The earliest evidence of Japanese armor dates back to the 4th century
The Ninja Weapon Museum in Kanazawa, Japan offers a fascinating look into the world of the ninja. Explore real ninja artifacts like shuriken and armor, and even try throwing stars! (Museum focuses on exhibits, not training or weaponry origin).
Myouryuji Temple 忍者寺 in Kanazawa's Temple District (YouTube link)
Ninja Aspirations Thwarted (But the Museum Was Awesome!)
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snag a reservation for Myoryuji Temple (aka Ninjadera Temple 忍者寺) - they require them in advance. Since sneaking in wasn't an option (probably for the best!), I decided to head to the Ninja Weapon Museum instead. Here's a glimpse of the cool stuff they had on display!
Minamoto no Yoshitsune: a brilliant military strategist and commander during the Genpei War (1180-1185), leading the Minamoto clan to many victories against the Taira clan.
The Tachi (太刀), translating to "long sword," is a predecessor to the katana, a curved blade traditionally associated with samurai.
Short sword (potentially used by ninjas) with certificate
Emerging during the Sengoku period (14th-15th centuries), the yoroi-dōshi is a particularly thick variant of the tantō, a short sword designed for piercing armor.
Makibishi, the Japanese caltrop (sharp spikes), slowed pursuers and defended samurai fortifications in feudal Japan.
Ninja hood or mask
A close-combat weapon, the tekkō-kagi (lit. "back of the hand hooks") consists of four sharp, metal claws mounted on a ring, worn on the back of the hand.
The fukiya (吹き矢) is a traditional Japanese blowgun, also the term for the competitive sport derived from this weapon.
Ninjato (ninja sword/忍者刀) is a weapon said to be favored by ninjas
Left: a hidden vial containing needles with poison; right: a seemingly harmless whistle that hides a deadly secret - a razor-sharp tanto blade
A seemingly innocuous folding fan concealing a deadly secret - a short blade for close-quarters combat.
Hirayu Otaki in April's Embrace: A Waterfall Framed by Snow
Hirayu Otaki ((Hirayu Waterfall平湯大滝), a 64-meter waterfall with a width of 6 meters, is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Hida (飛騨). It has also been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. The waterfall's beauty transforms throughout the seasons, but it is especially impressive in the fall when the leaves change color. The Frozen Hirayu Grand Waterfall Festival is held from February 15-25 every year, illuminating the frozen waterfall.
Overall, Hirayu Otaki is a great destination for those seeking a beautiful and scenic hike. It's also a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps.
Discovering Hirayu Otaki's Majesty: A Snowy Spring Adventure (YouTube link)
奥飛騨温泉郷
No trip to Japan is complete without soaking in a natural hot spring, or onsen. Gifu Prefecture boasts some of the country's finest, and while exploring the famed onsen town of Hirayu, I ventured out to Hirayu Otaki .
A short bus ride from Hirayu Onsen deposited me at Otakiguchi Campsite. The 20-minute hike to the waterfall's base revealed a landscape blanketed in 5 inches of snow.
Gazing from the Hirayu Onsen bus station, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking panorama of the Japanese Alps, their peaks adorned with snow.
The Chureito Pagoda (忠霊塔, Chūreitō⭐) stands as a five-storied pagoda on the mountainside overlooking Fujiyoshida City and Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Built in 1963 as a peace memorial, it is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine complex.
To reach the pagoda, visitors ascend nearly 400 steps from the shrine’s main buildings. The location offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji, especially during the cherry blossom season in mid-April and the autumn color season in the first half of November. Photographers particularly appreciate this spot for its quintessentially Japanese vistas.
Unveiling the Vista: From Hillside Trail to Chureito Pagoda (YouTube link)
Sunset Magic at Chureito Pagoda
On a crisp April day, I embarked on a journey to witness its magic at sunset. A brief ten-minute walk from Shimo-Yoshida Station on the Fujikyu Line led me to the base of the hill. As I ascended for five minutes, the invigorating fresh air fueled my anticipation.
Arriving at the pagoda just before sunset, I found myself in the company of other admirers. Together, we waited patiently, captivated by the ever-changing light on Mount Fuji. As dusk settled, streetlamps flickered to life, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the already mesmerizing vista.
Marking the Ascent: The First Torii Gate
Unveiling the Vista: From Hillside Trail to Fujiyoshida
The Majestic Chureito Pagoda: Presiding Over the Hilltop
As I descended, the night had cloaked everything in darkness, save for the gentle glow of the streetlights illuminating the stairs
Witnessing Mt. Fuji from Chureito Pagoda (YouTube link)
Crystal-clear Alpine water, cascading down from the Japanese Alps, nourishes the wasabi plants.
Wasabi, also known as Japanese horseradish, is a pungent green paste commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場⭐), founded in 1915, cultivates high-quality wasabi. Visitors can sample it at the farm’s restaurant or cafe. The picturesque farm boasts clear water channels, traditional watermills, and lush green fields. Its location at the foot of the Japanese Alps ensures ideal conditions for wasabi growth.
