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Osaka Tenmangū: The Shrine in the City to Adore Plum Blossom

June 7, 2025 / Kansai Region, Osaka Prefecture, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

In Osaka‘s city center, the Ōsaka Tenmangū Shrine (大阪天満宮) is a convenient spot to adore the plum blossoms. Close to Japan’s longest shopping arcade, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街), around 100 plums were planted for the god enshrined, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because Michizane is worshipped as the God of Learning (学問の神様), many students would visit […]

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The Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Ishikawa Prefecture

October 19, 2024 / Cherry Blossom, Hokuriku Region, Ishikawa Prefecture

If you plan to visit Kanazawa in spring, check out the below top 10 destinations to adore the gorgeous cherry blossoms in Kanagawa and the surrounding cities in Ishikawa Prefecture. Some might be intuitive, but it is also very likely that you will find some hidden gems you weren’t aware of, which will make you

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Mushima: A Daffodil Island with Many Friendly Cats

October 19, 2024 / Chūgoku Region, Okayama Prefecture

Among the many islands floating on the Seto Inland Sea, Mu Island, or ‘Mushima’ (六島) in Japanese, is probably the most gorgeous. Okayama Prefecture‘s southmost island is known for the picturesque view of daffodil flowers and a white lighthouse with the azure blue ocean as the backdrop. On top of that, not only will you

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Tashirojima – The Utopia for Cats and Cats Lovers in Tōhoku

June 8, 2025 / Miyagi Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

Tashirojima (田代島) is a small island east of Ishinomaki City (石巻市) in Miyagi Prefecture. It is the only “cat island” in the Tohōku region, where the cat population is larger than human residents (61 humans vs. more than 130 felines). So many locals refer to the island as Cat’s Island (Neko no Shima, 猫の島).

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Ōhara – Where You Meet the Traditional Townscape of Kyoto

October 19, 2024 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

The ancient city of Kyoto has enchanted the hearts of many international tourists, making it one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. But while the tourism boom has certainly brought in a fortune to the local businesses, many find their visits increasingly unpleasant, with temples and shrines over-commercialized and over-crowded.

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Kyoubijaya: The Place to Enjoy Amazing Tofu Cusine in Ōhara

October 19, 2024 / Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture

Just in front of Sanzen-in is a restaurant specializing in tofu skin cuisine. Kyoubijaya (京美茶屋), with a history of more than 60 years, has served the monks in Sanzen-in since its establishment. While tofu skin might not sound enticing to you, don’t turn your nose up without giving it a try! You will be surprised

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Raigō-in: The Temple where a New Buddhist Sect Was Born

October 19, 2024 / Autumn Foliage, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

After you have your fill at Ōhara‘s landmark, Sanzen-in, you can follow the Rosen River (呂川) and enjoy a 5-minute hike to Raigō-in (来迎院). The temple, surrounded by rich nature, sits quietly at the top of a small hill. In autumn, the approach to Raigō-in will be one of the most vivid paths you will

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