Escape the crowds of Kyoto and journey into the heart of Sakamoto (坂本) in Otsu City, a serene and historic temple town nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei in Shiga Prefecture. Known as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site Enryaku-ji Temple, Sakamoto is famous for its unique “Anozurazumi” stone walls, meticulously crafted by
Sakamoto: The Best Kyoto Day Trip You Have Never Heard Of Read More »
When lunchtime approaches, it is time to finish exploring the temple or shrine in Sakamoto you are in and to find a restaurant. As a town in the countryside, Sakamoto has no vegan-friendly restaurants. The closest place to enjoy a vegan meal is the Enryakuji Kaikan in Mt. Hiei. But if you don’t mind bringing
Honke Tsuruki Soba: Sakamoto’s Most Famous Soba Restaurant Read More »
Just like any other Toshogū shrines in Japan, Hiyoshi Toshogū (日吉東照宮) is a shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined. A Tōshōgū was built here in 1634 because the monk Tenkai (天海), who glorified him as Tōshō Daigongen (東照大権現), is based at Sakamoto.
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Known as Japan’s mythical “Castle in the Sky,” the Takeda Castle Ruins (Takeda Jōseki, 竹田城跡) offer one of the most breathtaking views in Hyogo Prefecture. Perched 353 meters above sea level atop Mt. Kojōzan (古城山) in Asago City, these historic ruins appear to float on a breathtaking sea of clouds during clear autumn mornings, closely
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After an off the beaten path destination in Japan near Kyoto? Just a short, 10-minute train ride from the bustling streets of Kyoto lies Ōtsu (大津市), the historic capital of Shiga Prefecture and the peaceful gateway to the majestic Lake Biwa. While most travelers skip this lakeside gem in favor of its famous neighbor, Ōtsu
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Planning a trip to Japan’s vibrant Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and beyond) often comes with a bit of “analysis paralysis” when it comes to transportation. With dozens of private railways, JR lines, and city buses each offering unique discount tickets, choosing the right one can feel daunting. In recent years, many classic passes have
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Whether you are a traveler seeking a peaceful escape from the crowds of Kyoto or a history buff eager to explore Japan’s feudal past, Shiga Prefecture offers a treasure trove of experiences centered around the majestic Lake Biwa. As Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Biwako provides a stunning backdrop for everything from the iconic floating torii
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Japan’s Kansai region is best known for attractions such as the USJ, Osaka Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji. While these spots are surely stunning in the fall, the areas are now considered overcrowded and touristy. So if you are planning your second or even third visit to Osaka and Kyoto, how about venturing out of the
Japan 2 Week Itinerary: Explore Kansai’s Less-Visited Spots Read More »
Although famed for the beautiful cherry blossom scenery, many places in Shiga Prefecture are worth visiting in autumn. So, if you find yourself at a loose end during the fall in Shiga, head down to these spots to experience the astonishing natural wonder of these secret places!
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Mt. Hiei or Hieizan (比叡山), a mountain lying on the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, is considered one of the Three Holiest Places in Japan together with Kōyasan (高野山) and Mt. Osore (恐山). The worship halls and pagodas of the World Heritage Enryakuji Temple (延暦寺) are scattered throughout the mountain. The temple, which is
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