Nagahama Castle (長浜城) at the northeastern lakeshore of Lake Biwa is known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s starting point for becoming the leader of Japan. Even if you aren’t interested in Japanese history and the Japanese castle, you might still want to visit the castle park in spring. Usually, from early to mid-April, the cherry trees blossom […]
Nagahamajō: The Castle That Leads to Hideyoshi’s Success Read More »
If you are into shopping and trendy cafes, come to Kurokabe Square (黒壁スクエア) when you visit Nagahama in Shiga Prefecture! In this shopping district, not only are there boutique shops selling intricately hand-made glass items, but there is also a museum filled with figurines of various animes, animals, demons, and many other topics!
Kurokabe Square and Kaiyōdō Figure Museum Kurokabe Guide Read More »
Daitsū-ji Temple (長浜別院 大通寺) is a branch temple of the Higashi Honganji (東本願寺) in Kyoto, belonging to the Shinshū Ōtani school (真宗大谷派). On the temple’s precinct, there are many Important Cultural Properties, including the Grand Hall relocated from Fushimi Momoyama Castle, a tower gate from Nagahama Castle, a bell from the Nanboku-chō period (1336 –
Daitsū-ji: A Temple Filled With Gorgeous Paintings Read More »
A couple of Hōkoku Shrine (豊国神社) enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Japan, and one of them is in Nagahama. His retainers, Katō Kiyomasa (加藤清正) and Kimura Shigenari (木村重成), are also enshrined here. The citizens of Nagahama erected the shrine to commemorate Hideyoshi’s third anniversary in 1600. But, after the Tokugawa shogunate was established, the shrine was
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One of the most famous attractions around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, is Hikone Castle (彦根城). The castle was never besieged and thus maintained its graceful appearance throughout the past 400 years. Because of its beautiful scenery, even those who aren’t interested in castles tend to pay it a visit when they travel to Shiga
Hikone Castle – Hikone’s Best Cherry Blossom Destination Read More »
For strawberry lovers, pick some fresh strawberries at Tokorozawa Kitada Strawberry Farm (所沢北田農園いちごのマルシェ) when you stay in Tokyo! Unlike the other orchards and farms in the area, the farm operates on an all-you-can-pick style. As soon as you enter the greenhouse, the nice aroma of strawberries surrounds you!
The Best Guide to Tokorozawa Kitada Strawberry Farm Read More »
If you are looking for a gluten-free restaurant with vegan options, visit Where Is a Dog (ウェア イズ ア ドッグ?) in Kichijōji. The gluten-free cafe is located in a small lane that intersects the Nakamichi-dōri Shopping Street (中道通り商店街). It is also a spot for cat lovers. While it isn’t a cat cafe, nor does the
Where Is a Dog: Kichijōji’s Cat-Themed Gluten-Free Cafe Read More »
For those who love special-themed cafes, don’t miss out on Coffee Hall Kugutsusō (COFFEE HALL くぐつ草) in Kichijōji. The cave vibe there is just fascinating! The underground cafe in Kichijōji’s Daiyagai District has been around since 1979 and is one of the most popular hidden spots in the area!
Coffee Hall Kugutsusō: The Mysterious Cave-Themed Cafe Read More »
If you want to stay in a ryokan close to Kyoto Station but don’t want to splurge, Fujiya Ryokan (藤家旅館) is a great cozy inn for you to consider! The homey ryokan is within a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station and has various amenities. Those who have stayed there enjoyed the hostess’s top-class hospitality. As
Fujiya Ryokan: The Best Budget Ryokan Close to Kyoto Station Read More »
Nowadays, when we talk about traditional Japanese villages filled with traditional thatched roof houses, most people will think of the Shirakawa-go. But there is actually a spot just in Kyoto that shares a similar but less touristy atmosphere with the famous World Heritage-listed village!
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato – Kyoto’s Hidden Quaint Village Read More »
