Close to Chionji Temple‘s Sanmon gate, a couple of cafes and restaurants sell the local specialty, Chie no Mochi (智恵の餅) or Wisdom Rice Cake in English. The cafe we recommend the most is Hikobee Chaya (彦兵衛茶屋). You will hardly miss it when you walk towards Chionji’s Sanmon Gate. The large lady figure in Kimono is […]
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From Amanohashidate Station, if you head straight to the shore, Chionji Temple (智恩寺) is the first main attraction you will encounter. The temple is ranked first of the three temples in Japan dedicated to the Monju Bodhisattva (文殊菩薩), the widest Bodhisattva in Buddhism. Because up until a few centuries ago, Amanohashidate was part of the
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To appreciate the shape of Amanohashidate, you will need to see the sandbar from above. If you have limited time and can only go to one of the two observation parks, we recommend Amanohashidate View Land (天橋立ビューランド). Not only is it closer to Amanohashidate Station, but also because the sandbar looks like a straight line
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Miyazu is a city in northern Kyoto Prefecture best known for one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), Amanohashidate. The 3.6 km long sandbar with the surrounding nature is considered one of Japan’s celebrated scenic sites. So it shouldn’t be a surprise if most Japanese want to go to this place at least
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You probably have heard about the cat islands in Japan, and maybe you have even been to one, but did you know that Japan has a rabbit island too? Ōkunoshima (大久野島) is a small island floating on the Seto Inland Sea. The island in Hiroshima Prefecture has more than 1,000 wild rabbits (as of 2019),
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36 Sublo (36 サブロ) is a shop in Kichijōji for papyrophiliac. Beyond the door, a small stationery world will make you lose track of time. It is amazing how the shop can turn ordinary items in our daily life into something that isn’t only just useful but different. For example, the date stamps have other
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If you are in a hurry in Kichijōji or want to have a picnic at Inokashira Park, visit Omusubi Gonbei (おむすび権米衛) at Kichijoji Station’s south (park) exit. The rice ball shop chain offers rice balls in various flavors, and some of them are vegan and/or gluten-free!
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For those who love spices, the cafe for you to visit in Kichijōji is Chai Break (チャイブレイク). The Spice Chai (スパイスチャイ), made by mixing black tea with six spices, is the signatory drink there. It is another way to enjoy black tea! As a chai specialist, it also offers a couple of ways to enjoy
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Karakoma (おやさい食堂カラコマ ) is a small but cozy vegan Japanese-style macrobiotic cafe in Morioka. It is a spot where those with a large appetite can feel satisfied afterwards. Not only is the food delicious there, but it is also healthy! Allium-free options (no onion, garlic, leeks, chives, or asafoetida) are available too.
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If you plan to visit Himeji in early spring, stop by Zuiganji (増位山随願寺). The oldest Tendai sect temple in the southern Hyōgo Prefecture has a plum grove. Aside from its cultural properties, you can also see the elegant Himeji Castle from the plum grove. Using a professional camera, a picture of the castle with plum
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