Takebe Shrine (建部大社), close to Seta no Karahashi Bridge (瀬田の唐橋), was the most important shrine in Ōmi Province. Why? Because it has Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (日本武尊) enshrined as the main god. While that might not mean much to you, we still think that Takebe Shrine is still worth a visit. There are a couple […]
Takebe Shrine: The Shrine That Was on the 1,000 Yen Note Read More »
You probably assume that all the shrines in Japan would have a minimum of a few centuries of history. However, this isn’t the case for Ōmi Jingū (近江神宮), close to Lake Biwa in Ōtsu City! Although it was founded only in 1940, the shrine’s location and the god enshrined hold some important Japanese history dating
Ōmi Jingū – A New Shrine with a Long History Read More »
When lunchtime approaches, it is time to finish exploring the temple or shrine in Sakamoto you are in and to find a restaurant. As a town in the countryside, Sakamoto has no vegan-friendly restaurants. The closest place to enjoy a vegan meal is the Enryakuji Kaikan in Mt. Hiei. But if you don’t mind bringing
Honke Tsuruki Soba: Sakamoto’s Most Famous Soba Restaurant Read More »
If you are visiting Mt. Hiei in Shiga Prefecture, stop by Hiyoshi Taisha (日吉大社) in Sakamoto. It has a deep connection with the Enryakuji Temple and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The shrine is particularly stunning in the fall. Also, if you are a fan of ‘Rurouni Kenshin’, you will
Hiyoshi Taisha – Mt. Hiei and Kyoto’s Guardian Shrine Read More »
If you are driving, you can stop by Iwama-dera Temple (岩間寺) after visiting Ishiyama-dera. It is the 12th temple on the 33 Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The temple founded by Taichō (泰澄) is formally known as Iwamasan Shōhō-ji (岩間山正法寺). It is situated close to the summit of Mt. Iwama (岩間山). The mountain, of an altitude of
Iwama-dera – A Peaceful Temple in the Mountain of Ōtsu Read More »
Nowadays, most of the restaurants in Mt. Hiei are no longer vegetarian. The best place to head to for lunch is Enryakuji Kaikan (延暦寺会館) in the Tōtō area. It is also where you can spend a night at Enryakuji. The meals served in the restaurant on the second floor are all vegan. Not only is
Enryakuji Kaikan: Mt. Hiei’s Vegan Restaurant and Temple Lodging Read More »
Amongst all the Satobō (residence of retired monks) in Sakamoto, the Former Chikurin-in (旧竹林院) is probably the most famous. Not only is it known to be one of the highest-rank temples in Enryakuji, but its garden was also designated the National Place of Scenery Beauty in 1998. Nowadays, this garden is known as a spot
Former Chikurin-in Temple and the Stunning Garden Reflection Read More »
If you fancy yourself a bread connoisseur, you must give Fukukuru Woodfire Bakery (薪窯パンふくくる) in Kameoka a try! Although it is a little far from Kameoka Station, the bread is very flavorful and delicious. The little store in an old folk house has a relaxing atmosphere. The couple who run the bakery are very nice
Fukukuru:The Hidden Wood-Fired Bakery in Kameoka, Kyoto Read More »
Because Kameoka City (亀岡市) is situated in a basin, it is usually covered by a thick fog in the morning from late autumn to early spring. The locals refer to the fog in Kameoka as Tamba Fog (丹波霧), and the fantastic sea of clouds scenery earned Kameoka the title of “The City of Fog” (霧の都)!
Kameoka Fog Terrace: Kyoto’s Best Spot to See Adore Sea of Clouds Read More »
If you are already bored with ordinary temples and shrines in Kyoto, you might still want to check out Anao-ji Temple (穴太寺) when you visit Kameoka. The Buddha is covered in a Japanese futon! Known as the 21st temple in The 33 Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Anao-ji, boasting a history of more than 1,300 years, is
Anao-ji: The Temple Where a Buddha Is Lying In Bed Read More »
