A hidden gem in Osaka for flowers and fall foliage hunting is Kanshin-ji Temple (観心寺). After all, it was chosen to be one of the Flower Temples in the Kansai region! In addition, the temple houses Osaka Prefecture’s oldest architectural national treasure. You can also perform a few simple rituals in its vast precinct. Moreover, […]
Kanshin-ji: The Scenic Temple and Its Cultural Treasures Read More »
If you want to spend a couple of hours at a rural site accessible from Kobe, Mitoro Fruits Park (加古川市見土呂フルーツパーク) in Kakogawa City is THE perfect spot! The 12,000 square meter plum grove has around 200 plums of 11 varieties. The plum grove is divided into two parts, one for harvesting fruit and one for
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Most people visit Kyoto for its traditional vibe. While the temples and shrines are certainly the must-sees in the city, you are missing out if that is all you have on your itinerary! Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園), also known as the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden, is a hidden gem in the northern part of Kyoto
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If you plan to visit Dotonbori at night, visit Kōzugū Shrine (高津宮) and Kōzu Park (高津公園) in the late afternoon. The shrine, arguably close to Osaka‘s most famous tourist spot, is next to a renowned plum blossom spot, Kōzu Park. After making or saying your prayer at the shrine, follow the passageway on the shrine’s
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Away from Kobe‘s city center, the Sumaura Sanjō Yūen Park (須磨浦山上遊園) is a scenic amusement park on the slopes of Mt. Tekkai (鉄拐山) and Mt. Hatsubushi (鉢伏山). It overlooks Awaji Island (淡路島) and Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge (明石海峡大橋). Once a battlefield for the Battle of Yashima (屋島の戦い) back in 1185, this park is now a famous place
Sumaura Sanjō Yūen Park and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
In Osaka‘s city center, the Ōsaka Tenmangū Shrine (大阪天満宮) is a convenient spot to adore the plum blossoms. Close to Japan’s longest shopping arcade, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街), around 100 plums were planted for the god enshrined, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because Michizane is worshipped as the God of Learning (学問の神様), many students would visit
Osaka Tenmangū: The Shrine in the City to Adore Plum Blossom Read More »
If you plan to visit Kanazawa in spring, check out the below top 10 destinations to adore the gorgeous cherry blossoms in Kanagawa and the surrounding cities in Ishikawa Prefecture. Some might be intuitive, but it is also very likely that you will find some hidden gems you weren’t aware of, which will make you
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Just in front of Sanzen-in is a restaurant specializing in tofu skin cuisine. Kyoubijaya (京美茶屋), with a history of more than 60 years, has served the monks in Sanzen-in since its establishment. While tofu skin might not sound enticing to you, don’t turn your nose up without giving it a try! You will be surprised
Kyoubijaya: The Place to Enjoy Amazing Tofu Cusine in Ōhara Read More »
Matsumoto City (松本市) is probably the most popular travel destination in Nagano Prefecture. Prospered as a castle town of Matsumoto Castle, in addition to traditional and retro architecture, the shopping district is also filled with trendy cafes and boutique stores. Furthermore, Matsumoto is also known as a treasure trove for breathtaking natural scenery, making the
The Best Guide Matsumoto: What to Do and Where to Go Read More »
A hidden gem in Kōka City in Shiga Prefecture is the Miho Museum (ミホ・ミュージアム), buried deep in the mountain at the city’s west. Precisely like the architectural design concept, stepping onto the museum’s ground is like stepping into utopia. While the bus trip from Ishiyama Station takes around an hour, you won’t regret making the
Miho Museum: The Most Amazing Art Museum in Japan Read More »
