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Travel

Hiraizumi: Takkoku no Iwaya

I managed to visit three sites in Hiraizumi in only one day: Takkoku no Iwaya, Chusonji and Motsuji Temples. There was a bit of rushing involved, but it’s definitely doable! Not to forget that I started my day in Morioka to...

Travel

Hiraizumi: Motsuji Temple

After visiting the Morioka Castle Site Park in the morning I went to Hiraizumi in the early afternoon to see some of the great temples there. I was already quite impressed by Chusonji Temple. My next stop of the day was Motsuji...

Travel

Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi

After exploring the Morioka Castle Site Park in the morning I rushed to Hiraizumi (平泉). Both destinations are in Iwate Prefecture and are connected by local train (~ 80 mins). If you are in a hurry, you can also take the...

Culture

Shogatsu: Japanese New Year’s Day

After the busy time in December (cleaning, cooking, writing New Year cards) and then finally celebrating New Year’s Eve (Omisoka), what’s happening next? The first day of January is the most important holiday of the...

Culture

Omisoka: Japanese New Year’s Eve

Around this time of the year Japanese people are busy with various things. Christmas is not what keeps them busy, but the two most important days in Japan: Omisoka (Japanese New Year’s Eve) and Shogatsu (Japanese New...

Travel

Morioka Castle Site Park

After the typhoon hit almost all of Japan the weather never got better and more than half of my vacation it had pretty bad weather. Luckily the last day was different with blue sky and sunshine! It was a very long day for me that...

Travel

Hakodate City in Hokkaido

Hakodate City offers a diverse range of attractions besides the famous star-shaped fort Goryokaku, Mt. Hakodate and the famous Morning Market. Today I want to introduce a few of those various spots of interest to you. Visited:...

Travel

Hakodate Morning Market

While my personal highlight of Hakodate was the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, Hakodate has to offer many other things as well. Mt. Hakodate has an awesome night view and there’s also the famous Hakodate Morning Market near...

Travel

Mount Hakodate in Hokkaido

When you’re in Hakodate (Hokkaido) then Mt. Hakodate with its awesome night view is without a doubt a highlight besides the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and the Hakodate Morning Market. Visited: May 5th and 6th 2012 Getting...