One of the most famous attractions around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, is Hikone Castle (彦根城). The castle was never besieged and thus maintained its graceful appearance throughout the past 400 years. Because of its beautiful scenery, even those who aren’t interested in castles tend to pay it a visit when they travel to Shiga
Hikone Castle – Hikone’s Best Cherry Blossom Destination Read More »
Kōyasan, or Mt. Kōya, is a sacred mountainous area north of Wakayama Prefecture surrounded by peaks about 1,000 meters above sea level. Having received a three-star rating in the “Michelin Green Guide Japan”, it remains an enigma to most of us. For more than 1200 years, this irreplaceable sacred settlement has enchanted people in Japan
Kōyasan – One of the Three Holiest Mountains in Japan Read More »
For the Japanese history buff and admirers of Sanada Yukimura (真田 幸村), Rengejōin (蓮華定院) is the destination that you will want to visit when you come to Kōyasan. The temple has a deep connection with the Sanada Clan. The family crest, which features six mon coins, was the amount that the Japanese would use to
The Best Guide to Rengejōin – Sanada Clan’s Family Temple Read More »
Whether you are planning a day trip to Kōyasan or want to spend a night in the sacred mountain, Kongō Sanmai-in (金剛三昧院) should be on your itinerary. The temple, which has multiple important national cultural properties and national treasures, is a spot that shouldn’t be overlooked!
Kongō Sanmai-in – One of the Best Shokubō Temples in Kōyasan Read More »
Kobe (神戸), a fashionable port city only a 30 minutes train ride from Osaka, has many hidden gems that many international visitors aren’t aware of. As an international trading port since 1868, many choose to pass it by when they visit Kansai because the city seems to be filled with western elements that aren’t unique
Kobe – Your Ultimate Guide to The Scenic Port City Read More »
One of the best ways to enjoy what a port has to offer is by taking a ship that cruises around the harbor. Especially at night when the buildings that line Kobe Port are all lit up, your time on the cruise ship is extra romantic and pleasant. Currently, there are three main companies that
The Best Guide to the Short Cruises from Kobe Port Read More »
If you visit Kobe via a cruise, the first area in the city you will encounter is the Meriken Park (メリケンパーク). It is basically the area around Kobe Port. The park hosts some shopping and restaurant districts and several attractions, including Kobe’s landmark: Kobe Port Tower. You will also find an earthquake memorial park that
Meriken Park: The Must-Visit Commercial Area in Kobe Read More »
If you are looking for resorts during your visit to Kansai, consider Kannabe Kōgen in Hyōgo Prefecture‘s Toyooka City! It is a plateau located in the outer ring of Mt. Kanabe (神鍋山) and is known as one of the leading ski resorts in Kansai. When the breath of spring releases the Kannabe Kōgen from the
Kannabe Kōgen – The Crater and Other Astonishing Landscapes Read More »
Izushi (出石) is a quaint town in Toyooka City where you can find traces of Japanese history dating back to the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Although it might not seem like it now, the castle town used to be incredibly prosperous. This prosperity earned it the title of Tajima Province’s Little Kyoto! Because the
Izushi – A Castle Town that Retains the Past Eras’ Remnants Read More »
If you have two days to spend in Kinosaki Onsen, allocate half a day to visit Izushi. The small township is a hidden gem close to the popular hot spring town. After enjoying the town’s famous local specialty, Izushi Soba, hike up to the top of Izushi Castle Ruins (出石城跡) for a panoramic view of
Izushi Castle: The Best Spot for a Scenic View of Izushi Read More »
