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Tokikuni
One of the few survivors of the Taira clan, Taira Tokitada was exiled to this region in 1185. His ancestors eventually divided and established separate family residences here, both now Important Cultural Properties. The first, Tokikuni-ke, was built in 1590 in the style of the Kama
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Tattoo Museum
Famous tattoo artist, Horiyoshi III and his wife run this very personal museum thats a must for tattoo lovers as well as anyone interested in Japans subculture. Its so packed you can hardly move with its display of needles and other tattoo paraphernalia. Its a short walk north of T
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Sapporo TV Tower
Theres no way youll miss this 147m-high Eiffel Tower–shaped affair at the eastern end of Ōdōri Kōen, which stands alongside Tokyo Tower in the category of misplaced monuments. Still, the views from the observation deck at 90m are very impressive, especially when the sun drops below
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Red
Hakodates red-brick warehouses were built around 1907 and now house food markets, cafes, shops and galleries. This extremely popular part of town sits on the waterfront between JR Hakodate Station and Motomachi. If your feet get a tad tired, give them a rest in the foot-bath (ashi-
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Kazura
This remarkable vine bridge is one of only three left in the valley (the other two are further east in Higashi Iya). Stepping onto the creaking vine bridge, with the river sparkling between the gaps, is worth the slightly depressing approach via the monstrous car park. Check out th
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Iimori
On the eastern edge of Aizu is Iimori-yama, the mountain where the White Tiger samurai killed themselves. You can take an escalator (¥250) or walk to the top to visit their graves. There are also some creepy old monuments here, gifted by the former fascist regimes of Germany and It
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Daigan
Miyajima has several important Buddhist temples, including the 1201 Daigan-ji, just south of Itsukushima-jinja, which dates back to the Heian period and is dedicated to Benzaiten, the Japanese name for Saraswati (the Hindu goddess of good fortune). The seated image of Yakushi Nyora
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Asakusa
Asakusa-jinja was built in honour of the brothers who discovered the Kannon statue that inspired the construction of Sensō-ji. The current building, painted a deep shade of red, dates to 1649 and is a rare example of early-Edo architecture. It’s also the epicentre of one of Tokyo’s
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Hibiya
Built around the turn of the 20th century at the height of the Meiji era, this leafy park situated just west of Ginza was Tokyo’s first European-style park complete with fountains and ponds. Its a pleasant spot for a break and you can eat here surrounded by greenery at the long-est
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Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum
If you want to try the local tipple, take the 30-minute tour of this legendary brewery, which appears in old ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) and historic literature. These guys export all over the world. Take bus 67, 68, 70, 71, or 669 from bus stop 18 in front of JR Asahikawa Station,
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Hikiyama Festival Float Exhibition Hall
Contains the 14 amazing floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Matsuri. Floats include the Aka-jishi (Red Lion, constructed 1819), samurai helmets, and the auspicious phoenix and sea bream. Theres good signage in English and a video shows festival scenes. Its near scenic Karatsu
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Furano Cheese Factory
Foodies should head to the cheese factory, about 2km south of JR Furano station. Try the wine-infused cheddar, as well as other Furano milk products such as ice cream. Theres a pizza restaurant and the opportunity to try your hand at making things such as cheese and ice cream, but
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Cup Noodles Museum
Dedicated to Momofuku Andos instant rāmen invention, this slickly designed, interactive museum includes a cutesy animation theatre on the history of the Cup Noodle. The highlight is the chance to design your own Cup Noodles (¥300) by colouring your cup, selecting your ingredients a
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Shikina
Around 4km east of the city centre is a Chinese-style garden containing stone bridges, a viewing pavilion and a villa that belonged to the Ryūkyū royal family. Despite its flawless appearance, everything here was painstakingly rebuilt after WWII. To reach the garden, take bus 2, 3
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Amuse Museum
Here youll find a fascinating collection of Japanese folk articles, mainly clothing, gathered by famed ethnologist Tanaka Chūzaburō. On another floor theres a video tutorial (with English subtitles) on how to find secret meaning in ukiyo-e (woodblock prints). Dont miss the roof ter
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Shōdo
This park is where the islands olive-growing activities are celebrated with several whitewashed buildings, some fake Grecian ruins, a museum and opportunities to buy olive-themed souvenirs. Its worth tolerating the kitsch for the Sun Olive Onsen , where you can enjoy fabulous views
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Wakkanai Centennial Memorial Tower
Atop a grassy hill a few blocks (but a big climb) from JR Wakkanai Station is the towns centennial memorial tower, the Shikai Hyaku-nen Kinen-tō. On a clear day you can see Russia and get great views of Japans northernmost points. If you turn up around dusk, youll likely run into a
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Yaku
One of the chief attractions on Takao-san is this temple, best known for the Hi-watari Matsuri (Fire-crossing Ceremony), which takes place on the second Sunday in March, near Takaosanguchi Station. Priests walk across hot coals with bare feet amid the ceremonial blowing of conch sh
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Satsuma Denshōkan
The Satsuma Denshōkan museum is striking, offering a history of Satsuma plus displays of Chinese ceramics and gleaming Satsuma-yaki in a temple-style building that seems to float on its own lake. There are English-language audioguides. It’s about 3.5km (taxi ¥1000, 10 minutes) from
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Dutch Slopes
The gently inclined flagstone streets known as the Dutch Slopes were once lined with wooden Dutch houses . Several buildings here have been beautifully restored and offer glimpses of Japans early interest in the West. The quiet Ko-shashin-shiryōkan and Maizō-shiryōkan showcase the
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