#AuthenticJapan

[japandreamscapes]

A moment of zen #japan #japandreamscapes #日本 ＃写真好きな人と繋がりたい ＃写真 ＃ファインダー越しの私の世界 ＃旅行 ＃旅 #travel #travelphotography #photooftheday #zen #pagoda #architecture #architecturephotography #建築 #authenticjapan ＃坐禅 #塔

[tripnest]

Discover Japan's Hidden Gateways to Offbeat Cities and Regions

Introduction When most travelers think of Japan, bustling metropolises like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka usually come to mind. However, Japan’s charm extends far beyond these iconic cities. For those seeking a deeper, more authentic experience, there are hidden gateways that lead to a world of traditional culture, scenic beauty, and serenity. In this article, we’ll explore some of Japan’s lesser-known cities and regions such as Kanazawa, Takayama, and Kagoshima, offering unique adventures that showcase the country’s rich history and natural landscapes. Kanazawa: The Hidden Gem of the West Nestled on the western coast of Honshu, Kanazawa is often referred to as “Little Kyoto” due to its preserved Edo-period architecture and cultural heritage. This city serves as a gateway to Japan’s traditional arts, including gold leaf craftsmanship, tea ceremonies, and samurai culture. Visitors can wander through Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most famous gardens, or visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art for a mix of modern and ancient Japan. Kanazawa is also a culinary hub, particularly known for its seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan. Unlike the crowded streets of Kyoto, Kanazawa offers a peaceful escape while still retaining the beauty and history of Japan’s past. Takayama: The Gateway to the Japanese Alps For travelers looking to explore Japan’s mountainous regions, Takayama is the perfect gateway. Situated in the heart of the Japanese Alps, this city provides a unique blend of rural charm and traditional architecture. Takayama is famous for its well-preserved old town, where wooden merchant houses line the streets, offering a glimpse into Japan’s Edo period. The city also hosts the Takayama Festival, one of Japan’s most famous festivals, featuring elaborate floats and cultural performances. Beyond the city, Takayama is the gateway to the Hida region, known for its hot springs and the traditional thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kagoshima: Gateway to Volcanic Landscapes and Hot Springs Located in the southern part of Kyushu Island, Kagoshima is known as the “Naples of the East” for its scenic beauty and proximity to the active volcano, Sakurajima. This city is a gateway to some of Japan’s most dramatic natural landscapes, including volcanic hot springs, hiking trails, and coastal views. Kagoshima offers a unique combination of natural wonder and historical significance. Visitors can soak in volcanic hot springs, such as the famous Ibusuki onsen, where sand baths are a popular attraction. The city also serves as the gateway to the Satsuma Peninsula, where you can explore ancient samurai culture and visit sites like the Chiran Samurai Residences. Niigata: A Coastal Retreat Situated along the Sea of Japan, Niigata is often overlooked by tourists but offers a gateway to a coastal retreat. Known for its rice production and sake breweries, Niigata provides a more rural experience while still offering access to stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy seafood fresh from the sea, explore the nearby Sado Island, or indulge in relaxing onsen experiences in the surrounding mountains. Niigata is also a winter destination, with several ski resorts offering pristine snow conditions. Its proximity to both the sea and mountains makes it a perfect spot for adventure seekers and wellness enthusiasts alike. Shimane: The Gateway to Japan’s Myths Shimane Prefecture is a land steeped in mythology and ancient history, offering a gateway to Japan’s spiritual roots. Izumo Taisha, one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan, is located here, attracting pilgrims and tourists interested in Japan’s religious history. Shimane’s coastline, dotted with quiet fishing villages, offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan and opportunities for a more serene exploration of Japan’s natural beauty. Visitors can also explore the Adachi Museum of Art, famous for its garden, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. The region’s secluded nature makes it ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Conclusion Exploring Japan’s hidden gateways offers a fresh perspective on a country known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural traditions. Cities like Kanazawa, Takayama, Kagoshima, Niigata, and Shimane allow travelers to escape the crowds and discover the authentic heart of Japan. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional arts, natural beauty, or the historical significance of these regions, Japan’s off-the-beaten-path cities offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Read the full article

[wakokoro]

Discover the Elegance of Japanese Tradition with Goza Carpets

Transform Your Home with Authentic Japanese Goza Carpets: A Customer’s Story from Georgia, USA Discover the beauty and elegance of Japanese tradition with TOKYO TATAMI MAKER’s Goza Carpets. Recently, a customer from Georgia, USA, shared their delightful experience of transforming their home using our Goza Carpet 4.5 Jo (Pattern Edge). Continue reading Discover the Elegance of Japanese Tradition…

[aromam]

Happy Tanabata💕 Star crossed lovers find their way back to each other through the Milky Way - tonight is the start of the summer festival season in Japan, Tanabata Matsuri is one of my favorites! #japan #tanabata #matsuri #japanafile #summerfestivals #geisha #aromam #authenticjapan

[rusutsuholiday]

We went all the way down to the foundations to restore this beauty! Every wire, every pipe, every surface, sometimes all the way to the ground. Traditional style retained but with modern comforts. #restoration #renovation #japanesewoodworking #japaneserestoration #japanesecraftsmanship #japanesecraftsman #japanesefarmhouse #japanesefarm #wood #fusuma #japaneseexperience #authenticjapan #authenticjapanese #reform #chalet #skichalet #japanesechalet #ski snowboard #snow #rusutsu #hokkaido #japan #niseko #rusutsuholidaychalet #rusutsuholiday (at Rusutsu Holiday) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL3hWKVs5w4/?igshid=704p312tm5xe

[tokiotours]

Autumn leaves (紅葉, kōyō) 🍁 are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms 🌸 are to spring. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries and today draws large numbers of travelers to famous koyo spots both in the mountains and in the cities. 🍂 ⁣⁣ What’s your favorite autumn leaves spot in Japan? ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 📸 @mikanino_2016 ⁣⁣⁣⁣ #kouyou #autumninjapan #autumnleaves #fallleaves #fallinjapan #fallspot #picofthedayjapan #kimono #parasol #oldjapan #authenticjapan #japanig #japantravel https://www.instagram.com/p/CGzQlSqlA0N/?igshid=sc0i4t9dogj0

[jdmwheel]

#BRIDE #BRIDEJAPAN #authenticjapan #EurosterII #NSX @ravspecjdm @jdmotoring NSX

[kaname-japan]

Geisha house entrance for secretive and VIP guests. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kaname Inn Tatemachi ~ book now! (see URL in bio) ~ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #japan #geishadistrict #HigashiChaya #Kaikaro #wanderlust #teadistrict #authenticJapan #Kanazawa #igersjp #instagramjapan #travelJapan #photooftheday #jp_gallery #ig_japan #wu_japan #wu_asia (at Kaikaro Tea House)

[japandreamscapes]

Stairway to Spirituality #japan #japandreamscapes #日本 #写真好きな人と繋がりたい #写真 #ファインダー越しの私の世界 #旅行 #旅 #travel #travelphotography #photooftheday #spirituality #shrine #temple #offthebeatenpath #stonework #authenticjapan #神社 #寺

[japandreamscapes]

Spiritual Gateway #japan #japandreamscapes #日本 #写真好きな人と繋がりたい #写真 #ファインダー越しの私の世界 #旅行 #旅 #travel #travelphotography #photooftheday #spiritual #temple #shrine #authenticjapan #神社 #寺 #坐禅

[japandreamscapes]

Enjoying Authentic Japan in our latest newsletter! #japan #ig_japan #japandreamscapes #日本 #写真好きな人と繋がりたい #写真 #ファインダー越しの私の世界 #旅行 #旅 #travel #travelphotography #photographer #photooftheday #naturephotography #mtfuji #fujisan #authentic #authenticjapan #autumleaves #autumn #shrine #temple #nikko #神社 #寺 #紅葉 #秋 #日光 #富士山

[japandreamscapes]

Out of 100, where's the balance? #japan #japandreamscapes #日本 #写真好きな人と繋がりたい #写真 #ファインダー越しの私の世界 #旅行 #旅 #travel #travelphotography #photooftheday #spiritual #temple #shrine #authenticjapan #寺 #神社 #坐禅

[tokiotours]

Autumn leaves (紅葉, kōyō) 🍁 are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms 🌸 are to spring. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries and today draws large numbers of travelers to famous koyo spots both in the mountains and in the cities. 🍂 ⁣⁣ What’s your favorite autumn leaves spot in Japan? ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 📸 @mikanino_2016 ⁣⁣⁣⁣ #kouyou #autumninjapan #autumnleaves #fallleaves #fallinjapan #fallspot #picofthedayjapan #kimono #parasol #oldjapan #authenticjapan #japanig #japantravel https://www.instagram.com/p/CGzQlSqlA0N/?igshid=sc0i4t9dogj0

[aromam]

I love this Japanese fan that chef hubby gave me on our first trip to Kyoto together- It still has a light incense scent 🦋 #aromam #summerfan #japan #sensu #scentedfan #summeressentials #eastmeetswest #authenticjapan

[aromam]

I am obsessed with this original copy of the 19th-century beauty bible: Miyako Fuzoku Kewaiden (³A Handbook of Cosmetics in the Capital) that I was able to read at the Metropolitan Museum. ❤️ This text contained all manner of tips­­ from boiling down pigs trotters for a collagen facial treatment; to exfoliating the skin post-bath with nourishing rice bran; and applying successive coats of oshiroi, which were patted off with a towel to display the radiant skin underneath. This book has been a constant inspiration for aroma M Beauty products. 💮 #beauty #aromam #japanesebeauty #miyakofuzokukewaiden #beautybible #indiebeauty #japanofile #manuscript #arcive #authenticjapan #metmuseum #nyc #beautyexpert https://www.instagram.com/p/BnqyJKLnlAv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vre5bnw3n4rs

[aromam]

Bushi (Samurai) women were trained mainly with the naginata (Pole Weapon) because of its versatility against all manner of enemies and weapons. It was generally the responsibility of women to protect their homes rather than go off to battle, so it was important that they become skilled in a few weapons that offered the best range of techniques to defend against marauders who often attacked on horseback. Therefore, it makes sense that women were sometimes adept with also the bow due to its effectiveness at long-range and with the naginata as it was an effective weapon against horse riders at closer range. A strong, lithe woman armed with a naginata could keep all but the best warriors at a distance, where the advantages of strength, weight, or sword counted for less. Fierce beauty – inspiration for aroma M beauty💮 #aromam #beauty #japanofile #japanesebeautyproducts #Japanesebeautyexpert #nichebeauty #japan #samurai #bushido #realbeauty #naginata #marcialarts #authenticjapan https://www.instagram.com/p/BnPE1VlnXV8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1237c9l8qswx2