Kurama Temple (鞍馬寺), also known as Kurama-dera in Japanese, is the representative temple on Mt. Kurama in Kyoto established in 770. The temple is well-known among the Japanese because the famous military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経) was trained there during his youth. In addition, it is likely the only temple in Japan (or […]
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If you are ever looking for a naturally cool and refreshing spot in Kyoto, then read on! Mt Kurama and Kibune, located in the northernmost part of Kyoto City, are where the locals head to when they want to escape the summer heat. Why? Because the best way to spend a summer day in Kyoto
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Planning a summer trip to Kyoto? Escape the city heat with the ultimate cool-down at Hirobun (京都貴船 料理旅館 ひろ文) in Kibune, the most famous spot for Nagashi Sōmen noodles (流しそうめん). This unique dining tradition served at a river terrace, involves catching chilled flowing noodles with chopsticks as they slide down a bamboo flume, will be
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Extend your exploration of Japan’s rural landscape from Amanohashidate to Ine Bay (伊根湾)! Also known as Ine no Funaywa, the quiet Ine fishing village is located in the northern part of the Tango Peninsula (丹後半島). Along Ine Bay, where the waves are calm, a unique townscape is formed by the type of private houses called
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If you plan to visit Uji for Byōdō-in Temple (平等院), consider dining at one of the vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants nearby! In fact, while remaining unknown to most international tourists, Byōdō-in isn’t the only temple filled with Japan’s important cultural properties. Just two stations away from Uji Station, Mampuku-ji is another temple you won’t regret visiting.
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Uji City Botanical Park (宇治市植物公園) is a spot where a variety of flowers bloom throughout the year. In fact, it is a hidden gem of cherry and plum blossoms that is not far from Kyoto’s city center. In early summer, you can even visit the park at night to see many fireflies dancing! You will
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While Kyoto is famous for tofu and Kyōyasai (Kyoto’s heirloom fruit and vegetables), the dashi stock used to cook the tofu and vegetables usually contains bonito extracts. Thus, you can’t just enter a restaurant and order the first tofu or vegetable dish you see on the menu if you are strict with your vegetarian/vegan diet. But don’t worry.
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Getting from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to the major hubs of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe is a breeze once you understand the best transport routes for your budget and schedule. Whether you are looking for the fastest direct train like the JR Haruka Limited Express, a budget-friendly limousine bus that handles your heavy luggage, or the unique high-speed
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If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s city center, Ikimi Tenmangū (生身天満宮) in Nantan City is a quiet shrine worth visiting. The shrine, surrounded by many 20-meter-tall cedars and plums, will certainly make you feel refreshed. Established in the 10th century, it is recognized as Japan’s oldest Tenmangū and is a
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Kyoto, a prefecture renowned for its world heritage sites, historical and cultural streets, and buildings, is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Besides the elegant traditional buildings and amazing scenery, many are unaware that vegetarian and vegan food in Kyoto isn’t hard to come by, especially around Kyoto Station. What is more
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