If you are a history buff or enjoy Japanese gardens, Chishaku-in (智積院) is an ideal spot to visit. The temple was initially built to pray for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s first son. While the garden isn’t particularly spacious, it is the second closest publicly accessible garden to Kyoto Station that has been designated as one of the […]
Chishaku-in: The Must-Visit Hidden Gem Near Kyoto Station Read More »
Fukuchiyama (福知山), in northern Kyoto Prefecture, is a city blessed with abundant nature, hidden cherry blossoms, and fall foliage destinations. The city, known for its connection with the famous samurai – Akechi Mitsuhide, also is the best spot to admire hydrangeas in early May and also has a mountain where demons used to reside.
Fukuchiyama City and the Amazing Scenery All Year Round Read More »
If you have been to the Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮) in Mie Prefecture, you might be interested in visiting the Motoise Sansha Shrines where the objects of worship of Ise Jingu used to be enshrined. It is also a destination where rock climbing addicts would want to visit, for the worship hall which can only be
A Guide to Motoise Sansha Shrines – The Origin of Ise Jingu Read More »
Japan really is a great island country for its fantastic scenery. One of them is the Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城), located up in Mt. Kojōzan (古城山) in Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県). Castle ruins may not sound too exciting or appealing to some people, but the location and its rich history got it ranked as one of
Takeda Castle – The Hidden Castle Ruins in the Sky Read More »
Toyooka (豊岡) is a city in northern Hyōgo Prefecture. Starting from the famous hot spring resort Kinosaki Onsen with views that the Michelin Guide has recognized to the amazing landscapes created by volcanic activities in Genbudō Park and Kannabe Kōgen, this city is packed with beautiful sceneries and natural wonders!
Toyooka – The City of Extraordinary Landscapes and Sceneries Read More »
If you are looking for resorts during your visit to Kansai, consider Kannabe Kōgen in Hyōgo Prefecture‘s Toyooka City! It is a plateau located in the outer ring of Mt. Kanabe (神鍋山) and is known as one of the leading ski resorts in Kansai. When the breath of spring releases the Kannabe Kōgen from the
Kannabe Kōgen – The Crater and Other Astonishing Landscapes Read More »
When visiting a hot spring town like Kinosaki Onsen, we inevitably want to dine at a Japanese restaurant. But because bonito is a key ingredient of most Japanese dishes, finding one that can cater to the vegan diet can be quite hard. But don’t worry! While limited, Sanpou Nishimuraya (さんぽう西村屋 本店) has vegan and gluten-free
Sanpou Nishimuraya and the Amazing Japanese Cuisine Read More »
Among Kinosaki Onsen’s seven public bathhouses, Sato no Yu (さとの湯) is the newest. The bathhouse is just next to the town’s train station and faces the Maruyama River (円山川). Its outdoor onsen pool offers a scenic view of Toyooka City‘s nature. If you are lucky, the country’s Special Designated Natural Monument, White Stork (コウノトリ), may
Sato no Yu: The Bathhouse to Adore Storks & Natural Scenery Read More »
Among all Kinosaki Onsen‘s public bathhouses, Gosho no Yu (御所の湯) is the most recommended onsen facility. There aren’t many places where you can adore a 3m mighty waterfall while soaking in a hot spring, so be sure to stop by! While the bathhouse doesn’t have an indoor pool, a part of the onsen tub is
Gosho no Yu: Kinosaki Onsen’s Best Public Bathhouse Read More »
If receiving medical benefits from the hot spring is important to you, Ichi no Yu (一の湯) is the best public bathhouse to visit in Kinosaki Onsen. The spring quality was ranked the best in Japan by Japan’s Father of Hot Spring Medicine. Moreover, if you are after an experience of bathing in a cave or
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