Takayama Jinya
In 1692 the region was placed under the direct rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Jinya served as the official residence and headquarters of the Shogon’s governor, as well as… Read more »
Category: Japan Vacation
Takayama: Sights and Shops
Takayama is an ancient city in the mountains of central Honshu. Its present form dates back to the 16th Century, but the area has been settled for much longer than… Read more »
Traveling from Tokyo to Takayama
Below, a shinkansen (bullet train) pulls into Tokyo Station.
Nikko: Taiyuinbyo
Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa Shogun, was not content with building the world’s most elaborately decorated shrine for his grandfather. He also build an elaborate mausoleum for himself, located a short… Read more »
Nikko: Toshogu Shrine
Before he died Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, requested that a simple shrine be built for him so that he could serve as a guardian kami for… Read more »
Nikko: Temples
Nikko is a small city located about 140 km from Tokyo. It is an easy day trip, and well worth it since it contains some of the most impressive temples… Read more »
Tokyo: Akihabara
This is the place to go to find electronics (not to mention manga and anime.) It is packed with a wide range of retail establishments, ranging from seedy little shops… Read more »
Tokyo Shopping Districts: Ginza, Roppongi, Shibuya
The Ginza district is full of fancy upscale stores.
Tokyo: Sensouji Temple
Sensouji is the oldest and most famous Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Its origins date back to the year 628 when two guys were fishing in the Sumida River…
Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji is the largest fish market in the world. It dates back to the Edo period and now processes about 20% of the world’s catch. Don’t read further if you… Read more »