If you are looking for a hidden gem in Kyoto to avoid the massive crowds to admire the cherry blossom and autumn foliage, come to Ōno Dam (大野ダム), which is just a 15-minute bus ride from JR Wachi Station (和知駅)! Completed in 1961, the dam located upstream of the Yura River (由良川) is a multipurpose […]
Ōno Dam: Kyoto’s Hidden Cherry Blossoms & Fall Foilage Spot Read More »
Regardless the overtourism problem, Kyoto is undoubtably Japan’s most popular tourist destination. The ancient capital of Japan has so much to offer that many people are enchanted by its charms. If you plan to visit Kyoto in early spring, there are several spots for you to add to your itinerary to enjoy the seasonal flower,
The Best Guide to Kyoto Prefecture’s Plum Blossom Spots Read More »
One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto’s city center is Nijō Castle (二条城). The castle was a symbol of the samurai’s world but is also where the reign of the Tokugawa clan ended. Apart from the historical elements, it is also where you can enjoy seasonal colors, including plum and cherry blossoms and fall
Nijō Castle: The Representative Spot to Feel Samurai’s World Read More »
Because of other more renowned places in the region, Ayabe City (綾部市), almost in the center of Kyoto Prefecture, isn’t a famous destination in the Kansai region that receives much attention from the media. However, quite a few places in the city are worth your time in spring. What we are implying here isn’t cherry
Ayabe – The City in Kyoto Filled with Hidden Gems Read More »
If you plan to visit Amanohashidate (天橋立), one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), between late February and early March, consider stopping by the plum blossom spots in Ayabe City on your way back to Kyoto’s city center. These spots are less known to tourists, so you won’t be pushed around when
The Top Plum Blossom Spots in Ayabe City in Kyoto Read More »
Nagaoka Tenmangū (長岡天満宮) in Kyoto that venerates Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) is one of the top Tenmangū shrines in Japan. Unlike other Tenmangū shrines, the one in Nagaoka has a wooden statue of Michizane that he made himself as the subject of worship. On the vast grounds of approximately 20,000 square meters, you can enjoy
Nagaoka Tenmangū: The Shrine With a Splendid Azalea Approach Read More »
If you are looking for a huge plum grove in a rural area, consider visiting Aodani Bairin (青谷梅林). With 10,000 plums planted in the 20-hectare land, it is the most enormous plum grove in Kyoto Prefecture. Around 20,000 people would visit the plum grove every year. The plum varieties at Aodani Bairin are mostly white
Aodani Bairin: Kyoto Prefecture’s Largest Plum Grove Read More »
Besides the World Heritage Site Byodoin, Uji has another must-visit temple, especially from spring to autumn. Mimuroto-ji (三室戸寺) is a hidden gem to international visitors in the city best known for its matcha production. It is one of Kyoto‘s most famous flower spots, as gorgeous flowers can be adored throughout the four seasons. Various unique
Mimuroto-ji: The Most Picturesque Temple in Uji in Kyoto Read More »
Maizuru City (舞鶴市), facing the Sea of Japan, is located in the northern section of Kyoto Prefecture. While the rest of Kyoto is largely adorned with traditional buildings from eras up to the end of the Edo period, Maizuru City embodies the history of Japan after the modernization that occurred during the Meiji era.
Maizuru City – The Stunning Former Base of the Japanese Navy Read More »
Tanabe Castle (田辺城) is currently the Maizuru Shiritsu Tanabejō Museum (舞鶴市立 田辺城資料館). Due to its elegant appearance, it is also called Maizuru Castle. Tanabe Castle became famous among Japanese history buffs because of the Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い).
A Quick Guide to Tanabe Castle in Kyoto’s Maizuru City Read More »
