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Toretore-no-yu (Toretore bath) is located in Nishimuro county, in Wakayama. The public bath is part of the Toretore theme park, which also houses a market and a resort. Toretore-no-yu has a variety of unique indoor and outdoor baths -- you'll be spoilt for choice. Be sure to check out the stone saunas. There are six of them, each based on different themes. Toretore-yu is the perfect place to wind down after a busy day out at the theme park.
Category: Hot Springs / spaArea: Nanki Shirahama / TanabeShiide Itsukushima Shrine is located in Kudoyamacho, Shiide, Wakayama prefecture. It was originally founded to enshrine a guardian deity of this area, but due to the late Meiji Period wave of shrine mergers all over Japan, it merged into the nearby Kamikosawa Itsukushima Shrine, leaving only the main altar building today. It’s just a 2 minute walk from Koyashita Station on the Nankai Line. Jizo Temple stands at the back of the shrine, housing the Jizo Shoryu (meaning Rising dragon) picture on its ceiling. One of the features of this shrine is the Shinto ritual, Oni no Mai (Dance of the Devil), held on August 16th every year, and designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Properties of Wakayama. The purpose of Oni no Mai is to ward off natural disasters and bad luck and to pray for an abundant harvest and safety of the village people.The tradition has an oral history dating back as far as 670 years, and a written history of 350. The cast of Oni no Mai consists of a devil, a drummer, a crowd pleaser, 2 flutists, and 7 local singers. The legend tells that the children who touch the stick held by the devil will grow up healthy, so the festival attracts crowds of excited spectators and their children.
Category: Shrine / templeArea: KoyasanKumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi (river bank), in Kumagaya City, northern Saitama Prefecture, is a famous river bank recognized as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Locations in Japan. About 500 cherry trees are planted along the Arakawa River, which flows through the southern part of the city for about 2km. During the Kumagaya Sakura Festival, held in late March every year, the trees are lit up at night. A highlight of this location is the landscape when the rapeseed blossoms are in full bloom at the same time with the cherry blossoms. You can enjoy the beautiful contrast of light pink and yellow. There is easy access from JR Kumagaya Station, at about 5 minutes by foot. While limited, there is also parking near the river bank. Other events are also held on the river bank, and you can enjoy dynamic fireworks up close at the Kumagaya Fireworks Festival held in August every year.
Category: Nature / sceneryArea: KumagayaThe National Diet Building in Tokyo is where Japanese politics come to life. It was the tallest building during its time when it was built in 1936 and the sophisticated architecture was praised as well. To the left is the House of Representatives, and the right is the House of Councilors. Both provide free guided tours.
Category: Educational tourArea: Imperial Palace areaCaretta Shiodome, located in the Minato Ward, is a multipurpose facility with an exceptional view of the Tokyo Bay. You can enjoy the view free of charge from the The Sky View on the 46th floor of the building. This is also a popular spot for illuminations during the winter months.
Category: Commercial facilityArea: Ginza / TsukijiGinza Six, opened in 2017, is a high-end department store with an architectural build that is modern and chic. Even for those not into luxury brand shopping, the Ginza Six is still worth a stop, as the rooftop garden area is the highest in the Ginza area. The rooftop garden boasts a spacious 360 view of Tokyo, with landmarks such as the Sky Tree in sight – and even Mount Fuji on clear days!
Category: Commercial facilityArea: Ginza / Tsukiji
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