Jokamachi Chofu Hina Matsuri : A Samurai Town in Bloom
As the plum blossoms begin to open in late winter, the historic castle town of Chofu transforms. The “Jokamachi Chofu…
Hinoyama Park Turkish Tulip Garden: A “Little Istanbul” Blooming Over the Strait
High above the Kanmon Strait, a hillside transforms into a vibrant carpet of flowers every spring. Hinoyama Park Turkish Tulip…
Sentei-sai: A Procession of Elegance and Mourning
Every year from May 2nd to 4th, the Dragon Palace gates of Akama Jingu in Shimonoseki open for a spectacle…
Shimonoseki Kaikyo Matsuri: History Comes Alive on the Strait
Every year during Golden Week (May 2–4), the Kanmon Strait transforms into a massive historical stage. The “Shimonoseki Kaikyo Matsuri”…
Amagase Park: The Ultimate Front-Row Seat to the Tsunoshima Bridge
Crossing the Tsunoshima Bridge is a bucket-list experience, but seeing it from afar is where the true magic lies. Located…
Retro Cute! Meeting the “London Bus” in Shimonoseki
In the exotic port town of Shimonoseki, amidst the sea breeze of the Arukaport area, a striking bright red vehicle…
Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park: An Emerald Paradise on the Sea of Japan
Located at the westernmost tip of Tsunoshima Island in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park is a destination that feels…
The Former British Consulate: A Red Brick Masterpiece in Shimonoseki
Amidst the lively atmosphere of the Karato port district, a distinguished red brick building stands as a testament to a…
Old Akita Shokai Building: A Japanese Garden in the Sky
In the heart of the retro Karato district, there stands a building that defies architectural logic. Built in 1915, the…
Shunpanro: Where History Was Signed & Fugu Was Freed
Perched on a hill overlooking the turbulent Kanmon Strait, Shunpanro is more than a high-end ryokan and restaurant. It is…
Furue-koji: The “Time-Slip” Alley of the Samurai
In the heart of the Chofu Castle Town, there is a labyrinth where the modern world fades away. “Furue-koji” is…
Kan-ke Nagayamon: The Scholar’s Gate on the Golden Street
In the maze of earthen walls that makes up the castle town of Chofu, one alleyway stands out for its…