If you are after a couple of hidden gem places to visit around Kyoto, consider Kameoka. The city that is at the end of the popular Sagano Romantic Train (嵯峨野トロッコ列車) is where you can enjoy Japan’s countryside vibe. Alighting the Sagano Romantic Train at Torokko Kameoka Station, you will be stepping into a scenic city […]
Kameoka: The Must-Visit City in Kyoto Next to Arashiyama Read More »
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート) is a scenic route that traverses the Japanese Northern Alps, connecting Toyama and Nagano Prefectures. Known as the Roof of Japan, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens on April 15 and closes on November 30 each year. This spectacular route is renowned for its magnificent 20-meter snow wall at the
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The World Heritage, Miyajima, is one of the top destinations in Japan. The sacred island best known for the great torii gate standing in the sea has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors around the world each year. But while you might know the island is in Hiroshima, are you aware that it isn’t close
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Saitō (西塔) is a quiet place deep in Mt. Hiei in beautiful cedar forests in the west founded by Enchō (円澄), also known as Jikukō Daishi (寂光大師). While the number of attractions here isn’t as many as in the Tōdō area, we loved our visit to Saitō. It wasn’t as busy as Tōdō. The atmosphere here
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If you want to escape the crowds in Kyoto‘s city center in autumn, visit Kameoka. The city that is just a couple of stations away has a couple of amazing fall foliage spots waiting for you to explore. While the shrines and temples in Kameoka aren’t as accessible as the ones closer to Kyoto Station,
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If you have read our Kinosaki Onsen article, do you remember our history talk about the monk, Dōchi Shōnin (道智上人), who uncovered the spring source of the hot spring town? The story continues and is the origin of Onsenji Temple (温泉寺) at Mt. Daishi. In the past, those who visited Kinosaki for the hot spring
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Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its stunning beaches. Among all the beaches in Okinawa, the ones on Miyako-jima Island are considered the best. Not only are the island’s beaches a beautiful cobalt blue, it also has many historical and cultural attractions, trendy cafes, and interesting boutique shops awaiting your visit! In addition, the island is
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While Miyako-jima is most famous for its amazing beaches and being a watersport paradise, the island also has a place to enjoy onsen! Shigira Hot Spring (シギラ黄金温泉) is Japan’s southernmost hot spring. It is also one of the few spots in Japan where you can enjoy the onsen without getting fully naked. Because there is
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When visiting Sendai, a must-see shrine would be the Ōsaki Hachimangū (大崎八幡宮). It is the only place in the Tohōku region that houses a National Treasure. The shrine was erected in 1607 as the guardian shrine for Sendai and carries Date Masamune’s (伊達政宗, Sendai Domain’s first lord) hope to bring happiness to his subjects. Even
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If you are planning to visit Fukuoka Prefecture, Dazaifu Tenman-gū (太宰府天満宮) is the biggest shrine in the Kyūshū region and shouldn’t be overlooked. Together with the Kitano Temman-gū (北野天満宮) in Kyoto, they are the headquarters of the 12,000 Tenman-gū shrines in Japan! The god enshrined in Dazaifu Tenman-gū is the namesake of a lively riverside
Dazaifu Tenman-gū: The Must Visit Shrine in Fukuoka Read More »