If you ever wonder what the interior of a dam look like, don’t miss out on Hiyoshi Dam (日吉ダム) when you come to Kyoto! The Kansai region‘s biggest dam is also a facility to learn about the power of flooding and how a dam can effectively minimize the damage of too much rain and maintain […]
Hiyoshi Dam: The Biggest Dam in the Kansai Region Read More »
At the southwest of Nantan City in Kyoto, the Ruri River Valley Natural Park (京都府立るり渓自然公園) in the 4 km long Ruri River Valley (or Rurikei Gorge) is a designated National Place of Scenery Beauty. The valley has a delicate landscape with a 530-meter-tall plateau. The upstream of the valley is made of granite, whereas the
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The center of worship of Kōyasan has to be Okunoin (奥之院), where Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師) fell into deep meditation (passed away). It is believed that the revered monk is still providing his helping hand to those in need while meditating. As one of the Three Holiest Spots in Japan (the other two are Mt. Osore
Okunoin – The Mysterious Center of Worship in Kōyasan 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!
Onsenji Temple and Its Incredible Vegan Fucha Cuisine Read More »
Located in the western part of Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan, Appi Kōgen (安比高原) is an alluringly beautiful place for relaxing walks along the plateau from spring to autumn. When the region transforms into a winter wonderland, many flocks to Appi Kōgen for skiing or snowboarding on its high-quality snow because Appi Ski Resort is
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If you admire pottery, you will definitely want Bizen City (備前市) in Okayama Prefecture to be on your itinerary. You can easily spend a whole day strolling through all the pottery shops scattered around JR Imbe Station. We are sure that you will find some exquisite pieces of artwork that you would like to own.
Bizen – The City Famed for Pottery and the Stunning Scenery Read More »
If you enjoy a bit of hiking, we would advise you to admire the sunset at Yudachiukeyama (夕立受山). Although the mountain only has a height of 210 meters, the panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea is even better than the one you get from Bizen♡Hinase Bridge. As the entire hiking trail is well-maintained, with
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If you are interested in seeing a Japanese school from a couple of centuries ago, visit Shizutani School (旧閑谷学校) in Okayama‘s Bizen City. It is the oldest public school in Japan and was thus designated as a National Historic Site. The school was established in the early 1670s by the then Okayama Domain’s lord, Ikeda
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If you are in Okayama Prefecture‘s Bizen City, how about taking a detour to experience the countryside? Driving along the windy road and slowly climbing up the mountain, your field of vision will suddenly widen! Located at an altitude of 400 meters, the Hattōji Furusato Village (八塔寺ふるさと村) was where Buddhism used to prosper as much
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Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi City in Okayama is also known as the Takahashi Castle (高梁城). As it can be easily confused with the Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, it is more commonly referred to as the Bitchū Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城).
Bitchū Matsuyama Castle: The Castle Floating in the Sky Read More »