Goshuin

Goshuin & Castle Stamps

How to start a goshuin book, shrine etiquette, and collecting castle stamps across the 12 original keeps. (24 in-depth guides)

Culture · Goshuin

Goshuin Guide: Collecting Japan Shrine Stamps

How to start collecting goshuin: books, etiquette, fees, and a first-timer route.

Essentials

Japan in November 2026: The Weekend With No Non-Reserved Seats

From 21 May 2026 the Nozomi all-reserved blocks expanded to eight, and 21-23 November joined the list — the first Labor Thanksgiving weekend ever with no non-reserved seats. The maples are not out yet either.

Kansai · Castle Ruins

Takeda Castle 2026: That Photo Was Not Taken From the Castle

The castle itself tells you to go to Ritsuunkyo, the mountain opposite. It also shuts from 4 Jan, and no bus runs in December at all.

Kansai · Three Views

Amanohashidate and Ine 2026: Boathouses Are Homes

Ine officially states the boathouses are private homes you may not enter. The answer is to view them from the water — plus four that do admit visitors for a fee.

Essentials · Setsubun

Setsubun in Japan 2027: Date, Beans and Ehomaki Explained

Setsubun is not fixed to February 3 — it landed on the 2nd in 2021 and 2025. The observatory has published 2027, and it is the 3rd.

Season · Plum Blossom

When Do Plum Blossoms Bloom in Japan? Ume Guide 2027

There is no official ume forecast and no "full bloom" observation at all — so the sakura playbook breaks. Here are the 30-year normals instead.

Kansai · New Year

Kyoto New Year 2026-27: Joya no Kane & Okera Mairi

Chion-in’s bell is now a paid, pre-booked affair, city buses and subways do not run late on New Year’s Eve, and Keihan is your way home.

Essentials · Hatsumode

Hatsumode 2027: Your First Shrine Visit in Japan

There is no official deadline for hatsumode, and you may pray from the side when it is packed — both straight from the Shinto authority itself.

Tokyo · Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine 2026: Hours by Month, Goshuin & Kiyomasa's Well

Free to enter, with gates that track the sunrise — the monthly hours table, goshuin at the Nagadono, the ¥500 Inner Garden and Kiyomasa's Well.

Tohoku · Zao Okama

Zao Okama Crater Lake: Opening Times & Access 2026

Okama opens in two layers: the Echo Line from April 24 to early November, and the Highline 7:30–17:00, cut to 16:00 in shoulder season. Both bus routes, the Katta Lift and the ropeway myth.

Chugoku · Izumo Kamiarizuki

Izumo Kamiarizuki 2026: When the Gods Gather, Explained

The gods land Nov 18 and only leave Dec 4. Official 2026 dates, night ritual rules, three shrines on three calendars, and the Kamiarizuki-only goshuin.

Tohoku · Matsushima

Is Matsushima Worth It? Three Views Bay Guide 2026

Zuiganji rose to ¥1,000 in April 2026 and closes at 16:00 in November. The 50-minute cruise, Entsuin’s Oct 24–Nov 23 illumination, oyster season and the station trap.

Kansai · Nara

Todaiji & Nara Park: tickets, hours, deer rules & goshuin

Four halls at ¥800 each, one combo ticket, cash only — and Hokkedo shuts at 16:00. Plus the official 1,687-deer count and fixed 2026 event dates.

Chugoku · Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine 2026: Reading Tides, Fees, Goshuin

The floating torii needs a 250cm+ tide; below 100cm you walk to its base. Reading the official tide table, seasonal closing bands, 2026 works and goshuin.

Kanto · Oku-Nikko

Is Kegon Falls Worth It? Lake Chuzenji Guide 2026

A 97m drop, a round-trip-only ¥600 elevator, and blue ice in January. The 55-minute cruise loop links two embassy villas and Tachiki Kannon — and only one Nikko pass gets you there.

Kyushu · Fukuoka

Akizuki: Fukuoka's Little Kyoto Day-Trip Guide

Akizuki's black castle gate, samurai lanes and 500m cherry avenue are all free — verified fares from Fukuoka, castle seals, and the honest day-trip verdict.

Kyushu · Dazaifu

Kamado Shrine: The Demon Slayer Shrine, Honestly

A 1,350-year matchmaking shrine fans call the Demon Slayer shrine — which never claimed the link. Free entry, the Aug 1–7 Tanabata nights, and the ¥100 bus.

Kansai · Nara