Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
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!
Hōsen-in and Its Amazing Gardens and Blood-Stained Ceiling Read More »
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
Sanzen-in – One of the Most Stunning Hidden Gems in Kyoto Read More »
Kōka City, in the southeast of Shiga Prefecture, is undoubtedly most famous for Kōga ninja. But pottery lovers visit Kōka for something else. The city, home to one of the Six Ancient Kilns in Japan, has another local specialty, the Shigaraki ware (信楽焼). So in Kōga, other than the ninja decorations, the other mascot representing
The Fascinating Shigaraki Ware Attractions in Shigaraki Town Read More »
Kōka City, in Shiga Prefecture‘s southwest, is well-known for ninja because one of the three most prominent ninja martial art schools was born here. While that might be the primary reason you want to visit the city, we reckon you are missing out if you give other amazing attractions in the city a miss. This
Kōka – The Ninja, the Ceramics, and Other Fascinating Spots Read More »
A hidden gem in Kōka City in Shiga Prefecture is the Miho Museum (ミホ・ミュージアム), buried deep in the mountain at the city’s west. Precisely like the architectural design concept, stepping onto the museum’s ground is like stepping into utopia. While the bus trip from Ishiyama Station takes around an hour, you won’t regret making the
Miho Museum: The Most Amazing Art Museum in Japan Read More »
One of the best temples to visit in Kōka is Daichi-ji (大池寺). The temple erected by Gyōki (行基) has a gorgeous garden and a torii gate almost submerged in a lake! It is quietly tucked in Shiga Prefecture‘s countryside. Not known by many people, it is a great spot to visit if you are after
Daichi-ji Temple: The Hidden Picturesque Gem Close to Kyoto Read More »
If you are after one of Japan’s most delicious mochi rice cakes, make sure Kōka Mochifuru Sato-kan Mochimochi House (甲賀もちふる里館 もちもちハウス) in Shiga Prefecture‘s Kōka City is on your itinerary. The facility is basically a rice cake workshop with a shop and a restaurant attached – it is guaranteed that the mochi you purchase or
The Best Mochi at Kōka Mochifuru Sato-kan Mochimochi House Read More »
You must have heard of the occupation of Ninja in your life. They are those people who snuck into enemies’ houses to gather information. To protect themselves, they developed a series of ninja martial arts that helped them disguise themselves and/or escape from the scene smoothly.
The Ultimate Kōka City’s Ninja Attractions Guide Read More »
Do you feel like nothing you have done recently has gone smoothly? Then, next time you visit Japan’s Kansai region, you may want to stop by Tamura Shrine (田村神社). Known for its power to help pilgrims get rid of their bad luck, it is also a popular place to pray for a safe upcoming trip.
Tamura Shrine – Where You Can Join a Unique Cleansing Ritual Read More »
While there are quite a few temples and shrines that frequently appear on the big screen, Aburahi Shrine (油日神社) in the ninja and ceramic city of Kōka isn’t just a film shooting location. Its splendid tower gate and gorgeous hallway blend perfectly with the surrounding scenery and beautiful nature!
Aburahi Shrine – A Popular Movie Shooting Destination Read More »
