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 »
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 »
Towards the north end of Kyoto’s city center in Katagamine (鷹ヶ峰), Shōzan Resort Kyoto (しょうざんリゾート京都) is where the locals would visit for a stylish getaway. The area is also where you can feel the history of Kyoto. The water from the Kamiyagawa River (紙屋川) flowing through the resort was used to make paper for the
Shōzan Resort Kyoto: The Hidden Gem for a Traditional Garden Read More »
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 »
If you are coming to Fukuchiyama City by train, you might notice a castle up on the hill from the train window. Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城) is a popular destination and a landmark in Northern Kyoto. It was also listed in the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (続日本100名城) by the Japanese Castle Foundation (日本城郭協会)!
Fukuchiyama Castle and Why Akechi Mitsuhide Was a Good Man Read More »
