If you are coming to Fukuchiyama City by train, you might notice a castle up on the hill from the train window. Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城) is a popular destination and a landmark in Northern Kyoto. It was also listed in the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (続日本100名城) by the Japanese Castle Foundation (日本城郭協会)!
Fukuchiyama Castle and Why Akechi Mitsuhide Was a Good Man Read More »
If you are after a traditional garden close to Kyoto Station that is stunning throughout the year, Shōseien (渉成園) is a top choice. The garden is a renowned spot with flowers blooming in both spring and summer. Many also visit the garden in late November, when it is decorated by autumn foliage.
Shōseien: The Picturesque Garden Near Kyoto Station Read More »
If you plan to visit Kyoto around mid-February, visit Kōshō-ji (興正寺) for its plum blossoms. Although there is only a white and a red plum in the precinct, the trees are magnificent. Plus, there is a good photo spot where you can capture the pink flowers in a heart-shaped frame!
Kōshō-ji: The Temple for a Heart-Shaped Plum Blossom Photo Read More »
North of Toyooka City, there is a beautiful coastline with crystal-clear seawater suitable for various beach activities. Having the Sea of Japan located on one side, it has been said that Takeno Kaigan (竹野海岸) is considered to be one of the best beaches in Japan. With clean and highly transparent water, the beach is perfect
Takeno Beach – One of the Best Beaches in Japan Read More »
Akō (赤穂) is a rural city that isn’t too far away from the most elegant castle in Japan, Himeji Castle. While it is certainly not a top must-see destination in Japan, it does have its charm. In spring, it is the place that you want to be for its beautiful cherry blossom in the coastal
Akō City – The Salt, The Castle, And The Sunset Read More »
Many people come to Japan for its magnificent old castles. However, when it comes to castle ruins, we find that many tourists end up skipping them. We picture tumbledown walls and rocky boulders when we think of castle ruins. Unless notable or famous historical events have taken place there, there aren’t many incentives for international
The Best Guide to Akō Castle Ruins and Akō Ōishi Shrine Read More »
Shinjō Village (新庄村) is a village located in Maniwa District, Okayama Prefecture. While the village itself doesn’t have many attractions, it was still able to attract large crowds of visitors each year in spring! If you come to West Japan during the cherry blossom season, Gaisen Zakura Street in Shinjō Village is one of the places that you wouldn’t want
Shinjō Village and Gaisen Zakura Street’s Cherry Blossom Read More »
Umekōji Park (梅小路公園) was opened in 1995 to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as the capital in the Heian period. Another main reason for the park’s creation is to add green space in Kyoto’s city center so that locals can rest. Unlike other attractions in the city center, it isn’t crowded
Umekōji Park: The Hidden Gem in Kyoto for Seasonal Colors Read More »
Just a 5-minute walk from Hanshin’s Amagasaki Station (阪神尼崎駅), Amagasaki Castle Ruins Park (尼崎城址公園) is the most easily accessible spot in Amagasaki City for plum blossoms. While only 22 plums are planted, it is the perfect spot to take photos of the gorgeous flowers with the castle. In addition, you can transform yourself into the
Amagasaki Castle Ruins Park: Japan’s Funniest Castle Park Read More »
Whether you are a Japanese or a foreigner, Okayama is undoubtedly not the prefecture that people would think of when it comes to limestone caves. This is great news for the limestone cave lovers who are reading this article because crowds of people won’t surround the fantastically lit-up caves even during the Golden Week!
Your Ultimate Guides to the Makidō and Ikuradō Caves Read More »
