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,
The Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Kameoka Read More »
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
Onsenji Temple: Kinosaki Onsen’s Guardian Temple Read More »
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
Shigira Hot Spring: Miyakojima’s Luxurious Onsen Hotel Read More »
Besides Kids’ Ninja Village, Togakushi Ninja Museum and Ninja Trick Mansion (戸隠流忍法資料館 忍者からくり屋敷), close to the starting point of Togakushi Oku-sha Approach, is another ninja-related attraction in Togakushi. A ninja’s home is often filled with traps that help them get a leg up on their adversaries. If you are interested in visiting one of these
The Best Guide to Togakushi Ninja Museum・Ninja Trick Mansion Read More »
If you are both a foodie and a cat lover, you will find Ou Island (Oujima, 奥武島) in southern Okinawa very attractive. What could beat the experience of filling your mouth with Okinawa-style tempura while observing cute cats doing adorable cat things? Furthermore, you have a magnificent ocean view as the backdrop!
Oujima – The Island Filled with Tasty Tempura and Cute Cats Read More »
Towards the end of the Kyōbashi Castle Road, there is a temple with an unusual red gate. Sōan-ji Temple’s (宗安寺) gate stands out from its surroundings because it was moved from Sawayama castle’s (佐和山城) Ōtemon Gate (大手門). With the gate relocated in 1603, it was the only castle structure that survived the enormous fire of
Sōan-ji: The Must-Visit Temple Close to Hikone Castle Read More »
Mt. Hiei’s Yokawa (横川) area is the least visited but most spiritual part of Enryakuji by tourists. The area was founded by Ennin (円仁), also known as Jigaku Daishi (慈覚大師). He is the disciple of Saichō (最澄) and the third head of the Tendai sect in Japan. Tucked deep in the mountain, this part of Mt. Hiei
The Best Guide to Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple’s Yokawa Area Read More »
The Tōdō (東塔) area is the center of Enryakuji, where the most critical worship halls are located. Moreover, the mountaintop station of Sakamoto Cable Car and Eizan Ropeway is also close to the Tōdō area. Thus, if you have time constraints, focus on the attractions in the east part of Mt. Hiei.
The Ultimate Guide to Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple’s Tōdō Area Read More »
Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is undoubtedly the top tourist destination in the country. But because of its popularity, the city center is packed with hundreds of thousands of tourists. So, if you want to enjoy the traditional side of Japan without being surrounded by strangers, visit Mt. Hiei, located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga
The Best Guide to How to Get to Mt. Hiei and Enryaku-ji Read More »
If you are after a spiritual place in Kameoka, consider visiting Izumo-Daijingū Shrine (出雲大神宮). The shrine that is tucked in Kyoto‘s beautiful nature has a serene atmosphere. When the weather starts getting colder, the precinct becomes more splendid with different colors in the background.
Izumo-Daijingū: An Ancient But Beautiful Shrine in Kameoka Read More »
