If you plan to visit Himeji in early spring, stop by Zuiganji (増位山随願寺). The oldest Tendai sect temple in the southern Hyōgo Prefecture has a plum grove. Aside from its cultural properties, you can also see the elegant Himeji Castle from the plum grove. Using a professional camera, a picture of the castle with plum […]
Zuiganji: A Hidden Gem to Adore the Plum Blossoms in Himeji Read More »
When you list Miyajima (宮島) as one of the destinations on your itinerary, you want to make sure you allocate enough time on the island known as “god’s island”. Some suggest that half a day on the island is more than enough. Whilst this might be true if you only wanted to take some photos
Mikuniya – Spend a Night at Miyajima’s Best Guesthouse Read More »
Miyajima isn’t just about the Floating Torii Gate. Head to the most sacred part of Miyajima, Mt. Misen (弥山), for the magnificent scenery up at the summit and to explore Mt. Misen’s Seven Wonders! The easiest way to get to the top of the sacred mountain is by taking the Miyajima Ropeway (宮島ロープウエー). If you
The Ultimate Guide to Mt. Misen and Miyajima Ropeway Read More »
When people talk about Miyajima, the first thing that will pop up in their mind is most likely the giant “floating” torii gate. In fact, at high tide, the entire shrine seems to float on water! If you have ever wondered which shrine’s precinct the torii gate is marking, it is Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), one
Itsukushima Shrine and Miyajima’s Great Torii Gate Read More »
Mt. Ōjigatake (王子が岳) is a mountain with various oddly shaped rocks on the border between the two cities, Tamano (玉野) and Kurashiki (倉敷) in Okayama Prefecture. The view of the Seto Inland Sea along the hiking trail and from the summit is what makes the mountain a popular spot among the locals. This is especially
Mt. Ōjigatake and the Weird Smiley Rock at the Summit Read More »
Tamano City (玉野市) in Okayama Prefecture is a great place to visit for outdoor activity enthusiasts as well as any art connoisseurs. From the gigantic “smiley rock” at the top of the mountain to the large fish sculpture made of items washed ashore, the artistic spirits of the Tamano citizens can be observed throughout the city! Bouldering
Tamano – An Artistic Port City Filled With Stunning Nature Read More »
Miyama Park (みやま公園) in Tamano City is an enormous park that boasts a size of more than 200 hectares. It hosts 150,000 trees spanning more than 300 species, including plums, camellias, azaleas, maples, and about 7,000 cherry trees that bloom one after another throughout the year!
Miyama Park – The Best Park in Tamano City Read More »
Located in the western part of Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan, Appi Kōgen (安比高原) is an alluringly beautiful place for relaxing walks along the plateau from spring to autumn. When the region transforms into a winter wonderland, many flocks to Appi Kōgen for skiing or snowboarding on its high-quality snow because Appi Ski Resort is
Appi Kōgen – The Biggest Resort in Northeast Japan Read More »
Sone Tenmangū (曽根天満宮), enshrining Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), was erected by his fourth son and 13 retainers after he passed away in Dazaifu, Kyushu. The spot proves that Michizane was wrongly demoted for a crime he didn’t commit. In addition to the pine that is the shrine’s symbol, around 200 plums of 40 varieties bloom
Sone Tenmangū: One of the Best Plum Blossom Spots Near Kobe Read More »
At the border between Ikeda City (池田市) and Minoo City (箕面市) is the Satsukiyama or Mt. Satsuki (五月山). The 315-meter-tall mountain is the symbol of Ikeda City. Known for its great viewpoint overlooking the Osaka Plain, many tourists would come to the summit of Satsukiyama for the night view as the lights down in the
Satsukiyama: One of Osaka’s Best Natural Destinations Read More »
