Kyoto Prefecture

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Hōsen-in and Its Amazing Gardens and Blood-Stained Ceiling

Just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Ōhara’s (大原) prime attraction, Sanzen-in, is the Hōsen-in Temple (宝泉院). While the scale of Hōsen-in is smaller than Sanzen-in, think twice before giving it a pass. Because in addition to two gorgeous gardens, the temple also has a historical element that can be traced back to 1600!

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Sanzen-in – One of the Most Stunning Hidden Gems in Kyoto

Since ancient times, Ōhara has been a tranquil affair where nobles, Shugendō practitioners, and monks retired. The quiet yet breathtaking township is ideal for those seeking a place to spend their later lives quietly. Among the many Buddhist temples in Ōhara, Sanzen-in (三千院), situated on high ground, is of the highest rank. Since the late

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The Best Guide to How to Get to Mt. Hiei and Enryaku-ji

Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is undoubtedly the top tourist destination in the country. But because of its popularity, the city center is packed with hundreds of thousands of tourists. So, if you want to enjoy the traditional side of Japan without being surrounded by strangers, visit Mt. Hiei, located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga

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Izumo-Daijingū: An Ancient But Beautiful Shrine in Kameoka

If you are after a spiritual place in Kameoka, consider visiting Izumo-Daijingū Shrine (出雲大神宮). The shrine that is tucked in Kyoto‘s beautiful nature has a serene atmosphere. When the weather starts getting colder, the precinct becomes more splendid with different colors in the background.

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Fukukuru:The Hidden Wood-Fired Bakery in Kameoka, Kyoto

If you fancy yourself a bread connoisseur, you must give Fukukuru Woodfire Bakery (薪窯パンふくくる) in Kameoka a try! Although it is a little far from Kameoka Station, the bread is very flavorful and delicious. The little store in an old folk house has a relaxing atmosphere. The couple who run the bakery are very nice

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Kameoka Fog Terrace: Kyoto’s Best Spot to See Adore Sea of Clouds

Because Kameoka City (亀岡市) is situated in a basin, it is usually covered by a thick fog in the morning from late autumn to early spring. The locals refer to the fog in Kameoka as Tamba Fog (丹波霧), and the fantastic sea of clouds scenery earned Kameoka the title of “The City of Fog” (霧の都)!

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Anao-ji: The Temple Where a Buddha Is Lying In Bed

If you are already bored with ordinary temples and shrines in Kyoto, you might still want to check out Anao-ji Temple (穴太寺) when you visit Kameoka. The Buddha is covered in a Japanese futon! Known as the 21st temple in The 33 Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Anao-ji, boasting a history of more than 1,300 years, is

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Kyotamba – The Black Beans, the Chestnuts and the Sceneries

Kyotamba is a quiet town in the central part of Kyoto Prefecture with abundant nature. With large temperature differences between daytime and nighttime, the town is renowned for its black beans and chestnut production. When the part of Kyoto Jūkan Expressway (京都縦貫自動車道) was finally completed for the Kyotamba section, the town became one of the

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Kyoto’s Stunning Spots off the Beaten Track in Nantan City

Kyoto isn’t just about all the temples and Geishas around Kyoto Station. Some of the prefecture’s most amazing spots are located away from the urban crowd and hidden in rural areas such as Nantan City (南丹市). Just around 1 – 2 hours away from Kyoto’s city center, you will find Japan’s stunning rural landscape with

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