Articles by Clémentine Cintré
One of Japan’s most impressive night illumination festivals is held in the Kansai region: Kobe Luminarie (神戸ルミナリエ). Although the event takes place in December, it’s not to celebrate Christmas but rather to commemorate the Great Hanshin Earthquake that devastated the...
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Summer Activities in Semboku, Akita Prefecture: Tazawako, Nyuto Onsen and Kakunodate
A few years ago, I caught a glimpse of an unforgettable scene while traveling through Semboku (仙北) in Akita Prefecture — just as the cherry blossoms lining the samurai residences in Kakunodate were in full bloom, an impressive layer of...
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Iwami Ginzan: A Former Mining Region Where Preserving Tradition Has Become A Way Of Life
Shimane Prefecture is relatively unknown to foreign visitors. However, I have had the opportunity to visit several times, and it certainly has its share of interesting sights — it's not only the Iwami Ginzan mines I'll speak about here, but...
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A Short Road Trip Along The Sea of Japan in Iwami
We came to Shimane Prefecture to explore the former Iwami Ginzan silver mine and the historic village of Tsuwano. However, since these two destinations are about 130 kilometres apart, the journey between them was a part of our experience in...
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Tsuwano: Discover Real Japan in the Iwami Region
Despite numerous journeys across Japan and the constant quest to discover more off-the-beaten-track destinations, Tsuwano (津和野) in Shimane Prefecture, was a mystery to me. My visit through the region of Iwami would centre around the town of Tsuwano, take in...
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Manabeshima: The Island and the Setouchi Cats
The island of Manabeshima (真鍋島), in Okayama Prefecture (岡山県), is a place in Japan that I have dreamed of visiting for many years. This "island of cats," whilst remaining relatively unknown, certainly doesn't lack attractions. Situated in Japan's inland sea,...
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From Mount Yoshino to Koyasan, a 4-Day Itinerary on the Kii Peninsula
The Kii Peninsula (紀伊半島) is a vast region that extends across the prefectures of Nara (奈良), Wakayama (和歌山) and Mie (三重), occupying most of southern Kansai. Its riches are manifold: pilgrimage routes across grandiose landscapes, a distinctive spiritual culture that...
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Shigaraki Village: Ceramic Tanuki and An Integration Project for Disabled People
Shigaraki (信楽町) is a village in Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県), east of Kyoto. The Prefecture is not only home to the biggest lake in Japan, Lake Biwako, but the Japanese also associate Shigaraki with a surprising speciality. Clay racoons (known as...
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Yamaga: Strolling the City of Lanterns in a Vintage Kimono
sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters Situated in Kumamoto Prefecture on the old Buzen Kaido road linking northern and southern Kyushu, Yamaga is a town filled with history, and visitors will be amazed by its numerous surprises. From the Edo...
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Specialties of Nankan: Somen Noodles and Fried Tofu
Nankan, in northern Kumamoto Prefecture, is in the district of Tamana. Although it’s a small town, it has gained a reputation for two culinary specialties: age (fried tofu) and handmade somen noodles (very thin noodles). Traditional Somen Noodle Factory Somen...
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Northern Kumamoto: A Farm stay in Kikuchi
sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters When we travel, we often stay in hotels and hostels, but these styles of accommodations often feel isolated from local life and as though we are missing out on an authentic Japanese experience. These...
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Shodai Yaki Pottery and Bamboo Chopsticks: Making the Most of Tamana’s Natural Resources
During my stay in Tamana, Northern Kumamoto Prefecture, I had the opportunity to visit two businesses which, despite their differences, were very similar. Both companies made use of the area’s natural resources, unique knowledge and passion for beauty to create...
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Kumamoto Delights: Tasty Fruit and Relaxing Onsen
sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters Japanese fruits are famous for being as beautiful as they are delicious, and the local farmers' care and attention to them are legendary. Diversity is another characteristic of Japanese fruits, and travelling through the...
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Luxury stay in a ryokan with a private bath in Yamaga Onsen
I had several opportunities to stay in Japanese ryokan, and I can say that these traditional inns are the epitome of luxury and hospitality. Caring but discreet staff, elegant and clean rooms, delicious food, and the renowned Japanese omotenashi, impeccable...
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Green Tourism in the rural and historical village of Asuka, Nara
Sponsored by Asuka Mura village, Nara Asuka (飛鳥) is a place steeped in history: the first capital of Japan was established there more than 1400 years ago. This village in Nara Prefecture has now become a peaceful rural location, dotted...
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Find Tranquility on a Farm stay in Asuka Village, Nara
Sponsored by Asuka Mura village, Nara Asuka (飛鳥) is a small village located less than 30 kilometers from Nara city. Because there are many beautiful surprises in this village, I recommend staying there for at least one night, discovering the...
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Reliving History in Asuka village, the birthplace of Japan
Sponsored by Asuka Mura, Nara. When we talk about Japan's "old capital", most people think of Kyoto. Well-studied people also know that before Kyoto, Nara was the capital of the archipelago from 710 to 784. But true Japanese history buffs...
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Finding Edo: Time Travel to the Sacred Village of Mihonoseki
Of those who come to Matsue in the San'in Chuo Region, most are here to see the famous Matsue "Black Castle", one of the few original castles left in Japan and therefore considered a National Treasure. But the adventurous few...
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Unique Japan: Manga “Ghost Hunting” By Boat and On Foot in Tottori
Sponsored by Nakaumi Shinjiko Daisen DMO Let's suppose you came to the San'in Chuo Region of Shimane and Tottori Prefectures to put a major dent in your Travel Japan bucket list: Matsue Castle, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, Adachi Museum of Art...
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2 Luxury and “Inconvenient” Accommodations Between Kyoto and Hiroshima
Sponsored by Nakaumi Shinjiko Daisen DMO The San'in Chuo Region which includes Tottori and Shimane prefectures, is easily accessible from Kyoto or Hiroshima, which means the region is an ideal stopover between these two major destinations. If you dare to...
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8 Million Reasons to Visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
Japan is a land rich in myths, and the popular saying among the Japanese is that 8 million kami (Shinto deities) live there. Traveling in the San'in Chuo Region, made up of Tottori and Shimane Prefectures, I could feel the presence...
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Discover Adachi Museum and Yuushien Garden – Where Art Meets Nature
Art and nature have always gone hand-in-hand, nature being the inspiration for many artists and their work. When you bring the two together in one space, you can be sure that space is going to be something extraordinary. When visitors...
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Discover 10 Bars at Karasuma Bar Yokocho in Kyoto
Karasuma Bar Yokocho opened its doors in the heart of Kyoto in 2017, mixing the izakaya culture, tapas, and drinking culture all in one.
Discover Chichibu and Mitsumine Shrine, about 90 Minutes from Tokyo
Sponsored by Seibu Holdings Inc. Chichibu (秩父), in Saitama Prefecture, is an ideal destination to get away from Tokyo's urban life. Located just 78 minutes by train from Tokyo, Chichibu has a classical atmosphere with small streets lined with early...
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A Luxurious Stay in Tokyo at Sunshine City Prince Hotel (Ikebukuro)
Sponsored by Seibu Holdings Inc. A stay at the Sunshine City Prince Hotel offers a great opportunity to enjoy an exceptional hotel experience while visiting Tokyo. The hotel boasts impressive service, comfortable rooms, and a beautifully stunning views of Tokyo; all in a lively...
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Discover Kawagoe ‘Little Edo’, Only 1 Hour from Tokyo
Located just 45 minutes from Seibu Shinjuku Station, Kawagoe (川 越) is nicknamed "Little Edo" - or "Koedo" (小江戸) in Japanese. We understand very quickly the reason why, while walking along charming streets to see traditional houses as well as...
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Staying in a Historical Ryokan at Enoshima
Sponsored by Fujisawa City Tourism Association Enoshima (江の島) ,very close to Tokyo, is an ideal destination for a getaway place from the capital: visiting shrines, strolling around the small streets, climbing up the Enoshima Sea Candle, enjoying the beach...and of...
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Enoshima: A Hotspot for Sailing Just an Hour from Tokyo
Sponsored by Fujisawa City Tourism Organization Fujisawa is known for its shrine and as one of the post towns along the Tokaido Road that connects Tokyo to Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1868). It also boasts a seaside resort popular...
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