Greater Tokyo

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Kashima Jinja Shrine

Kashima Jinja Shrine

Founded in 845, Kashima Jinja Shrine in Mashiko Town has long been a spiritual center of worship. The enshrined deity is Takemikazuchi-no-kami, the god of war in Japanese mythology, symbolizing victory and courage. Students, athletes, and business leaders from across Japan visit the shrine to pray for success, with the phrase "victory is certain" closely tied to its faith. The current main hall was rebuilt in 1927, and the grounds are surrounded by ancient trees that create a solemn atmosphere. Every summer, the shrine hosts a grand annual festival, which includes one of the Three Great Rare Festivals of Eastern Japan, the Mikeshaku Choudai-shiki. In this ritual, young men from the district of Mashiko Town whose turn it is for that year must join together to drink 6.5 liters of heated sake, praying for peace, health, and good fortune.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Tezutsu Hanabi(Hand-held fireworks)

Tezutsu Hanabi(Hand-held fireworks)

The "Mashiko Gion Festival" held at Kashima-jinja Shrine every July 23, 24, and 25. Kicking off the first night of the festival, an impressive rain of sparks falls from tezutsu fireworks shot up to 8 meters into the night sky from a combination of large and small cylindrical tubes. The handheld fireworks(Tezutsu Hanabi) are said to have originated in Toyohashi city. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became the first Shogun of the Edo Period, brought that technology to his home in Mikawa province (current Aichi Prefecture). At the time gunpowder was strictly forbidden throughout Japan, but the villagers of this region were allowed to use Tezutsu Hanabi as a part of Shinto rituals offering to the gods in exchange for rich harvests, good health, family fortune and prosperity, and good luck in battle.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Iiyama Hakusan Forest Park Observatory

Iiyama Hakusan Forest Park Observatory

From Iiyama Kannon Chokokuji Temple it is about a 25 minute climb to reach the Hakusan Observatory. It is located at the top of Hakusan Mountain on the Hakusan Hiking Course and Hakusan Jyunrei Toge Hiking Course routes. The panoramic view from the 284-meter-high observatory includes Yokohama Minato Mirai on the right, Shinjuku buildings and Tokyo Sky Tree in front, and Mount Tsukuba on the left. We hope you will enjoy the breathtaking and inspiring view.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Yokosuka Museum of Art

Yokosuka Museum of Art

This place is temporarily closed. Please check the official website on reopening, operational information and more.The museum is located in Kannonzaki, an area rich in nature and on the eastern side of Miura Peninsula. Around 5000 contemporary Japanese artwork is kept here. In addition to a variety of exhibitions, the unique architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings as well as the outstanding view is appealing. The Italian restaurant with a famous chef is also popular.A striking modern building in an attractive seaside location, this museum showcases a diverse range of Japanese and international art. After exploring the galleries, you can enjoy Italian food at the restaurant while admiring the stunning view across Tokyo Bay.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Mitutoyo Museum (Numata Memorial Hall / Measuring Instrument Museum)

Mitutoyo Museum (Numata Memorial Hall / Measuring Instrument Museum)

Mitutoyo Measurement Museum is a unique museum specialising in precision measuring equipment that supported the development of the company. The history and evolution of such instruments are showcased in the Numata Memorial Hall and Measuring Equipment Hall. In the Numata Memorial Hall, you can see the history of the Mitutoyo corporation since its founding in 1934 and the evolution of measuring instruments. The Measuring Equipment Hall introduces the long transition of the world with a focus on measuring equipment. The collections in this museum have been certified as a "Modern Industrial Heritage Collection" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

An exhibition of Venetian glass masterpieces that fascinated European royal aristocrats during the Renaissance. There are various facilities in the museum, such as a cafe restaurant where you can enjoy Italian cuisine and original sweets made with seasonal ingredients, and a museum shop where you can find glass products directly imported from all over the world.Magical atmosphere for lovers of glass and Venice, but don't expect to see anything Japanese here. Good on both sunny and rainy days.

Culture & Arts Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Odawara Castle and City Walking Tour with a Volunteer Guide

Odawara Castle and City Walking Tour with a Volunteer Guide

Odawara is home to a number of attractions, including Odawara Castle—the centerpiece of its castle ruins park, Miyuki Beach, Kamaboko Street (part of the historic Old Tokaido Road), and Odawara Fishing Port, as well as traditional crafts like Odawara lacquerware and Odawara Chochin (paper lanterns). At the fishing port, you can enjoy fresh sashimi, fried seafood, and the local variation of Kamaboko (a steamed fish paste product). The Odawara Castle & City Walking Tour (approx. half-day) takes you to Odawara Castle's main keep for panoramic views of the city and Sagami Bay, immerses you in history, and guides you through the historic streetscape. Explore the castle town where you can enjoy crafts and local cuisine. Itinerary: Odawara Station → Odawara Castle → Miyuki Beach → Fureai Exchange Center (Kamaboko Street Rest Area) → Lacquerware & Pottery Gallery (Odawara Lacquerware Shop) → Odawara/Ejima (Washi Paper & Japanese Tea Shop) → Odawara Station

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Sasuke Inari Shrine

Sasuke Inari Shrine

Please make sure you obey the rules and act appropriately when visiting.Located in "Kamakura's hidden village", with red torii gates and white foxes enshrined throughout the grounds, the area is a place filled with a mysterious atmosphere. Also known by the name "Inari of success", it is a famous 'power spot' where many go to wish for promotions and good luck.Torii represent a dividing line (kekkai) between worlds. The entrance to the sacred Sasuke Inari Shrine sees 49 Torii — each step through one represents an individual's growing distance from the secular.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA