Central San'in: Enter the Worlds of Japan's Gods, Monsters, and Humans

Gods, Yokai, and Sightseeing in Central San'in

Central San'in includes areas in both Tottori Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture, and the region draws travelers thanks to gorgeous natural features, and links to both Shinto gods, and "yokai" (妖怪), or traditional Japanese mythological spirits or monsters. Central San'in is where you'll find historical castle ruins and the grand shrine Izumo Taisha, but also where you'll find the popular Adachi Museum of Art, and the yokai of the classic manga Gegege no Kitaro. Visit Central San'in to explore the boundaries between the world of the living and the world of myth and monsters, and get a glimpse into the heavens of Japanese legend.

• Saikaiminato + Mount Daisen

Cross Hotel Osaka is Next to Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Everyone's Favorite Glico Man

Steps away from Namba Station, Cross Hotel Osaka is in the most desirable area of Osaka, especially for sightseers who want convenient access to the city. At the heart of the Namba area, the hotel is around the corner from Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and even the fashionable Amemura ("American Village") area. One of Osaka's best shopping areas, and a nightlife hotspot once the sun sets, is quite literally visible from the hotel windows. For committed sightseers, gourmets ready to indulge in all the local delicacies, and shoppers waiting to be delighted by Osaka shopping, there's no question that Cross Hotel Osaka is a convenient place to start your day in Osaka.

Hana-Biyori Is a Botanical Garden with Projection Mapping, Otters, and a Flower-Filled Starbucks - All at Yomiuriland

Popular Tokyo amusement park Yomiuriland fills year-round with crowds flocking to have fun with their summer water park, winter holiday lights, and cherry trees that make the park a Tokyo springtime destination. But Yomiuriland's mission is to become a "Super Amusement Park," so with their 70th anniversary celebrations coming to a close, 2020 brought new innovation to the park.

The attractions at Hana-Biyori are a little different from your standard amusement park rollercoasters and Ferris wheels, but that doesn't make the area any less fun. Spectacularly flashy digital art shows take advantage of projection mapping technology to create new spaces, and flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors decorate Hana-Biyori inside and out.

Tulips and Sakura・Fragrant Green Tea・Unagi (Eel!) and Gyoza ~ in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka

Unless your Japanese travel plans revolve solely around central Tokyo, it's quite possible you've heard the name Shizuoka when talking about Mount Fuji. But Shizuoka is a whole Japanese prefecture, and it has much more to offer than just half of Japan's famous mountain. This spring, the Japankuru team went to explore and learn more about Hamamatsu, a city in Shizuoka. The first thing we learned? Thanks to the city's status as a stop on the shinkansen line that connects Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto, it's extremely easy to get to! But more importantly, the city has a unique history closely linked to industry and manufacturing, and more recent status as a lakeside resort on the shores of Lake Hamanako (浜名湖, also called Lake Hamana). Hamamatsu is the birthplace of Honda and Yamaha, Lake Hamanako produces some of Japan's best eel and pufferfish, and in the fields of Shizuoka grows world-renowned green tea. Plus, more recently, the city has become a hotspot for beautiful flowers! So read on to find out just why you're going to want to add Hamamatsu to your next Japanese itinerary!

A Spring Day in Tokyo with TOKYO SKYTREE and Cherry Blossoms!

It's no surprise that so many people love visiting Tokyo during the sakura (cherry blossom) season. Fresh breezes waft pink petals and floral fragrances through the city air, making it a great time to enjoy both the flowers and Tokyo's most popular sightseeing attractions, like TOKYO SKYTREE! Standing 634 meters (over 2080 ft) over Tokyo, it's pretty clear to see why this tower is a must-see on any Tokyo itinerary. The best part of your trip to Japan might just be a day looking up at the sakura of eastern Tokyo, and then climbing TOKYO SKYTREE to look down on the cityscape below.