There are plenty of attractions in Yoshino District (吉野郡) in Nara that are sadly overshadowed by classic sites like Tōdaiji Temple (東大寺) in Nara Prefecture. It is time to shed light on the very best Yoshino has to offer. If you are fond of cherry blossoms and/or fall foliage, read on!
Yoshino – Where World Heritage Sites Meet Stunning Scenery Read More »
If you find the cherry blossoms at Mt. Yoshino too touristy, check out the flowers at Takami no Sato (高見の郷) in Higashiyoshino Village instead. Although the spot doesn’t have 30,000 cherry trees, the 1,000 weeping cherry blossoms at an altitude of 650 meters will still enchant you!
Takami no Sato: The Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot Near Mt. Yoshino Read More »
Totsukawa Village (十津川村), the biggest village in Japan, is located in the southernmost part of Nara Prefecture. It is blessed with beautiful scenery. To its north is the Tanize Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Japan. Sasano Falls, located in the middle of the village, is one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in the
Totsukawa – Japan’s Biggest Village and the Hidden Gems Read More »
Dorogawa Onsen Town (洞川温泉郷), in Tenkawa Village of Yoshino District (吉野郡天川村), is situated at an altitude of 820 meters. It has long been the first stop for the Shugendō (修験道) pilgrims on their way to the sacred mountain, Mt. Ōmine (大峯山). In hot summer, the mountain village situated in the highlands still gets to enjoy
Dorogawa Onsen: The Entrance of the Sacred Mt. Ōmine Read More »
When visiting a Japanese shrine, you must have seen those wooden plates with people’s wishes written on the back, hung on one side of the precinct. If you ever wonder where those wooden plates originated, then visit Niukawakami Shrine (丹生川上神社) in Nara‘s Yoshino District. Furthermore, you get to act like a Shinto priest swinging the
Niukawakami Shrine, The Shrine Revered by the Imperial Court Read More »
If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Kansai region, head to Yabu City in Hyōgo Prefecture. The city is perfect for outdoor recreation activities. It also has some amazing scenery that will captivate you any time of the year!
Yabu – The City in Hyōgo that is Full of Natural Wonders Read More »
Just like Mt. Hyōno, Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷), also in the Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park (氷ノ山後山那岐山国定公園) has such stunning scenery that it was chosen to be one of Japan’s Top 100 Hidden Scenic Spots! The mountain trail in Torokawa Valley is more suitable for those more experienced in mountain trekking. There are several places where you must
Torokawa Valley: A Top Picturesque Natural Spot in Kansai Read More »
Mt. Hyōno (氷ノ山), with a height of 1,510 meters, is the highest mountain in Hyōgo Prefecture. The mountain blessed with an excellent natural environment was chosen as one of Japan’s 200 most famous mountains. The area is decorated with rare plants and animals, such as the National Natural Monument Golden Eagle. The Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷)
Hiking Mt. Hyōno, The Highest Mountain in Hyōgo Prefecture Read More »
Tamaki Shrine (玉置神社) in Totsukawa Village, almost at the summit of Mt. Tamaki (Tamakisan, 玉置山), is the oldest shrine in Japan. The shrine is at an altitude of 1,076 meters and was founded in BC 37 by the imperial court for demon expulsion. In 2004, the shrine, one of the Shugendō’s (修験道) training sites, was registered
Tamaki Shrine – The Shrine that Can only Be Reached if Summonded Read More »
Dorokyō Gorge (瀞峡) or Dorokyō Valley, located in the south of Totsukawa Village, is one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty (特別名勝). The picturesque valley remains a hidden gem to most. So if you enjoy various outdoor activities, Dorokyō can be the ideal destination to stop by when you visit the Kansai region!
Dorokyō – The Stunning Gorge that Spans Three Prefectures Read More »