Visiting Hirosaki Castle and Park

Hirosaki Castle is one of the top sights to see if you are in Aomori Prefecture in the north of Japan. One of only a handful of Japanese castles not rebuilt during the modern era, Hirosaki Castle stands as a monument to the country’s historic architecture.

Listed by the Japan Castle Foundation as one of the “100 Fine Castles of Japan”, Hirosaki is the only castle in the Tohoku region that was constructed in the Edo Period (1603-1867).

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Tashirojima: Cat Island travel guide

An idyllic getaway off the east coast of Japan, Tashirojima Island is perfect for visitors looking for a unique destination that is not overrun with tourists. This rural paradise is steeped in tradition, from its small fishing villages to its shrines to the cats that watch over the island and its people.

Cats are probably the most famous thing about Tashirojima — there are more feline residents here than humans! This has given it the nickname “Cat Island”. These furry inhabitants are often more than happy to approach visitors. They might even pose for a photo with you!

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Kabuki in Japan: What it is and how to watch it

If you’re planning to visit Japan and are eager to learn about its vast cultural heritage, then you should definitely include at least one Kabuki performance on your travel itinerary. The traditional dance-drama is one of the three major classical Japanese theaters, alongside noh and bunraku.

This complete guide can help you to understand the cultural meaning and significance of Kabuki, where to see a performance, what to expect from a show, and how to book tickets.

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