Speaking of Hiroshima, most visitors head straight to the Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園) and the Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム) or the World Heritage Site, Miyajima (宮島). While the two top-ranked destinations in Hiroshima Prefecture are certainly the must-visit, you should also go to Hiroshima Castle (広島城). After all, it is one of the Top 100 […]
A Guide to Hiroshima Castle, The Other Symbol of Hiroshima Read More »
Shukkeien (縮景園), a Japanese garden near JR Hiroshima Station, is said to be the garden that captures the beauty of China’s West Lake (西湖). With that being said, some might think the garden must be of a Chinese style. That isn’t the case!
Shukkeien, The Gorgeous Japanese Garden in Hiroshima City Read More »
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 »
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
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
If you have ever wondered where the copper of the Great Buddha at Tōdaiji Temple in Nara was from, then you must visit Akenobe Mine (明延鉱山) in Hyōgo Prefecture, discovered in 809!