Nestled in a sacred area at the foot of Mt. Ikoma (生駒山麓) bordering the Nara Basin, Hiraoka Shrine (枚岡神社) is known as Kawachi Province’s Ichinomiya (河内国一之宮). It means that the shrine was the most influential shrine in the Kawachi Province. Because the Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) in Nara enshrines the two main gods in Hiraoka Shrine, […]
Hiraoka Shrine: A Scenic Shrine That Holds a Laughing Ritual Read More »
If you plan to travel to Osaka with young children in spring or autumn, Tamateyama Park (柏原市立 玉手山公園) is a good spot for a family trip! The municipal park was completed in 1999 and has a ground area of 68,000 square meters. In spring, the locals head to the park for plum and cherry blossoms.
Tamateyama Park: A Hidden Spot for Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
If you are in Osaka from late February to early July and are after an off-the-beaten-path spot to enjoy nature and different kinds of flowers, consider heading to Osaka Garden of Floral Culture! The vast park is divided into several zones, each with a different type of flowers planted. Although getting there isn’t straightforward, you
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Inokashira Park (井の頭公園) is Kichijōji’s landmark. That park is just a 5-minute walk from Kichijoji Station and has a ground of 42,000 square meters. Completed in 1917, it is the first suburban park in Japan. But the most important fact is that Inokashira Park is one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. Around Inokashira
Inokashira Park: One of Tokyo’s Best Cherry Blossom Spots Read More »
If you are a cat lover and are after a cute cat cafe, visit Temari no Oshiro (Cat cafe てまりのおしろ) in Kichijōji Petit Mura! The cafe, home to around 20 fluffy and friendly cats, is basically a cat castle. Walking through the unusually cute door is like entering the world of cats!
Tokyo’s Most Fantastic Cat Cafe: Temari no Oshiro Read More »
If you prefer organic food, visit Crayon House (クレヨンハウス吉祥寺) on Taishō-dōri Shopping Street (大正通り) in Kichijōji. The natural food spot has a restaurant and an organic grocery and product shop with many vegan options. Lunch and dinner are served in buffet style! The menu changes daily, so you won’t be eating the same thing if
Organic Restaurant Hiroba: The Restaurant of Crayon House Read More »
Obuse is a lovely town in Nagano Prefecture, famous for its delicious chestnuts and ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai from the 18th century. And it is also on the way to Jigokudani Monkey Park (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ. While the main street of Obuse is within a 10-minute walk from Nagano Dentetsu’s Obuse Station, to really explore Obuse properly,
Your Ultimate Bike Rental Guide in Obuse Nagano Read More »
Monzen Terrace Enya (エンヤ) is an Izakaya-style restaurant at the starting point of Zenkoji Temple‘s approach. Befitting the restaurant’s name, it has a large comfortable terrace at the back. When the weather is good, sit at one of the tables on the terrace for fresh air. There might even be a few adorable dogs that
MONZEN TERRACE ENYA: A Great Restaurant Close to Zenkoji Read More »
If you are after a nice boutique Italian diner in Tokyo, visit momento (モメント) in Kichijōji! The chef of this vegan-friendly restaurant near Inokashira Park was trained and had worked in Italian restaurants in Italy. Thus, the dishes he cooks using a mixture of both local and Italian ingredients are authentic. Moreover, momento won an
momento: The Best Vegan-Friendly Italian Diner in Kichijōji Read More »
On the bridge leading to Inokashira Boathouse, you might notice a traditional building at the other end of the lake. It is the home of the Benzaiten, who gets jealous of happy couples rowing boats in Inokashira Park. The Inokashira Benzaiten Temple (井の頭弁財天) in the park’s northwest corner is serene and ideal for contemplation. The
Inokashira Benzaiten: The Must-Visit Temple in Kichijōji Read More »
