My World Trip... Japan

(Last updated in May 2018) Akita（秋田）prefecture is a large prefecture in the Tohoku（東北）region, below Aomori（青森）and on the left of Iwate（岩手）. First went there during my Golden Week Tohoku trip in 2013. It was the stop after Hirosaki（弘前）in Aomori. Took JR train to Takanosu（鷹の巣）, then transferred to private train for Kakunodate（角館）, famous for its well-preserved samurai district（武家屋敷）. The samurai district is a short taxi ride away from the train station (or a 25 minutes walk). It is also known for being 1 of the top 3 sakura spots in Tohoku region. Having a love for castle towns and sakura (especially weeping sakura 枝垂桜), this place is not to be missed! A pity the trees only reached 50% bloom when I was there. There are a few houses opened to public, but we only paid to go into Ishiguro-ke（石黒家）, the oldest and most representative in the area. Another significant one is Aoyagi-ke（青柳家）. It was nice strolling around the small traditional town, popping in and out of the sam...

Iwate（岩手）is a large prefecture in the Tohoku（東北）region, located between Aomori（青森）and Miyagi（宮城）. Went there during my Golden Week Tohoku trip in 2013. Visited the Hiraizumi（平泉）area, Tohoku's former cultural and political capital. One notable attraction there is Moutsuji（毛越寺）near the station. It is known for its garden, 1 of the few pure land gardens in Japan. Liked the reflection of the trees and sakura in the waters. The place was simple and tranquil, enjoyed walking around the premise. Next, took the loop bus to the most famous attraction in Hiraizumi-- Chusonji（中尊寺）. It was built in 850, as a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The premise is very big, with many historical buildings, temples and shrines in a forest. Among them, the most significant is Konjikido（金色堂）, with the hall covered in gold completely, just like Kyoto's Kinkakuji（金閣寺）. (Phototaking is not allowed.) Had Wanko Soba at a restaurant in Hiraizumi. The...

(Updated in May 2018) Aomori（青森）is the northern most prefecture in Honshu（本州）and the Tohoku（東北）region, just below Hokkaido（北海道）. It is famous for apples, Hirosaki Castle and Osorezan. Out of the numerous cherry blossom viewing spots I have visited in Japan, Hirosaki Castle（弘前城）win the others hands down. Osorezan（恐山 / Fear Mountain）is 1 of the 3 most sacred spots in Japan, and its vibe and landscape is really exceptional (I have not come across another place like this in Japan). Thanks to these 2 incomparable attractions, Aomori has become one of my favorite prefectures in Japan that I'd highly recommend. Went to Aomori twice, the first time during my Golden Week Tohoku trip in 2013. Osorezan is in Shimokita Hantou（下北半島）, and is a train + bus ride away from Aomori station. Spent a day covering this attraction. Osorezan is closed in winter months. When I went on 1st May, it was the 1st day opening to public for the year. It was drizzling, cold and greyish, adding to the v...