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Apple Park
In season, an excursion to this working orchard in full view of regal Iwaki-san, is fun for everyone. Pick as many apples as you can carry (2kg for ¥200) – theyre goooood! Its possible to ride bikes here, but driving or catching the bus from the station can be a better option: chec
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Iwato Kannon
This small temple fronts a 120m-long cave that has 33 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion, and is dedicated to road workers who lost their lives constructing roads in the area. At the time of research, the cave was closed due to rockfalls. Check out the lovely old J
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Iwate
If you head east on foot from the station along Kaiun-bashi for about 20 minutes, you’ll eventually come to this landscaped park, where Morioka-jō once stood. All that remains of the castle, completed in 1633 and destroyed in 1874, are its moss-covered stone foundation walls. Still
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Ōura Catholic Church
This hilltop church, Japans oldest (1865), is dedicated to the 26 Christians who were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597. Its more like a museum than a place of worship, with an ornate Gothic altar and bishops chair, and an oil painting of the 26 martyrs. To pray for free, use the regul
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Noshappu
On a good day this cape, the second most northern point in mainland Japan, is a nice place for a picnic. Its a pleasant walk (45 minutes) or bike ride (20 minutes) north of town. Along the way, look out for the kelp-drying yards along the shoreline. If the weather is good, look out
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Hiyori
In the hills above Ishinomaki, 56m above sea level, this beautiful park stands on the site of the former Ishinomaki castle. Offering sweeping views over the city, its a wonderful spot to relax. On a more sombre note, its also the best vantage point to comprehend the scale of the 20
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Daisen
The two small Zen gardens in this subtemple of Daitoku-ji are elegant examples of 17th-century kare-sansui (dry landscape) style. Here the trees, rocks and sand are said to represent and express various spectacles of nature, from waterfalls and valleys to mountain lakes. It’s one o
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Yumeji Art Museum
Prominent Taishō-era artist and poet Takehisa Yumeji (1884–1934) is particularly known for his bijin-ga (images of beautiful women), and various wistfully posed ladies feature among the paintings, prints and screens on display at this small museum. Its just across the river on the
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Takaoka Great Buddha
Construction of this great bronze Buddha statue began in 1907 and was completed in 1933. It was moved to its present location in 1981 after the ground supporting it began to give way. Its now a symbol of the city and sometimes referred to as one of the three Great Buddhas of Japan,
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Tokyo Keibajō
More popularly known as Fuchū Racecourse, Tokyo Keibajō’s 525m-long turf home stretch is the longest in the country and can make for exciting, win-by-a-nose finishes. This track is where most major and international races take place. Admission is generally ¥200 but varies depending
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Super Dry Hall
Designed by Philippe Starck and completed in 1989, the Asahi Beer headquarters, with its telltale golden plume, is a Tokyo landmark. The golden bit – which weighs more than 300 tonnes – is open to interpretation: Asahi likes to think it is the foam to the buildings beer mug. Locals
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Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Just to the right of the Izumo Taisha shrines front gate, this museum contains exhibits on local history. These include reconstructions of the shrine in its pomp, and recordings of the annual ceremonies held to welcome the gods to Izumo. There is also a superb collection of bronze
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Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum
The Aoyagi family compound is impressive in its own right, but inside each well-maintained structure is a fascinating exhibition of family heirlooms. The collection spans generations and includes centuries-old samurai weaponry, folk art and valuable antiques, along with gramophones
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Beer Museum Yebisu
Photos, vintage bottles and posters document the rise of Yebisu, and beer in general, in Japan at this small museum located where the actual Yebisu brewery stood until 1988. At the ‘tasting salon’ you can sample four kinds of Yebisu beer (¥400 each). Its behind the Mitsukoshi depar
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Tokyo University (Tokyo Daigaku)
Tokyo University was founded in 1877 and is known as Japans top university. The campus occupies what was once the estate of the Maeda clan; the schools Aka-mon (Red Gate) was once part of the clans villa. Also of note is the Sanshiro Pond – named for the novel by Sōseki Natsume in
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Shinise Kinenkan
Towards the Sai-gawa, Shinise Kinenkan offers a peek at a former pharmacy and, upstairs, a moderate assortment of local traditional products. If the flowering tree made entirely of candy gives you a sweet tooth, slake it at Murakami, a handsome wagashi (Japanese candy) shop next to
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Shiroyama Tenbōdai
This lookout on the site of a former castle provides a lovely overview of the valley. Its a 15-minute walk via the road behind the east side of town. You can climb the path (five minutes) from near the intersection of Routes 156 and 360, or theres a shuttle bus (¥200 one way) from
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Spiral Building
Its asymmetrical, geometric shape may not look very sinuous on the outside, but the Spiral Buildings name will make more sense upon entry. The 1st-floor gallery features changing exhibits, shows, dining and live music. Check out the shop on the 2nd floor for art books, jewellery, w
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Takeshita
This is Tokyo’s famous teen-fashion bazaar, where trendy duds sit alongside the trappings of various fashion subcultures (colourful tutus for the decora; Victorian dresses for the Gothic Lolitas). Be warned: this pedestrian alley is a pilgrimage site for teens from all over Japan,
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Mizuma Art Gallery
Run by longtime Tokyo art-world figure Sueo Mizuma, Mizuma Art Gallery represents some of Japans more successful contemporary artists such as Aida Makoto and Konoike Tomoko. Shows often feature neo-nihonga (Japanese-style paintings with contemporary panache). Its in a metal buildin
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