Greater Tokyo

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Shizenkan Izumi

Shizenkan Izumi

We are a family-run farm, operated by two generations, located in Izumi Ward, Yokohama. For many years, we have been committed to selling safe, high-quality vegetables grown with organic fertilizers and reduced or no pesticides, as well as handmade processed products such as traditional pickles and side dishes. In recent years, we have also developed into a tourist farm, offering experiences such as strawberry picking and sweet potato digging, as well as BBQ and camping in the rich natural surroundings of the satoyama. Conveniently located just about a 10-minute walk from the nearest station, visitors can easily stop by even from afar.

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Tokaido GLASS

Tokaido GLASS

Just a short walk from Keikyu Kawasaki Station, you can try your hand at making "Kiriko", a traditional glass craft, at a workshop located along the old Tokaido road at the ruins of a Kawasaki post. Visitors can choose from a variety of glasses and plates and consult with the studio to find their favorite design, so even beginners can try their hand at faceting. Take your creations home as souvenirs!The classroom nestled within an aesthetic building that was renovated from an old liquor wholesaler. You will use two types of grinders to sharpen the glass, but even beginners can feel at ease as each class is held in small groups, with careful and detailed instruction. 

Experience & Activities Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Shibazakura Festival

Shibazakura Festival

The Shibazakura Festival is held every year at Ichikai Town Shibazakura Park in April and May.   About 280,000 plants in magenta, pink, purple and white are planted over 18,000 square meters in Shibazakura park. The flower carpet is patterned after the Kokaigawa river, which starts near the town.   During the festival, a soba restaurant(Hana) in the park, you can enjoy authentic hand-made soba. Additionally, also sells agricultural products and shibazakura seedlings.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Takinoo-jinja Shrine

Takinoo-jinja Shrine

About a kilometer from Futarasan-jinja Shrine stands Takinoo-jinja Shrine, standing quietly amid the cedar trees. The atmospheric Takinoo-jinja is a popular place to pray for a successful marriage, pregnancy or birth, but people also come in search of more general luck. According to the legend, if you throw a coin through the small hole atop the torii gate at the entrance, you’ll be blessed with good fortune—but you only get three tries, so aim carefully."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Nogi-machi Brick Kiln

Nogi-machi Brick Kiln

Made in 1890, the Nogi-machi Brick Kiln is a Hoffmann kiln that belonged to the former Shimotsuke brick manufacturer and was a major contributor to Nogi’s industrialisation. This is the only perfectly original Hoffmann kiln in Japan and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. It is in the shape of a hexadecagon (a 16-sided polygon) and is 34 metres in height and 100 metres in circumference. The kiln baked up to 408,000 bricks per year during the 80 years between 1890 and 1971. The conservation and repair work on the kiln was completed in September 2015 and the kiln was open to the public on 10 May 2016. The Nogi Koryu Centre (known as the “Nogi Hoffmann Kan”) was built and opened to the public at the same time. The centre offers activities and workshops as well as original goods and light meals. Come and experience the culture of the Meiji period!

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Ichikai-machi Shibazakura Park

Ichikai-machi Shibazakura Park

One of the largest in mainland Japan, the park is known for its 280,000 beautiful Shibazakura in bloom from mid-April to May, covering an area of 1.8 hectares. A must-see is the panoramic view of the floral carpet from the observatory, where various shades of red, white, mauve and pink lawn cherry blossoms form beautiful patterns. You can taste handmade soba noodles at the restaurant in the park. Local vegetables and Shibazakura plants are available at the farmer's market.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Gandenji Temple

Gandenji Temple

Legend has it that this old temple was founded by two Buddhist priests, Tokudo and Gyoki. It's also the 2nd temple of "The Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage". When you pass the temple gate, there is a stone tablet inscribed with the writings of Izumi Kyoka; on the left side of the main hall, the principal image of the eleven-faced Kannon is enshrined. If you climb the 130 stone steps from there, you'll find the old Kannon hall on a hill, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire area.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Shinbayashi Park (Stroll/Bird-watching)

Shinbayashi Park (Stroll/Bird-watching)

In this 16.2 hectare park, there is a 1.5km nature trail along the ridges of the mountains, an adventure park with playground equipment, and the Kawana Oike springs. You can find various plants such as the golden-banded lilies etc. on the nature trail which also serves as a hiking trail, and at the Kawana Oike springs, you can observe wild birds such as Kingfishers. At the wetlands area, you can find wetland plants there and at the banks of the pond, there's a traditional home from the Edo period (the former Koike Residence).

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Hatsuyama Festival (Petanko Festival)

Hatsuyama Festival (Petanko Festival)

This Shinto Ritual is held in June 1st every year in Sengen Mountain (“Otoko Sengen” and ”Onna Sengen”). It is said that if you bring a baby born during last 1 year and pay visit to the shrine on this mountain and red stamp is put on the baby’s forehead, the baby will grow up in good health without illness. This Shinto ritual has begun more than 400 years ago and has been designated as an important cultual prpperty of Ashikaga City. Boy visit Otoko Sengen (Higher Mountain) and Girl visit Onna Sengen (Lower Mountain) If you can not pay visit to the shrine due to illness, etc., red seal will be stamp on the baby’s underwear.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Kanaya Hotel History House

Kanaya Hotel History House

In 1870, Dr. James C. Hepburn, an American medical missionary, visited Nikko and stayed at the house of Zenichiro Kanaya, who was a member of Gagaku (an ancient imperial court music) orchestra of the Toshogu Shrine. Foreseeing an increase in the number of foreign tourists to Nikko, Dr. Hepburn suggested that Kanaya open a hotel for foreigners. Following Hepburn’s advice, Zenichiro remodeled his house and opened “Kanaya Cottage Inn” in 1873.   Kanaya’s house was originally a residence of samurai warriors during the Edo period. For its unique architectural characteristics, Kanaya Cottage Inn was called “Samurai House” by its foreign guests.   In 1893, Zenichiro relocated his business and opened “Kanaya Hotel” on the top of the hill that overlooks the River Daiya. It was Japan’s first full-fledged western-style resort hotel and has been in operation at the same place to date.   The Kanaya Samurai House and warehouse were registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2014 and opened to the public as the Kanaya Hotel History House in 2015.

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Tobu World Square

Tobu World Square

The theme is "Let's protect the world's ruins and architectural culture" This theme park exhibits UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage sites, including 48 registered properties, 22 buildings from 102 countries and regions. Elaborately reproduced on 1/25 scale. The buildings are decorated with exquisite carvings, reliefs, and glass inlays that are breathtakingly beautiful. In addition, the 20,000 plants that adorn the buildings change with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy different landscapes throughout the year. There are also signs next to the buildings in the park that indicate the “Shooting Spot”, so you can take great photos. You can also take pictures of buildings by lifting them or holding them up in a borrowed position, so that you can enjoy photography to the fullest.   New photo spot opens in Tobu World Square's America Zone! The popular America Zone in the park has been partially renovated, with new photo spots added. New photo spots recreate iconic American landscapes for an immersive experience. Now you can take a picture with the symbol of New York City, the Statue of Liberty, and Flatiron Building. You can enjoy a special photo that can only be taken at Tobu World Square by taking a photo from behind this magnificent statue with Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower exhibits in the background.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI