Japan History

My home for two years. This is a city with a long history. It was a castle town and you can see the minimal number of ruins in the central park (Tsuruoka Koen). Now it is a small city surrounded by rice farms that produce the best rice in the world. Come to Tsuruoka as a base to climb dewa-sanzen and to sample the awesome rice... though for nightlife I suggest heading north to Sakata, but only if there is an event on otherwise all that is on offer is izakaya, karaoke and snack bars *shudder*

Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum!!! It's not big, but very impressive and a very sad chapter in world's history...

Daytrip from Beppu to Usukis Stone Buddhas!

This small town was one of the highlights on my trip. It was quiet and relaxed. Cute, traditional streets lead me past USUKI CASTLE RUINS and out of the town. On my way to see the STONE BUDDHAS , carved into a mountain.

It was about a 3km walk to get there (perfect to get a bike since busses dont go very frequent), following a quite big busy road. However there was a good space for walking and cycling so it wasn't a problem. But for being late mid-May it was extremely hot. BRING WATER!!

The area where the stone Buddhas can be found is worth all the trouble to get there!!! Tucked away in a bamboo forest the carvings are impressive and a amazing way to spend the day. Walking up and down those hills, listening to the birds singing, hearing the breeze in the trees, looking up on the faces of Buddha sure brings a special fealing in your gut. Peace. Of heart and mind!

Also not to be missed:
Nioza History Road

Approx. 30 min trainride from Shimonoseki to Usuki

Don't say けっこ (Kekko) until you've seen 日光 (Nikko).  Nikko is considered a place that all Japanese people should visit before they die.  The nature is pristine.  Kegon waterfall is a must for anyone coming to Nikko.  Lake Chuzenji is another must see.  In the winter, the lake is a little somber, but in the summer and autumn, the water is a shade of blue matched only in paintings.  
Nikko has plenty of shrines and temples to keep any history nut happy.  My personal favorite is the Toshogu shrine (東照宮).  While this shrine with its extensive complex, collection of stone lanterns, and 5 story pagoda are truly amazing, I would recommend choosing a ryoukan (traditional Japanese hotel) closer to the Shinkyo bridge.  This sacred red bridge is famous and, when seen in the morning light, it is easy to understand why.  It is a marvelous sight when framed with the mist coming down from the mountains at daybreak.
If you do choose to visit Nikko in the winter, each of these attractions has a completely different atmosphere about them that is enchanting in a whole new way.  One word of warning however.  The wind in Nikko could bring a even a Korean warlord to his knees (anyone who has lived in Korea, especially close to the North Korean border, knows what I mean).  Remember to bring a warm coat.

My impression about Okinawa, Japan is that the place is more like "America/Japan." I personally think it`s cool, because the place has their own, unique history and style compare to other parts of Japan.

Okinawa`s beach is sooooo beautiful, you gotta bring swim wear and sunscreen!!!(for skin safety) and other beach stuff =)