Fukuchiyama (福知山), in northern Kyoto Prefecture, is a city blessed with abundant nature, hidden cherry blossoms, and fall foliage destinations. The city, known for its connection with the famous samurai – Akechi Mitsuhide, also is the best spot to admire hydrangeas in early May and also has a mountain where demons used to reside.
Fukuchiyama City and the Amazing Scenery All Year Round Read More »
If you have been to the Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮) in Mie Prefecture, you might be interested in visiting the Motoise Sansha Shrines where the objects of worship of Ise Jingu used to be enshrined. It is also a destination where rock climbing addicts would want to visit, for the worship hall which can only be
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If you are ever looking for a naturally cool and refreshing spot in Kyoto, then read on! Mt. Kurama and Kibune, located in the northernmost part of Kyoto City, are where the locals head to when they want to escape the summer heat. Why? Because the best way to spend a summer day in Kyoto
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Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺) in Kyoto is the representative temple in Mt. Kurama erected in 770. The temple is well-known among the Japanese because the famous military commander, Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経), was trained in the temple when he was young. In addition, it is probably the only temple in Japan (or even in the
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Besides the Kurama-dera Temple, Kifune Shrine (貴船神社) is another must-visit spot in the Kurama and Kibune area. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the shrine is extra stunning with the foliage’s vivid colors. During this part of the year, nighttime illumination takes place, making the atmosphere mysterious. In winter, the shrine gives a different impression
Kifune Shrine: The Scenic Shrine and the Origin of the Ema Plaque Read More »
Ainoshima Island (相島) is a small heart-shaped island around 7.5 km off the coast of Shingū Town (新宮町) north of Fukuoka City. The island that used to host up to 500 Korean emissaries is now one of the world’s most famous cat spots. So if you are a cat lover, how about a trip to
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If you ever get a chance to head up to the observatory area at Sendai‘s SS30‘s top floor on a clear day, you should see this white Kannon statue sticking out of a residential area. The Sendai Daikannon (仙台大観音) is the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest is the Ushiku Buddha (牛久大仏) in
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If you are a Japanese history buff or love to examine Japan’s cultural properties, the temple you have to stop by when you get to Kawagoe is Kita-in (喜多院). The temple that has a deep connection with the Tokugawa clan not only houses the most cultural properties in Kawagoe, but it is also the last
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Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (川越氷川神社) is arguably the most famous and popular shrine in Kawagoe. The old shrine, more than 1,500 years old, is where the locals pray for marriage ties. In addition to the normal things you would do at a Japanese shrine, such as writing wishes on the back of an ema plaque, there
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While Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the most renowned shrine in Kawagoe, Kawagoe Kumano Shrine (川越 熊野神社) is also a shrine you won’t want to miss out on. There are various fascinating rituals and activities that you can do in its precinct, including ball-throwing for good luck and cleansing your money for more money to come
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