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Nakamura
This well-preserved historic residence typifies Esashis prosperous past with a gabled roof made of cypress and a foundation of stones shipped from the Hokuriku region. More than a residence, it was also office and storehouse for the merchant who built it.
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Kyoto City Zoo
While we aren’t thrilled about the conditions in which the animals are kept here – the cages and enclosures are pretty small – this is a sure-fire hit with kids. All the usual big mammals are present here. Don’t miss the Japanese giant salamander (sanshō uō) .
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Kinryō
This sake museum, located along the main approach to the shrine, is in the old premises of a brewery that has owned the building since 1789. Theres an English leaflet explaining the sake-making process, but sadly, the sake-tasting component is no longer offered.
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Happiness Dairy
This family-friendly place, only a two-minute drive northeast of the Wine Castle, produces cheese to complement the regions wine. Taste the cheese then wander over to the dairy and try the excellent ice creams, or just relax and take in the rural ambiance.
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Historical Abumiya Residence
Opposite the city hall, this private home once belonged to a wealthy shipping agent. With a beautiful garden and a fascinating variety of room divisions using shōji screens, its a wonderful place to contemplate the Japanese aesthetic of bringing the outside in.
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Wadakura Fountain Park
At the northeast corner of the broad grassy, moat-surrounded Imperial Palace Plaza is this small, pretty park. The two fountains here celebrate the weddings of the current Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in 1961 and Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako in 1995.
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Tokyo Dai
This is the Tokyo branch of Ise-jingū, Japans mother shrine in Mie prefecture. Credited with establishing the Shintō wedding ritual, Tokyo Dai-jingū is a popular pilgrimage site for young Tokyoites hoping to get hitched and does a brisk business in marriage charms.
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Gifu
Perched atop Mt Kinka-zan with sweeping views over the cities of Gifu and Nagoya, this castle is a 1956 concrete replica of Oda Nobunagas stronghold, destroyed in 1600, the ruins of which were finished off in WWII. Theres an hour-long hiking trail from the park below.
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Fukuzenji
Close to the waterfront, this temple dates back to the 10th century. Adjoining the temple is Taichōrō , a reception hall built in the 1690s. This is where you go for a classic view out across the narrow channel to the uninhabited island of Benten-jima and its shrine.
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Anno Art Museum
Tsuwano-born Anno Mitsumasa is famous for his wonderfully detailed illustrated books, including Annos Alphabet and Annos Journey . You can see his work at this traditional-looking white building near the station, where the large collection is rotated throughout the year.
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Fuji Visitor Center
Get up to speed on Mt Fuji at this well-presented visitor centre. An English video (12 minutes) with blockbuster movie soundtrack is a little cheesy but gives a good summary of the mountain and its geological history. Theres also an observation deck and restaurant.
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Fujita Memorial Garden
The former home and garden of the wealthy Fujita family, this beautiful example of a manicured Japanese garden is the second largest in Tōhoku. It features a wonderful tea-house and Western-styled Meiji-era mansion, which now serves as a cafe, replete with grand piano.
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Parco Factory
In line with the neighbourhood vibe, this gallery favours contemporary art with a pop-culture fl avour. Recent exhibitions have included a retrospective of otaku god Bome’s figure sculptures, works inspired by the deceased ‘Father of Anime’ Osamu Tezuka and a toy exhibition.
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Niten
Senso-jis eastern gate is one of the temple complexes rare, Edo-era buildings: its been standing since 1618. Though it appears minor today, this gate was the point of entry for visitors arriving in Asakusa via boat – the main form of transport during the Edo period.
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Inuyama Artifacts Museum/Castle & Town Museum
This museum, located one block south of Haritsuna Jinja and Sankō-Inari Jinja was reopened in October 2012 after extensive renovations. It houses two of the Inuyama festival floats and various artefacts related to cormorant fishing, Inuyama-jō and the towns history.
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Ueno Zoo
Japan’s oldest zoo is home to animals from around the globe, but the biggest attractions are two giant pandas that arrived from China in 2011 – Rī Rī and Shin Shin. Theres also a whole area devoted to lemurs, which makes sense given Tokyoites love of all things cute.
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Kyū Iwasaki
This grand residence was once the villa of Hisaya Iwasaki, son of the founder of Mitsubishi, and is now a fascinating example of how the cultural elite of the early Meiji period tried to straddle east and west. Built in 1896, it has been open to the public since 2001.
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Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway is a 30-minute, 4km gondola ride, taking travellers to Tōgendai from Sōun-zan. It stops at Ōwakudani on the way. Note that due to recent volcanic activity, the ropeway is currently not running to Ōwakudani and Tōgendai, but stops at Ubako Station.
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Fukagawa Edo Museum
During the Edo period (1603–1868), Fukagawa was a typical working-class neighbourhood, with narrow alleys and tenement homes. You can see what it likely looked like at this indoor museum, complete with a fire-lookout tower, life-sized facades and buildings you can enter.
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Kannon
The main attraction at this 17th-century temple is its beautiful garden, built around a pond. Gather your thoughts and contemplate the arrangement of stones and trees while sipping a cup of matcha, which is included in the admission. The city-loop bus passes near the temple.
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