tag:,2008-02-07:/2 2009-07-10T09:28:22Z JAPANiCAN.com, online hotels, inns & "Sunrise Tours" package tours booking website in Japan for overseas visitors. Download our amazing selection of desktop wallpapers and come enjoy a beautiful Japan! Movable Type 4.1 tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2009://2.1058 2009-07-10T08:40:45Z 2009-07-10T09:28:22Z

The eight springs of Beppu have each given rise to a number of hot spring inns, using the natural spring waters to offer the ultimate in relaxation. Suginoi Hotel, located in the famous Japanese hot spring town of Beppu, gives guests an amazing view of the bay below from the terraced outdoor baths at its bathhouse, Tanayu. To find out more, see our article　"Beppu Onsen's Suginoi Hotel: So much more than just a hot-spring resort"

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.708 2008-12-16T08:40:45Z 2009-11-25T08:08:36Z

The Japanese Macaques at Nagano's Jigokudani hot springs have become famous for their winter visits to the spa. All throughout the colder months one can visit and see them enjoying a relaxing and warming soak in the hot water as the entire valley lies beneath a deep blanket of snow. Jigokudani is also close to some of Japans best skiing locations like Hakuba, home to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. So, when you go to Nagano to take in the world class skiing, make sure to make a side trip to visit Jigokudani and its unique hot-spring-loving monkeys. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.707 2008-12-15T08:52:55Z 2009-08-13T07:56:04Z

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most famous of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The many fox statues that can be found there are the messengers of Inari. Fushimi Inari Shrine is located at the base of a mountain also named Inari, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines. Merchants and manufacturers worship Inari for wealth and over the years they have donated the countless thousands of torii gates that line footpaths. These tunnels of brilliant vermillion are one of the most memorable scenes to be found in Kyoto. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.636 2008-11-10T08:52:55Z 2009-08-13T07:56:51Z

"Koyo" (colorful leaves) are to the Japanese autumn what cheery blossoms are to spring. Beginning in late September of each year, the "koyo front" sweeps slowly southwards from Hokkaido in the North until it reaches the lower elevations of central and southern Japan towards the end of November. Kyoto is one of those very special places in Japan where a new discovery awaits you around every corner. The autumn months are particularly nice with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and explosions of color throughout the city from the changing leaves. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.635 2008-11-10T08:51:45Z 2009-08-13T07:57:50Z

Omikuji are fortunes written on strips of paper available at most Shinto shrines in Japan. There are 12 levels of fortunes, ranging from Great Blessing to Great Curse. When the fortune is bad, it is customary for the person to fold up the strip of paper and tie it to a pine tree branch at the temple grounds, thus freeing the person from the bad fortune. In the event of the fortune being good, the bearer should keep it. What will your fortune be? Come to Japan and find out! Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.589 2008-10-10T08:51:45Z 2009-08-13T07:58:35Z

Shirakawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a very well preserved traditional mountain village located at the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Winters bring very heavy snowfall, and due to this climate, gassho-zukuri, houses with steeply pitched thatched roofs, were created. Beautiful in any of Japan's four seasons, Shirakawa-go is a must-see location for the discerning traveler looking to explore some of Japan's hidden wonders. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.590 2008-10-10T08:51:45Z 2009-08-13T07:58:15Z

Even more so than Kyoto, the city of Takayama has preserved the feeling of a traditional Japanese town. From the latticed windows of the old private homes to the solitude of the historical temples and shrines of the Higashiyama area, the city itself is like a living museum. The Takayama festival held in spring and fall is widely known as one of the three most beautiful festivals in all of Japan. In Takayama you can savor the arts and culture of traditional craftsmen while enjoying the feel of an ancient city. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.537 2008-09-05T08:52:55Z 2009-08-13T07:59:00Z

Himeji castle, also known as White Heron Castle for its brilliant white exterior, is the largest and most famous of all castles in Japan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the year 1333. It is famous for its winding maze of paths leading up to the main keep and, unlike most other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes, or fires and survives in its original form. Less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka, Hemeji Castle is a must-see attraction. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.538 2008-09-05T08:51:45Z 2009-08-13T07:59:25Z

Omikuji are fortunes written on strips of paper available at most Shinto shrines in Japan. There are 12 levels of fortunes, ranging from Great Blessing to Great Curse. When the fortune is bad, it is customary for the person to fold up the strip of paper and tie it to a pine tree branch at the temple grounds, thus freeing the person from the bad fortune. In the event of the fortune being good, the bearer should keep it. What will your fortune be? Come to Japan and find out. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.458 2008-08-01T08:52:55Z 2009-08-13T07:59:56Z

"Kiyomizu" (pure water) Temple is a World Heritage site. It is believed that drinking from the three channels of water that drop into a pool on the site bestows upon the person wisdom, health, and longevity. However, it is said that if you are greedy and drink from all three you invite misfortune. Founded more than 1,200 years ago, it is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto and offers a spectacular panoramic view overlooking the city. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.459 2008-08-01T08:51:45Z 2009-08-13T08:00:28Z

Originally constructed more than 100 years ago, Osanbashi Pier was recently rebuilt and now fits right in with the rest of the architectural wonders in the Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 area. With its modern architecture and great location, right on the shore of Tokyo Bay, the place is filled with many shopping, sightseeing, and dining opportunities. The Minato Mirai 21 area of Yokohama holds something for everyone. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.376 2008-07-15T07:52:55Z 2009-08-13T08:00:53Z

Formally known as Ryokuonji, this World Heritage site is the most famous of all traditional landmarks in Kyoto. Visiting Kinkakuji and its exquisite gardens is the highlight of many people's trip to Kyoto. Those lucky enough to visit on a calm morning are rewarded with a perfect mirror image of the gold structure in the garden pond, seemingly floating halfway between heaven and earth. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.375 2008-07-15T07:52:55Z 2009-08-13T08:01:19Z

Tanuki is the Japanese word for raccoon dog. Tanuki are part of Japanese folklore and are reputed to be mischievous and jolly, shapeshifting creatures that are somewhat gullible and absent-minded. A statue of a Tanuki outside a restaurant in Japan assures visitors that they are welcome to enter and enjoy the hospitality of the place. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.234 2008-06-04T00:52:55Z 2009-08-13T08:01:47Z

Nara, the original capital of Japan is a treasure trove of Temples and Shrines. Kaidan-in was originally built in 755AD for the invited priest Ganjin to lecture on Buddhism. The statues of Shitenno housed at Kaidan-in are Japan national Treasures, and recognized as the greatest religious works of the Tenpyo era. Photo: Jeff Laitila

tag:japan-wallpaper.japanican.com,2008://2.233 2008-06-04T00:51:45Z 2009-08-13T08:02:14Z

Spring in Japan is a time when all the plants that had been sleeping over winter suddenly explode into growth. The Ajisai (Hydrangea) is one particular flower found in Japan that has a very great diversity, blooming from early spring to late autumn. This makes them a favorite of gardeners both professional and amateur. Ajisai (Hydrangea) is a floral symbol of the Japanese rainy season. Photo: Jeff Laitila