KC

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Manpuku-ji Temple and Its Amazing Vegan Fucha Ryōri

Byōdō-in (平等院) isn’t the only temple you can visit in Uji. Two stations away from Uji Station, Manpuku-ji (萬福寺), close to JR Ōbaku Station (黄檗駅), is a less-known but magnificent and culturally rich religious facility that has 23 Important National Cultural Properties. The temple is the head temple of Japan’s Three Great Zen Schools, Ōbakushū

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Manza Onsen: The Hot Spring Town Closest to the Sky in Japan

While the most famous hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture is Kusatsu Onsen, Manza Onsen (万座温泉) on its west is the destination for all nature lovers! Situated at an elevation of 1,800 meters, Manza Onsen is the hot spring town closest to the sky in Japan! Although located in a mountainous area, most of the

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The Must-See Spots in Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮) at the west foot of Mt. Hiei (比叡山) is a facility belonging to the Japanese imperial family that has earned a 2-Star rating from the Michelin Green Guide. It was designed by the retired Emperor Go-mizuno’o (後水尾上皇) with the idea of a villa in the countryside with beautiful scenery in every

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The Ultimate Guide to Katsura Imperial Villa

The Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮) in Kyoto is regarded as the masterpiece of the Japanese garden. The strolling garden comprising over half of the 69,000 square meter-wide villa is amazingly designed with various traditional-style garden features. Furthermore, Katsura Imperial Villa has miraculously escaped from being damaged by fire or repeated wars, so the buildings and

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The Best Guide to Kyoto Sentō Imperial Palace’s Must-See Spots

If Kyoto Imperial Palace iis on your itinerary, consider applying for a permit to enter Kyoto Sentō Imperial Palace (仙洞御所). The palace is renowned for its picturesque fall scenery. Many people also visit the palace for its garden view, decorated with blooming flowers in spring. As only 250 people are allowed to enter this part

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The Ultimate Guide to What to See at Kyoto Imperial Palace

Amongst the many attractions in Kyoto, Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所) in the city center is definitely listed at the top of the tourist bucket list. The spot where Japanese imperial families resided from 1331 until 1869 is the best place in Japan to peek into the life of those of a high social status centuries

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Explore Kuni Village: One of Japan’s Most Beautiful Villages

If you want to discover the beauty of Japan’s countryside, consider listing Nakanojō Town in Gunma Prefecture as a place to visit on your next Japan trip. A large part of Nakanojō was the old Kuni Village, which was chosen to be the 41st village of Japan’s Most Beautiful Villages in 2005. With 92% of

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Yodate Eight Falls: The Hidden Gem in Kuni Village

If you love hiking and plan to visit Kusatsu Onsen or Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, consider having Yodate Eight Falls (世立八滝) on your itinerary. The waterfall group upstream of Shirasuna River (白砂川) in Kuni Village consists of eight waterfalls, each with its charm. If you understand Japanese or will be accompanied by an interpreter,

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Gunma Prefecture’s Hidden Gem: Chatsubomi Moss Park

Although moss is commonly seen across gardens in Japan, if you have a particular love towards the gorgeous green plant, visit Chatsubomi Moss Park (チャツボミゴケ公園)! The moss growing in the park isn’t one of the generic types as it can only be nurtured by the strong acidic mineral springs. It is a great off-the-beaten-path spot

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