Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
Visiting a place related to the imperial family always feels a bit special. Why not stop by the Suma Rikyū Park (神戸市立須磨離宮公園) if you visit Kobe in spring to early summer? The park is best known for its fountain garden, reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. The panoramic view of Osaka Bay is also impressive. […]
Suma Rikyū Park: The Scenic Park That Was an Imperial Villa Read More »
A hidden gem in Osaka for flowers and fall foliage hunting is Kanshin-ji Temple (観心寺). After all, it was chosen to be one of the Flower Temples in the Kansai region! In addition, the temple houses Osaka Prefecture’s oldest architectural national treasure. You can also perform a few simple rituals in its vast precinct. Moreover,
Kanshin-ji: The Scenic Temple and Its Cultural Treasures Read More »
If you want to spend a couple of hours at a rural site accessible from Kobe, Mitoro Fruits Park (加古川市見土呂フルーツパーク) in Kakogawa City is THE perfect spot! The 12,000 square meter plum grove has around 200 plums of 11 varieties. The plum grove is divided into two parts, one for harvesting fruit and one for
Mitoro Fruits Park: The Plum Blossoms and Fruit Picking Read More »
Most people visit Kyoto for its traditional vibe. While the temples and shrines are certainly the must-sees in the city, you are missing out if that is all you have on your itinerary! Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園), also known as the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden, is a hidden gem in the northern part of Kyoto
Kyoto Botanical Garden: Kyoto’s Best Spot to Adore Flowers Read More »
If you plan to visit Dotonbori at night, visit Kōzugū Shrine (高津宮) and Kōzu Park (高津公園) in the late afternoon. The shrine, arguably close to Osaka‘s most famous tourist spot, is next to a renowned plum blossom spot, Kōzu Park. After making or saying your prayer at the shrine, follow the passageway on the shrine’s
The Best Guide to What to Do at Kōzugū Shrine and Kōzu Park Read More »
Away from Kobe‘s city center, the Sumaura Sanjō Yūen Park (須磨浦山上遊園) is a scenic amusement park on the slopes of Mt. Tekkai (鉄拐山) and Mt. Hatsubushi (鉢伏山). It overlooks Awaji Island (淡路島) and Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge (明石海峡大橋). Once a battlefield for the Battle of Yashima (屋島の戦い) back in 1185, this park is now a famous place
Sumaura Sanjō Yūen Park and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
In Osaka‘s city center, the Ōsaka Tenmangū Shrine (大阪天満宮) is a convenient spot to adore the plum blossoms. Close to Japan’s longest shopping arcade, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街), around 100 plums were planted for the god enshrined, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because Michizane is worshipped as the God of Learning (学問の神様), many students would visit
Osaka Tenmangū: The Shrine in the City to Adore Plum Blossom Read More »
The ancient city of Kyoto has enchanted the hearts of many international tourists, making it one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. But while the tourism boom has certainly brought in a fortune to the local businesses, many find their visits increasingly unpleasant, with temples and shrines over-commercialized and over-crowded.
Ōhara – Where You Meet the Traditional Townscape of Kyoto Read More »
Just in front of Sanzen-in is a restaurant specializing in tofu skin cuisine. Kyoubijaya (京美茶屋), with a history of more than 60 years, has served the monks in Sanzen-in since its establishment. While tofu skin might not sound enticing to you, don’t turn your nose up without giving it a try! You will be surprised
Kyoubijaya: The Place to Enjoy Amazing Tofu Cusine in Ōhara Read More »
After you have your fill at Ōhara‘s landmark, Sanzen-in, you can follow the Rosen River (呂川) and enjoy a 5-minute hike to Raigō-in (来迎院). The temple, surrounded by rich nature, sits quietly at the top of a small hill. In autumn, the approach to Raigō-in will be one of the most vivid paths you will
Raigō-in: The Temple where a New Buddhist Sect Was Born Read More »
