Inuyama-jo Castle

Inuyama-jo Castle dates from 1440 and is Japan`s oldest castle. The castle is extremely important as it is preserved in its original state and hasn`t been rebuild like other castles destroyed during war which is a rarity in Japan. The castle costs 400 yen to enter and is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm. The castle is recommended for its beautiful view across the Kiso-gawa river from the top storey. The castle is a 15 minute walk west of Inuyama-yuen station.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Atsuta Jingu Shrine

Atsuta Jingu Shrine is one of the most important in Japan and dates from the 3rd century. The shrine is said to house the kusanagi-no-tsurugi (the sacred sword), one of the three imperial regalia of the imperial family. There is a small museum 300 yen open from 9 am to 4.30 pm, closed the last Wednesday and Thursday of every month. The shrine grounds are open 24 hours a day.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Miley`s Love Getaway Down-Under in Australia

Miley`s Love Getaway Down-Under in Australia. One of Hollywood`s hottest young couple, teen idol Miley Cyrus and Aussie heart-throb Liam Hemsworth have been spotted taking romantic walks on the beach on Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia. The couple have been rockin along at the Phillip Island Music Festival. Phillip Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria, and is well known for its penguin parade, animal wild-life and coastal beaches. Miley flew in from London to Melbourne on New Year`s Eve after finishing her world tour.

Nagoya-jo Castle

Nagoya-jo Castle

Nagoya-jo Castle was built by Tokugawa Iyasu on the site of an older castle from 1610-14. The castle is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm and costs 500 yen to enter. The original castle was destroyed during World War 2 and replaced in 1959 with the current replica. The castle is a 5 minute walk from Shiyakusho station on the Meijo subway line. The castle is famous for its 3m long shachi-hoko, a dolphin-like sea creatures that stand at either end of the roof. The interior houses a museum with armour and family treasures.

Japanese Shoppers in rush for Lucky Bags

Japanese Shoppers in rush for Lucky Bags. Major department stores across Japan kicked off business for 2010 on Saturday by offering “lucky bags” at low prices to entice customers. These have been gaining in popularity as consumers search for bargains amid the global economic downtown. Department stores such as Mitsukoshi, and Takashimaya prepared various lucky bags with most selling out straight away in the morning. A lot of the customers had been lining up before dawn and rushed as soon as the doors opened to grab a bargain.

Gifu Prefecture and Gifu City

Gifu is the gateway to the beautiful and superb mountain scenery and hiking trails of Nagano. Gifu City is a lovely small city overlooked by mountains. Recommended sights in Gifu City include Kinka-zan Mountain located near Gifu koen Park and topped by Gifu-jo castle and accessible via the cable car that runs from Gifu koen Park to the top of the mountains. In the summertime Gifu City is famous for its ukai cormorant fishing and fireworks.
Visit Takayama, a small beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts. Takayama lies in the ancient Hida district tucked away between the mountains of the Japan Alps. I would allow 1-2 days to enjoy the place and a few more if you plan to use it as a base to visit the mountains or surrounding onsens hot springs.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya

Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya

Nagoya is the 4th largest city in Japan and as a major transport center is the southern gateway to the Tokai region. Nagoya has excellent restaurants and shopping and is like a scaled-down, far more relaxed version of Tokyo. Recommended sights in Nagoya include Nagoya-jo castle, Osu Canon Markets and Atsuta Jingu Shrine.

Inuyama City

Inuyama City located in Aichi Prefecture can easily be done as a day trip from Nagoya or Gifu. The highlights of Inuyama are its historical castle Inuyama-jo and activities such as ukai cormorant fishing and the Kiso-gawa rapids.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently