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Hakone
A pleasant stroll around Ashino-ko follows a cedar line path to this shrine set in a wooded grove, in Moto-Hakone. Its signature red torii (gate) rises from the lake; get your camera ready for that picture-postcard shot.
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Hot Plaza Asama
Among dozens of baths and inns at Asama Onsen, Hot Plaza Asama has numerous indoor and outdoor baths in a traditional building. Rental towels are available (¥200). Buses from Matsumoto Station take about 20 minutes.
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Kussharo
The parks biggest lake is famous for its swimming, boating and volcanically warmed sands, and its own version of the Loch Ness monster, Kusshi. Roads run around its southern and eastern shores, which are fun for exploring.
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Asa
This entertaining morning market features a few hundred ageing fishwives hawking fresh-off-the-trawler seafood, lacquerware, pottery and souvenirs, with sass and humour that transcends language. Haggle politely if you dare.
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Mori Ōgai Former Residence
Across the river from the Nishi Amane house is the old residence of Mori Ōgai (1862–1922), a highly regarded novelist who served as a physician in the Imperial Japanese Army. Its next to the Mori Ōgai Memorial Museum .
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Lafcadio Hearns House
Irish-Greek immigrant Lafcadio Hearn (aka Koizumi Yakumo; 1850–1904) became one of the foremost interpreters of Japanese culture to the outside world. He lived in town from 1891 to 1894, in this house dating from 1877.
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Ōhi Pottery Museum
This museum was established by the Chōzaemon family, now in its 10th generation. The first Chōzaemon developed this style in nearby Ōhi village, using a special slow-fired amber glaze, specifically for use in chanoyu .
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Nakasetei
Explore the rooms in this old kimono shop and residence that is decorated with namako-kabe , Matsuzakis traditional exterior plasterwork of latticed walls. Outside is a striking retro-design clock tower and a footbath.
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Bunkamura
Bunkamura means ‘culture village’, and this was Japan’s first cross-cultural centre. Productions at Theatre Cocoon swing between commercial and fairly edgy. There’s also a cinema and a concert hall (Orchard Hall) here.
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Tahō
South of Itsukushima-jinja, stone steps (before the History & Folklore Museum) lead up from the road to this picturesque pagoda. Theres a pleasant, short path looping around from here and back down to the road.
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Sumiyoshi
Sumiyoshi-jinja is said to be the original taisha (grand shrine) of Shintōs Sumiyoshi sect. On its north side is Rakusuien , a pretty garden and teahouse built by a Meiji-era merchant, which offers an outdoor tea ceremony.
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Hakone Geomuseum
In a new gift shop and restaurant complex opposite the ropeway station, this well-designed natural history exhibit, is a fun way to learn about the volcanic forces that created Hakone. Good for kids and curious adults.
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Sanjinko
In Tōshō-gū initial courtyard are these Three Sacred Storehouses; on the upper storey of the Kamijinko (upper storehouse) are relief carvings of imaginary elephants by an artist who had never seen the real thing.
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Konchi
Just southwest of the main precincts of Nanzen-ji, this fine subtemple has a wonderful garden designed by Kobori Enshū. If you want to find a good example of the shakkei (borrowed scenery) technique, look no further.
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Inax Live Museum
The showpiece of one of Japans largest plumbing-equipment manufacturers, housing some 150 elaborately decorated Meiji- and Taisho-era toilets and Japans only tile museum, with over 1000 tiles from around the world.
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Anraku
Of the Sōtō Zen sect, Anraku-ji is the oldest Zen temple in Nagano. Dating from AD 824–34, its a National Treasure, renowned for its octagonal pagoda. The temple is a 10-minute walk from the Bessho Onsen train station.
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Akarenga
Once the opulent headquarters of Akita Bank, this brick structure built in 1912 is now a folk museum. Inside, youll find fascinating woodblock prints of traditional Akita life by self-taught artist Katsuhira Tokushi.
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Gekkō
This central Fuji-Yoshida district feels like the little town that time forgot, with original mid-20th-century facades. Inside are some surprisingly hip cafes and shops, and its worthwhile getting a little lost here.
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Ninomaru Shiseki Tei
Walk down the back slopes of the castle hill (Katsuyama) to stroll around the Ninomaru Shiseki Tei-en, which were built in the outer citadel of the castle, and consist of various pools, gardens, rockeries and waterfalls.
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National Museum of Modern Art
This museum is renowned for its Japanese ceramics and paintings. There is an excellent permanent collection, which includes many pottery pieces by Kawai Kanjirō. The coffee shop here overlooks a picturesque canal.
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