Tranquil Kyushu Island; 1. Aso Volcano, the world largest caldera !

October 30, 2008 - 2:06 pm by akko@hakata in Others  

After exciting Tokyo and traditional Kyoto, why not visiting tranquil Kyushu, where you can experience magic of nature, and what it bring out, such as onsen (hot spring) , beautiful nature, fresh local food, good sake, and friendly people!

Aso mountain is the general term referring to 5 mountains.
Nakadake (1592m) is one of them, and [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Oita Power Spot (Sacred Place) “USA Jingu Shrine” [宇佐神宮・大分県]

August 13, 2008 - 2:10 pm by katchaman in Others  

Usa Jingu Shrine is the main home for all(44,000) Hachiman-gu shrines around Japan. I can recommend USA Jingu Shrine as one of the best sacred place in Japan.
Usa jingu Shrine, constructed in the 6th century, is dedicated to the Emperor Ojin, his mother Empress Jingu - both of whom are legendary - and his deified [...]

Noboribetsu hot spring (Hokkaido) “Kodaman’s J-Trip”

July 2, 2008 - 12:59 pm by kodaman in Travel  

On early June, I visited Sapporo,Hokkaido for my work as a event’s MC.
At the next day of the event, I and my friends went to Noboribetsu  by using a gorgeous bus served by Cool star corp. It took for about 90 min to go to Noboribetsu area from Sapporo by bus.
Our tour started from 9:30 [...]

Fukuoka, introduced as the World Best Shopping City @ MONOCLE

June 26, 2008 - 2:03 pm by akko@hakata in Others, Travel  

Fukuoka, which already has a very good reputation among residents,
business people (especially Tanshin-Funin people* !), domestic tourists,
and also oversea visitors, first appeared in the latest MONOCLE magazine,
and introduced as the best shopping city, and the 16th livable place.

As a resident, Fukuoka is;
-Gourmet! Especially recommendable is ramen noodle, seafood, local shochu (distilled spirit).
-Friendly! People show [...]

Try Maiko Makeup @ Yoji-ya

June 3, 2008 - 3:42 pm by akko@hakata in Culture, Product, Travel  

If you are interested in trying Maiko makeup, not in a heavy, authentic way, but in a casual, easy way, Yoji-ya would be the best solution.

These are colors for your eyes and lips. Each is from Japanese traditional natural colors of flowers, fruits, snow, etc.
They may look unusual, but once you put them, you’ll find [...]

Dougo-spa@Matsuyama-city

May 20, 2008 - 11:14 am by ayumi_ito in Food, Travel  

Dougo-onsen is the oldest spa in Japan. It is located in Matsuyama-city, Ehime-prefecture.
These first two pictures are main building of Dougo-spa.
It was founded over 100years ago by Yukiya Isaniwa who was the first chief of the villege.
He got any salary for adding cost of building because it was huge money at the time.(135,000yen was spent [...]

Izu Shuzenji hot springs -Izu- Kodaman’s J-TRIP

May 12, 2008 - 8:04 pm by kodaman in Travel  

Before visiting to Izu shuzenji, I always imagined that Shuzen ji temple is located in the middle of the
bamboo groves in that its location is in the center of Izu peninsula. It was actually developed but
remained the atmosphere of the traditional hot spring resort. I visited there on earyl May 2008
without any [...]

simple SPA (onsen):”yura-no-sato”

March 10, 2008 - 7:06 pm by mentalup in Culture  

simple SPA has various types of baths, as woods bath, stone bath. It’s not just SPA, but for SAUNA (sweating-bath) and massage etc.
“yura-no-sato” will make a mysterious experience!

You will put on YUKATA(like a kimono), and lie on tourmaline stone.
It has effect healing n’ naturally heab!

And you can have experience it at very cheap!!!-about $7
YURA-NO-SATO (湯楽の里）
*Address* 2-1-65 tukimityou Kumagaya-shi, Saitama
*tel* [...]

Arashiyama station(Kyoto) “Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

February 28, 2008 - 5:27 pm by kodaman in Culture, Travel  

Arashiyama(嵐山）Area is one of the touristic places in Kyoto. Togetsu bridge(渡月橋）is a famous spot to take a photo. We went there in winter. When we arrived at Arashiyama station, we were so suprised because of Onsen”hot spring” in that station! People must walk a lot in Arashiyama,since many [...]

Gero onsen by JR Takayama Line

February 3, 2008 - 9:30 pm by Yuk in Travel  

  
I have decided to go to Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture that is a famous hot spring because I had come to want to visit an onsen after a long time. It is one of Japan famous 3 onsens chosen in Edo period; the other 2 onsens are Arima onsen and Kusatsu onsen. I love [...]