can see the shrine from most place in the town overlooking the valley. It was built to protect the castle that no longer stands. The shrine has resulted in the popularity of deep fried tofu skin noodles and the same stuffed with rice, which are likewise named after the fox, inari, that is said to like to eat them. There is a car park directly in front of the shrine allowing visitors to go to pray or purchase omamori talismen after having only climbed a short stair case, but above all, I recommend the rear entrance so that you can go through the "1000" scarlet gates, climbing 263 steps. I think that the red gates symbolise something very important. By going through 1000 of them one may perhaps attain a little more purity at the shrine at the top. The rear entrance, with all the red gates, an be accessed along the river bank near to Yasaka Jinja Shrine which is also marked on Google Maps. Unfortunately there is no car park so the designated driver will have to use the main entrance, or walk, or take a taxi from the station to Yasaka Jinja. Taikodani Inari-jinja shrine itself is very well pretty, if a little gaudy, and the views down onto the town are very pleasant. The shrine sells Hello Kitty, and fox depicting omamori amulets as well as more traditional omamori (good luck charm) variations. The fox is the messenger of the Esoteric Buddhism related god herein enshrined but offerings are often made to the fox. One can purchase the deep friend tofu skin to make as an offering at the shrine for that reason. The fox is associated with esoteric Buddhism and with sex. The fox is sometimes depicted as having a phallic tail. The shrine, and the town of Tsuwano, is 1 hour by car or steam locomotive (March to November) and two and a half hours by road bicycle along route nine from Yamaguchi, through the scenic valley of Choumonkyo and the apple production region of Tokusa. There is, incidentally another famous, and attractive multi-red gated shrine, Moto no Sumi Inari shrine on the coast in the adjacent Yamaguchi prefecture, near the corner of Honshu, and hence perhaps the name of the shrine which means "the base of the corner fox shrine" which is I think a very appropriate name and location for one of these red-gated fox shrines.

Hofu Shrine is the first of 12,000 Tenjin Shrine in Japan. This beautiful shrine offers much historical significance and is a must visit during cherry blossom season or if in Yamaguchi.

Beautiful shrine It's currently (Sep 2025) under construction, take that into account when visiting The whole walk took us about 20 minutes. It has free parking

Another amazing shrine that features Japanese culture, architecture and traditions. A must visit for anyone willing to enjoy everything that Japan has to offer.

Not really a popular traveling spot, so quality of traveling is way better. People here barely speak other languages than Japanese, but still try their best to help us and treat us very warmly.

A very old and famous shrine at Hofu. We visited at dusk. Recommend to visit before sunset. The music comes from shrine was awesome. There are a lots of cherry trees around the shrine. The flower was so nice to see. We also enjoyed the night view of Hofu City by visiting the upper part of the Shrine. A lot of well wisher comes here.

I have heard that people come here to pray for their academics and exams. I went during cherry blossom season. It was beautiful. There is a park behind the shrine. Got a lot of cherry blossom pics . Got myself a shrine stamp. There is hall called Shunpuro which means hall of the spring breeze. It is believed that feels of spring breeze can be felt throughout the year.

I was gonna skip this shrine but lucky I did not. it has quite a bit too see and not many people. and, maybe just me, I found a traveling luck charm I've haven't seen before.

Commemorating St Francis Xavier who brought Catholism to Asia, Japan, China, Malaysia n India.

Beautiful architecture. See the history of the oppressor getting oppress is refreshing.

So beautiful church

cool and quiet place

Awesome place 😊

(Translated by Google) Modern church architecture (contemporary architecture)!? It somehow reminds me of Le Corbusier's Ronchamp Chapel Old churches⛪️ are nice, but churches with a new atmosphere like this one💒 are nice too✨Good👍 They were practicing the pipe organ😄 The sound is very powerful and matches the cathedral. (Original) 教会の近代建築 (現代建築)！？ なんとなくル・コルビュジエのロンシャン礼拝堂ぽい雰囲気 古い教会⛪️もいいがこの様な新しい雰囲気の教会💒もいい✨Good👍 パイプオルガンの練習中だった😄 音もすごい迫力、聖堂にマッチしている。

(Translated by Google) Quite interesting is the Catholic church on the ground floor and on the upper floor there is a museum about the introduction of Catholicism in Japan by the Spanish Jesuit Francisco Xavier, a lot of material from the time and also about the persecution of Christianity and the lives of the Kakure Christians (Christians who practiced secretly because if they were caught or reported they were killed). (Original) Bastante interessante tem a igreja católica na parte térrea e na parte superior fica um museu sobre a introdução de catolicismos no Japão pelo jesuíta espanhol Francisco Xavier ,bastante material da época e também sobre a perseguição á cristianismo e vidas dos kakure cristian (cristão que praticavam secretamente porque se fossem pegos ou denunciados eram mortos).

I visited in May 2024. The Five story pagoda is under renovation at the moment until 2026. Please check the website before making a trip because the pagoda is covered. But you can still go around and enjoy the rest of the temple. For complete experience in Yamaguchi visit link below https://youtu.be/WKbMB8WSpgY?feature=shared

A must visit tourist spot at Yamaguchi City. An Age old Temple standing as a sign of architectural beauty and legacy of brotherhood. You can enjoy it’s unique landscape in different seasons. At night there is a special light shows I personally recommend it to enjoy...

I hadnt seen a Pagoda in a while, so this hit the spot! There is beautifully clear water below, with Koi swimming around. I managed to get some nice pictures with flowers blooming in the foreground. You can also walk behind the Pagoda to get some unique shots from above.

Pagoda and temple is free to enter and very peaceful and scenic. There is a koi fish amd turtle pond. Also, a cemetery so please be quiet and respectful.

Go up around the Back! This is a beautiful pagoda that creates in its viewers a little bit of a Zen (or if you prefer, God's glory) experience. Why is this? Why do visitors say that it takes their breath away. My interpretation is that it looks like a lot of houses or temples stacked one on top of another. We are used to seeing the temple roof shape of each story of the pagoda. In the grounds of the temple there are similar roofs, of other similar temple structures but these are arranged horizontally with at most a slight vertical misalignment due to the temple structures and their roofs being built on a slope, which with the admixture of perspective, allows us to see when we view a temple complex or townscape a cascade of roofs stretching off into the distance. And so it is when we view this pagoda our brains attempt to interpret its form in the same familiar way, as smaller and smaller, more distant roofs, on the side of the mountain, but then, whammy, it is not perspective, it is not a slope, these roofs are stacked. And in that whattheblazes moment of reappraisal, our analytical mind is stumped, stopped and dumbfounded, and we are given a glimpse of that which a Zen scholar calls "the purity of experience" or perhaps, in Christian parlance, we see the light. In any event it is a very beautiful pagoda. It contains a library of books that no one reads. And those in the know can go up around the back to stand at eye level with the middle of the pagoda and look down upon the temple sharing the same grounds. Please see the photo. 案内すると感心してもらえますよ。

Pagoda is under construction until March 2026. Pictures of it are gorgeous and the park is absolutely beautiful.

The temple highlights the symbolic architecture of Japan and the surroundings gives a feel of tranquility.

Motivated by a video released by Fujifilm, my wife and I traveled 2.5 hours from Okayama to Hagi City. One of the main purposes of the trip was to visit Tokoji Temple. The temple was in a quite original condition, with little painting, maintenance, refurbishment work done to it. However, it did deserve some of the work to preserve it for the future generations. The gardens also needed redesigning and upgrading to make them tidier and more beautuful. The graveyard area was awesome, unique, and impressive, making us feel it worthy to take the trip on such a cold, windy, rainy day.

Beautiful quiet temple a walk up from the Academy. 300yen entrance. There is a lantern-filled graveyard for old retainers at the rear.

Amazing temple! Old gates and main hall magnificent but be sure to visit the noble cemetery out the back - eerie atmosphere. 300 yen.

Must visit. No tourist. Very clean and peaceful

Such a hauntingly beautiful and serene location. One of the most memorable places I have ever been. What a wonderful town and experience.

Better than shoin shrine, near this place. Can feel quiet dignity from Mouri family graveyard.

Magical

Beautiful and big shrine. Lots of Omamori to choose from. They also have a goshuin stamp.

Historical place. Beautiful. Mesmerising.

beautiful

(Translated by Google) I stopped by Kotozaki Hachiman Shrine while passing by. It was a Hachiman Shrine filled with a very refreshing energy. Even though it was a weekday, there were many people visiting. The wind chimes scattered here and there were refreshing. (Original) 通りすがりに立ち寄らせて頂きました。琴崎八幡宮。とても清々しい氣に満ちた八幡宮でした。平日にも関わらず多くの方が参拝されていました。処々にある風鈴が清々しい。

Amazing shrine, really beautiful The whole walk around the shrine took us around 20 minutes

(Translated by Google) It's a shrine that really gives you a sense of nature. There are several free parking spaces nearby. I had business in Ube, so I visited because of the Wind Chime Festival. What impressed me the most was the variety of charms. They were all priced at 1,000 yen, and there was a wide selection, from cute to cool and sophisticated. (Original) 自然を感じる神社でした。無料駐車場も、近くに幾つもありました。 宇部に用事があったので、風鈴まつりとの事で伺いしました。 1番感心したのは、お守りの種類。大体千円設定で可愛いのから、かっこいいの、渋いのまで沢山ありました。

(Translated by Google) July 25, 2020 This shrine is popular for its many amulets, and is said to have the largest amulet sales volume in Japan. They offer almost any blessing, including love, career, sports, health, and more. The bus service goes directly to the entrance, and parking is easy to find for those driving by, with ample spaces. (Original) 25/07/30 有很多御守而受歡迎的神社，據說有日本最多的御守販賣，基本上想保佑的東西這邊都有，感情，事業，運動，健康以及其他不少。 公車直達門口，自駕停車場很好找，停車位也不少。

Worth coming for the little stores that carries crafted goods. There are also stores that sold sake bottles.

This is like Kyoto that hasn’t been discovered yet. A quaint little heritage town that hasn’t gotten its fame, but the simplicity of its style has huge potentials in future growths.

Good for visit 1-2 hours.

It's a small market but has enough shops to look around and shop. It was interesting to watch traditional drum performance which was unexpected. It's quite a long performance but end of that, you can join the session that allows you to participate to play the drum under the performance team's instruction which I missed out.

We went here for the festival with lanterns on November 11, 2023. The evening is not typical on most days and I believe shops are closed at 5-6 pm. However, the street is a heritage area though the town is not well known.

It's not so crowded during weekdays. Most of the shops are selling souvenirs.

Nice old shopping street. Lots of shops selling wooden clog shoes. The Sui cheesecake roll is really good too!

It’s a unique experience, a small village in the middle of the mountains, all houses basically dedicated to the craft, you see then drying the products outside and the shops are inside their homes. Such a local feel, the price range is reasonable with some going cheaper and some more pricey. They got a small free local museum, all the stuff inside is in Japanese though but nice enough to look at. The parking lot by the museum isn’t the biggest, it was quite empty when I got there around 9:30 am but completely full when I left around 11 am. Guess it depends on season and weather but it doesn’t seem like there are any other parking spots around so I suggest arriving earlier if you’re driving :))

We went on a rainy day so we only went to two shops, but the potteries are so nice, we bought some beautiful tea cups. The shops are unattended and you need to ring the bell if you want to buy. They are professional craftsmen busy working in the workshops, not professional customer service employees, so don't be a jerk going in.

Am a potter hence wanted to visit this place to possibly make some ceramics or buy some unique pieces. However, there were probably only 4-5 shops that were opened, with many store owners being quite nonchalant and products were limited. Not as wide of a range as one would’ve expected. Interesting to still see how they pound the yellow clay using the force of the water. Love the cute (and only food store) soba and udon shop!

When art, tradition, and nature seamlessly fuse, the resulting uniqueness establishes an identity of its own. Originality can't be replicated nor transferred; it exclusively resides within the soul of the creator. This is what it is.

A village dedicated to pottery. Serene and tranquil, located in the middle of mountain and forest. Really nice walking in the village and admiring all the pottery items.

Caught bus from bus station worth doing for scenery and the really interesting story of the pottery village and how it’s made. Needless to say we purchased some pottery which is very reasonably priced.

Beautiful, quiet and a great range of high quality traditional pottery. Items are mostly 1000yen and up (each). If you know what you are interested in and need a beautiful addition to your tableware, you will find it here. Spend just under 10000yen on 5 items.

Kanmon Bridge is a bridge connecting Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. It opened on November 14, 1973, and is 1,068m long, and the height of the bridge is 61m from sea level. There are rest areas with good views on the north and south sides of the bridge.

If you are driving pass the bridge, would highly recommend to stop and enjoy the scenery land amazing architecture of the bridge. The stop area was located at Fukuoka prefecture side. Free parking are provided and there are also a restaurant to stop by.

A very beautiful place as well as surroundings. The authority always take of this places which is praiseworthy indeed.

suspension bridge that spans the Kanmon Strait, connecting the cities of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The bridge is a prominent landmark in the region and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive bridges in Japan. The bridge is approximately 1.2 kilometers long and stands at a height of 47 meters above the water. The view from the bridge is stunning, with the sparkling blue waters of the Kanmon Strait stretching out in all directions. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the island of Tsushima in the distance. One of the best ways to experience the Kanmon Bridge is by taking a leisurely drive across it. The road is smooth and well-maintained, and there are plenty of pull-off areas where you can stop and take in the view. There's also a pedestrian walkway on the bridge, which is a great option if you want to take your time and really soak in the scenery. Another popular way to experience the Kanmon Bridge is by taking a boat tour that passes underneath it. This is a great way to get a different perspective on the bridge and really appreciate its scale and grandeur. Overall, I would highly recommend a visit to the Kanmon Bridge if you're in the Fukuoka or Yamaguchi area. It's a beautiful and impressive structure that's definitely worth seeing in person

Although the weather was not really good, but the bridge is still beautiful and amazing.

Breathtaking views from Mekari parking bay. There's an observation deck. Lovely views, even during winter! We visited on 9 December.

went through under the bridge 4:00 AM on a ferry

Akama Jingu is a beautiful shrine is located on the stunning Kanmon Straits. The shrine is dedicated to the child emperor Antoku and other warriors who fell during the battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. The location also provides many other historical locations to explore near by and offers beautiful water front views, and restaurants.

Not many people seem to know the true charm of Akama at night. It may not shine as brightly as shrines in bigger cities, but here in Shimonoseki, there's a quiet, subtle beauty that lingers like a faint scent on the breeze. Under the dark sky, it glows with a deep red hue—soft, yet captivating. There’s no need for noise or lights. Just the sound of the sea breeze brushing past, and the stillness that gently wraps around you. As I strolled through the night, passing by this small yet majestic shrine, I found myself completely at peace— a rare moment to quietly walk, breathe, and simply think. I hope you, too, get to experience that kind of night.

A red-white shrine located close to the sea. The architecture is quite unique. The red & white contrasting color makes a pale pink sakura flower more beautiful. The sea view from the shrine is also stunning.

I visited the jingu at around 1pm, 8 May 2025. There were only a few visitors in the jingu, but there were some construction projects ongoing at that time. The complex is free to enter, and the buildings are brightly coloured in a traditional red hue. There is information about the history of the jingu, its relationship with Antoku Tenno and Hoichi the Earless.

Came to this jinja after a short ferry ride from the Kyushu/Mojikou Port side to the Honshu/Yamaguchi side of the beautiful Kanmon Straits. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the Karato ferry landing dock. Beautiful red and white structures and s pretty cute of the Kanmonkyo Bridge as you head back towards the street. No fee to enter our to look around, but a gift shop awaits to separate you and your funds. We went on a weekday during the late morning/early afternoon. A nice stop if you are in the area. Recommended!

The shrine is kinda quite shiny and fabulous to us. It is nice to stop by and enjoy the beauty of shrine architecture and decoration.

Great Shinto shrine in Japan. This shrine has sacred atmosphere. Vivid colored shrine buildings are impressive!

The Kanmon Strait is very pleasant on a sunny day. It's a historic site where significant events took place, and arriving there felt very moving. If you're passing through by bicycle, there's a small fee of 20 yen.

It is a transit from South Korea to Japan and vice versa, named kannmon strait. The surrounding looks wow.If you passing in night then it looks more good. The colour of lights catch your eyes. Plenty hotels are there. It's a lifetime experience. If anyone get chance then don't missed out. Kannmon Bridge also looking very good from my ship.

My ancestors put their mark on history here.

(Translated by Google) The weather was not good, it was snowing and raining, and walking across both sides of the Taiwan Strait made everything seem unreal. (Original) 天候不佳，下著雪雨，徒步穿越兩岸，一切都顯得不夠真實

(Translated by Google) Not to mention the spectacular scenery! In Japanese history! This strait is also the stage for various events! That's amazing! I wonder if Shimonoseki City and Kitakyushu City can't collect toll tax from foreign ships? (Original) 圧巻の景色風景もさる事ながら！ 日本の歴史上！様々出来事の舞台でもあるこの海峡！素晴らしいですね！ 下関市と北九州市で外国船舶から通行税を徴収できないのかなぁ？

(Translated by Google) The scenery is amazing! There are not only bridges but also tunnels that can be accessed on foot or by bicycle. Despite the scenery and hot history (the downfall of the Heike clan, Ganryu Island, the end of the Edo period), I get the impression that tourism resources are not being utilized effectively. There aren't many tourists (you can usually park in the free parking lot right away. Is Mojiko Retro only more famous?). (Original) 景色が最高! 橋だけでなくトンネルもあり、徒歩や自転車でも通行可能。 景色や熱い歴史（平家滅亡、巌流島、幕末）がある割に観光資源が有効に生かされていない印象。観光客は少ない（無料駐車場も大体すぐ止められる。門司港レトロのみの方が有名？)。

(Translated by Google) I walked from Shimonoseki through the tunnel to Moji, but it was quite a distance. I had planned to take the Retro Line to Moji, but it is closed from December to March and there is only one bus per hour. It is essential to check the public transportation schedule in an unfamiliar place. (Original) 下関から歩いてトンネルを通って門司まで歩きましたが結構な距離でした。門司側はレトロラインでの移動を予定していたのですけど12月から3月までは営業してないしバスは1時間に1本。知らない土地での公共交通機関の運行スケジュール確認は必須ですね。

NICE TEA WITH HIGH QUALITY.*********

Beautiful place with delicious dessert set and green tea.

(Translated by Google) Highly recommended for the delicious tea and friendly staff. The hydrangea konpeito was also cute and would make a great souvenir. I'm from Hokkaido, but I stop by when I'm nearby. I would like to visit again(^^) (Original) 美味しいお茶と気さくな店員さんで、とてもオススメです。紫陽花の金平糖もかわいらしくお土産にもよかったです。 北海道からですが近くに来た時は寄らさせていただいています。 また足を運びたいと思っています(^^)

(Translated by Google) The Yame tea soft serve was delicious. You can also buy souvenirs. (Original) 八女茶ソフトか美味しかったです。お土産も買えます。

(Translated by Google) Visited in June 2025. The cold-brewed tea is delicious. The staff were kind and served us tea and sweets. Thank you very much. (Original) 2025.6訪問。 水出しのお茶が美味しいです。 お店の方は親切で、お茶とお菓子を出して頂きました。 ありがとうございます。

(Translated by Google) I love this matcha soft serve and go there when I miss it 😊 Sorry, the photo is not of the soft serve 💦 The tea is of course delicious, and you can buy good tea at a reasonable price, so I usually enjoy the soft serve and sweets at the cafe first, then buy some tea on the way home to enjoy at home 😊 (Original) こちらの抹茶ソフトが好きで、恋しくなったときに食べに行きます😊写真はソフトクリームじゃなくてすみません💦 お茶はもちろん美味しくて、手軽なお値段で良いお茶も購入して楽しめるので、先にソフトクリームやらスイーツをカフェで楽しんで帰りにお茶を買ってお家で楽しむ流れで利用させてもらってます😊

(Translated by Google) It was a little after 3pm on a Sunday and the store was quite busy. There was a tea shop next door, and people waiting to enter seemed to wait in the souvenir corner. I bought some fresh Yame tea. The cashier was very kind and taught me how to make delicious tea♥️ I don't like green tea, so I bought a small size because I felt it was worth trying the delicious new Yame tea. It was about 540 yen. There were also other delicious looking rice crackers on the sales floor, so I bought them as well👌🏻 ̖́-︎ When I got home and tried it, the nice aroma of fresh tea filled my nostrils, it was a rare experience♥️ I'm glad I bought it even though I had to wait in line for a while, and I'd like to use the tea shop again if I'm in the area. (ㆆᴗㆆ)♡ Payment methods include various credit cards and QR payments. There is also a parking lot in front of the store🚗³₃ (Original) 日曜の3時過ぎ、店内そこそこ賑わってました。 隣に茶屋があり、入店待ちの方が、お土産コーナーで待つシステムのようでした 八女茶の新茶を購入 レジの方がとても親切で、美味しいお茶のいれ方を教えてくださいました♥️ 緑茶が苦手な私は、美味しい八女の新茶なら試してみる価値を感じて、小さめのサイズを購入。 540円ほどでした。 売り場には、他にも美味しそうなおかきなどもあり、一緒に購入👌🏻 ̖́-︎ 帰って飲んでみたら、新茶の良い香りが鼻腔を抜ける、なかなか体験できない美味しいものでした♥️ 少し並んででも、購入して良かった、また近くに寄った際は、茶屋も利用したいです (ㆆᴗㆆ)♡ 支払いは、各種クレカ、QR決済など利用可能です。 店前に駐車場もあります🚗³₃

Parking: Great parking area if you're driving. There were plenty of parking and the outdoor mall is connected by a bridge. Food: Not bad. Way better than the ones in the USA. Shopping: If you've been to the outlets in the USA, there's no comparison. There weren't many options and the prices are not cheap. Not cheap at all. This is supposed to be an outlet, not a regular shopping mall. I think if you're living in Asia, you'll probably like this place. However, if you're living in the USA, skip this place. It's going to be a waste of time for you.

If you’re looking for a big outlet with lots of branded shops, this is the one for you! It’s quite a bit of a travel, but definitely worth it. For me, it’s even better than Ships and Lalaport. The only downside (besides the distance) is the long line for food, so it’s best to bring something to eat or have a snack beforehand. Overall, a great place to shop and spend the day! 🛍️

The usual stores you will find at other Premium Outlets. It’s not as big as the one at Gotemba but still worth a visit. Show your passport and you will get a tax exception on your bill. I was told that next year (2026) you can only get your tax refund at the airport like in most countries. We spend a few hours here and found some nice bargains. I had some of the best burgers ever at the food court.

The place is nice as a venue, but the outlet prices often didn't differ much (if at all) from regular retail. Didn't buy anything except some Nike shoes – both Nike and Adidas likely will have the more compelling sale prices for shoes. Spent less than an hour here and ended up leaving since there wasn't much for us – definitely can't compare to outlet shopping in Europe. The free parking is a plus though.

Good place to shop. Not too crowded and good selwction of brands. Tosu also offered very nice countryside scenery.

An absolute shopping paradise. So many great brands at massive discounts—especially during the Golden Week promo! Most shops had 20% off for 3 items or more, and I could also claim a 10% tourist tax rebate. On top of that, many items were already marked down 40–60% off original prices, so the discounts stacked up really well. Scored quality stuff from Onitsuka Tiger, EDWIN, Calvin Klein, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. Great mix of style and value—definitely worth a trip!

We came on 12 April 2025. As it was a Saturday, there were many people at the Outlets. You can download digital coupons at the entrance via the QR code.

Phenomenal. So many staff around to guide people. The park is unbelievably clean and well kept. The structures are really authentically recreated and you can enter most of them. They have some museums and other things to do inside the park as well. One of the coolest things I’ve come across in Kyushu.

Yoshinogari Historical Park, Kanzaki-gun, Saga-ken Have you ever wondered about the fascinating history of Yayoi & Jomon? The yoshinogari archaeological site of excavation, preservation & ruins holds some unspoken secrets waiting to be discovered. Let’s dive into the past and uncover the mysteries that have been hidden for centuries! You can learn about the history of this place by visiting it. It’s a fascinating place indeed. Opening hours: 9:00 Am to 17:00 Entrance Fee: Ranges from 460¥ There are museum programs where you can learn to make fire and crafting accessories and knives. Magama bead making-250¥ You can check their website for more information and programs. Website: yoshinogari.jp/en/

The park is way bigger than one would expect (maybe) and if you love history, certainly make your way out here. They even have workshops and I loved the one I joined because I love stones. Seeing the Yayoi life in the past was a good experience. You can walk around the park to check out the old houses and the ancient burial. There is a roving bus. There’s a big part of the park that’s good for kids (or so the guide at the community center told me because I didn’t explore that part). Worth visiting!

Relaxing day out from Fukuoka. There’s not a lot of detailed information in English, but the site is very interesting, don’t miss the burial mound. Beautiful views as well.

It's an extremely large area. The train is about the same distance from Yoshinogari Koen Station or Kanzaki Station. I want to be prepared to walk steadily. It feels good when the weather is nice. You can learn about jar coffins. The experience center is also fun.

Plentiful of open spaces and historical artifacts built to scale. A fun place for the family amidst nature. The park is huge. For a start, take the free shuttle bus to go round the park. Then select places of specific interest to you. Bring along food for a small picnic (there are also provisions for BBQ on site) as the restaurant maybe fully booked up. Enjoy!

Very cool experience for a visit to the museum or to just have a picnic in the park. The grounds are beautiful and they have daily activities that you can do for an additional fee. Also, they have multiple paid parking lots around the place. It’s huge so plan to do a lot of walking.

The museum is great and is for free. You can view plenty of historical items and descriptions. There are other visuals, like videos and recording available. If you are interested in Japanese history, I can definitely recommend this visit.

I was really surprised at the size and variety of exhibitions in this museum. They have some interactive parts and photo spots. A very nice volunteer gave me a free tour in English so I learned a lot more than I could have by just reading. I really recommend it! Also if you have a JR Pass, show it at the counter to get a free souvenir!

It's sad that saga castle did not survive the passing of time, the years of neglect, and the numerous fire incidents that eventually brought it down. This museum however encapsulate a great deal of the history surrounding the castle and the region of Saga. A lot of valuable national treasures are enclosed here and valuable history on the first vaccination in Japan, innovations in railway, and the first most advanced school on western education in Japan. The heritage of the Naomasa clan lives on and I am in awe of the history of this place which largely goes unnoticed by most Japanese folks today. Also, a particularly interesting activity to partake in is the digital photography in fictional outfits of the Edo era, the outfits are selected randomly and I was lucky to get the Samurai outfit ^_^

Thanks for the senior tour guide!! We visited the museum 2 days ago. The gentleman guided us in English and gave the detailed history of Saga castle. We enjoy very much and know more about Saga city!!

The best museum I have been.

Visited in January 2020. Reconstruction of the main keep of Saga Castle built in 1838, during the last years of the Edo Period. It is one of the largest wooden reconstructions in Japan. There are historic exhibitions in the museum and it is open to public. Need to remove shoe in locker before entering. Main entrance is located near Naomasa Statue / NHK building

Free! Learn about how the guy reformed the budget and saved enough money to produce canons. Eventually leading to Japan's military dominance in Asia.