At the south of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, three temples were erected in the early 8th century. Each has a worship hall designated as a National Treasure in its precinct. Together, the three Tendai sect temples have been known as the ‘Konan Sanzan (湖南三山)’ since 2005. But nowadays, instead of the national treasures, what …
Konan Sanzan – The Three Most Scenic Temples South of Lake Biwa Read More »
While Zensui-ji (善水寺) isn’t close to the other two temples of Konan City (known as Konan Sanzan), it is still a temple that is worth the travel. Like Chōju-ji and Jōraku-ji, Zensui-ji has a beautiful precinct and houses a national treasure. In addition, the temple with a Healing Buddha as the main image has sacred water for …
Zensui-ji: A Stunning Temple to Source Sacred Water Read More »
If you want to avoid the crowds at Kyoto‘s famous autumn foliage spots, consider visiting Jōraku-ji (常楽寺), the best place in southern Shiga Prefecture to adore the vivid fall colors from mid-November to early December. While there aren’t many bus services that stop close to the temple, the scenery here will amaze you! Among the …
Jōraku-ji: Konan City’s Best Fall Foliage Hunting Spot Read More »
In the Ishibe area of Konan City (湖南市), Chōju-ji (長寿寺) is a temple with breathtaking scenery. Adding to the temple’s charm, cute decorations and paper cutting art can be found throughout the precinct. Because it is located the eastmost among the city’s three temples that house a national treasure, Chōju-ji is also referred to as …
Chōju-ji: The Stunning Fall Foliage and Amazing Papercutting Read More »
Arima Onsen is surely the best hot spring town closest to Kyoto and Osaka. While the onsen town is full of characters and worthwhile to visit, vegan/vegetarian meals are hard to come by. Fortunately, Onsenji Temple (温泉禅寺) offers monk cuisine and runs a cafe that serves vegan keema curry rice!
Did you know that Tokyo has two major international airports? If you have a layover in Japan, you may arrive at one airport and depart from another. The Tokyo Narita Airport and the Tokyo Haneda Airport are located approximately 80 km apart. This means you will want to allow at least 2 hours to travel …
How to Travel Between Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda Airport Read More »
Sumo wrestling is a fascinating cultural experience, and one of the dream activities for many who visit Japan is to see a sumo wrestling match. But, as sumo wrestling tournaments are only held at certain times of the year, advance planning is required if you are keen on a day of action at a sumo …
All You Need to Know About Watching Sumo Wrestling in Japan Read More »
Did you know that there is a group of islands in Japan known as the Cat Islands? This clever nickname is because some of these islands have more feline residents than humans! These islands have become some of the most popular tourist destinations for cat lovers from around the world. Interested in visiting one or …
The Ulitmate Guide to the Top 10 Cat Islands in Japan Read More »
With Japan continuing to be one of the top travel destinations in the world, it is always good to know and understand a little bit about train etiquette in Japanese culture. Keep in mind that the trains in this country are impressively punctual and on time. This is a hallmark of the Japanese culture and …
Proper Train Etiquette in Japan – What You Should Know Read More »
Are you considering visiting Japan and want an itinerary with a nice mix of mountainous and coastal destinations? You might want to consider a trip to Ishikawa Prefecture. Located on the Sea of Japan, the prefecture is filled with mountain resorts, beaches, national parks, and plenty of cultural elements. Read on for a list of …
The Top Attractions to Visit in Ishikawa Prefecture Read More »