Category: Travel

Central Japan International Airport, also known as Centrair in English (IATA code: NGO), is a gateway to the central region of Japan. It is one of the most convenient airports for traveling to Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, Gifu, and even the Hokuriku region (Toyama, Ishikawa), as it is located between the Kanto and Kansai regions. Starting from September 20, 2019, Central Japan International Airport has added a Terminal 2. Currently, only Tigerair Taiwan uses the Terminal 2, while other airlines continue to use the Terminal 1.

Let’s continue to take a look at the Kotohira Shrine.
Since the cherry blossoms haven’t bloomed yet, what we see are all bare branches. I’m sure it will be quite beautiful in spring.Haiden of main shrine

The renowned Konpira Shrine, known for its many steps, starts from the ground level and has a total of 785 steps to the main shrine, and 1368 steps if you go all the way to the inner shrine. For those who are not regularly active, not used to climbing stairs, or without training, it’s recommended to stop at the main shrine. However, if you have enough stamina or time, you might want to challenge yourself with the full 1368 steps. Due to time constraints on this visit, as we also had plans to make udon noodles, we only made it to the main shrine. Based on my personal experience, I found it manageable and not too tiring… It’s only slightly more exhausting towards the end (just before the main shrine), but not to the point of being unable to climb.

The Old Konpira Grand Theater, also known as Kanamaru-za, was built in 1835 and is the oldest existing theater in Japan. Originally, it was not located here but was moved to its current location between 1972 and 1976, a process that took four years, making it a building of significant historical value.

Since Kanamaru-za is situated along the small path leading to Kotohira-gū, it’s easily noticeable if you keep an eye out for it.

The Kotohira Park Hotel is somewhat far from both Kotohira Station and the Kotohira-gū. Therefore, it is more suitable for tourists who are on a self-guided trip and prefer to travel by car.

Kagawa Prefecture’s udon noodles are very famous. So, when you visit Kagawa Prefecture, not only should you try the udon noodles, but you must also participate in the udon noodle making experience.
The one participating in the experience is this, the Nakano udon Noodle School.

Because Yonezu Kenshi performed at the “Otsuka Museum of Art” during the 2018 Kōhaku Uta Gassen on December 31, the Otsuka International Art Museum has become popular again. The Otsuka Museum of Art is an art museum established by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. It mainly exhibits famous ceramic paintings from around the world and has the largest permanent exhibition space in Japan. Therefore, for those who cannot personally visit the Louvre or the British Museum, they can visit here to see approximately 1000 famous paintings and ancient murals from around the world!

There are many famous attractions in Shikoku. In Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, the most famous one is the Naruto Whirlpools.The Naruto Whirlpool is a natural wonder at sea created by the Naruto Strait between Tokushima and Awaji Island. Among them, during the spring and autumn high tides, the Naruto Strait reaches its peak, with whirlpools reaching a diameter of up to 20 meters, making it the largest whirlpool in the world. So, when you have the opportunity to visit Tokushima, besides watching the Awa Dance, remember to come and see this unique natural phenomenon.

To travel from Wakkanai to Rishiri Island, most people use the HeartLand Ferry.
The image below shows the Wakkanai Ferry Terminal.
To reach Rebun Island, you also board the ferry here.
It takes about 12 minutes on foot from Wakkanai Station. If your hotel is farther away, taking a taxi is more convenient

The Abashiri Prison Museum is an open-air historical museum that preserves and displays buildings actually used in Abashiri Prison since the Meiji era.
It is probably the most famous attraction in the Abashiri area, aside from the drift ice.