Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
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 […]
The Best Guide to How to Get to Mt. Hiei and Enryaku-ji Read More »
Saikyō-ji (西教寺), at the foot of southeastern Mt. Hiei, is the headquarter of the Tendai Shinsei sect (天台真盛宗), which has more than 450 branches across Japan. The temple also gets more attention when fall foliage brightens up the scenery.
Saikyō-ji – One of the Best Temples for Fall Foliage Hunting Read More »
Just like any other Toshogū shrines in Japan, Hiyoshi Toshogū (日吉東照宮) is a shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined. A Tōshōgū was built here in 1634 because the monk Tenkai (天海), who glorified him as Tōshō Daigongen (東照大権現), is based at Sakamoto.
The Best Guide to Hiyoshi Tōshōgū Shrine in Sakamoto Read More »
If you are wondering which Satobō in Sakamoto the head of Enryakuji retired to, it is the Shigain Monzeki Temple (滋賀院門跡). It was established when the buildings were moved from Kyoto’s Hōshō-ji Temple (法勝寺) at the beginning of the Edo period. Until the late Edo period, the Shigain Monzeki Temple was where the retired heads
Shigain Monzeki: Where Enryakuji’s Head Monks Retired to Read More »
Amongst all the Satobō (residence of retired monks) in Sakamoto, the Former Chikurin-in (旧竹林院) is probably the most famous. Not only is it known to be one of the highest-rank temples in Enryakuji, but its garden was also designated the National Place of Scenery Beauty in 1998. Nowadays, this garden is known as a spot
Former Chikurin-in Temple and the Stunning Garden Reflection Read More »
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.
Izumo-Daijingū: An Ancient But Beautiful Shrine in Kameoka Read More »
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
Fukukuru:The Hidden Wood-Fired Bakery in Kameoka, Kyoto Read More »
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)!
Kameoka Fog Terrace: Kyoto’s Best Spot to See Adore Sea of Clouds Read More »
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
Anao-ji: The Temple Where a Buddha Is Lying In Bed Read More »
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
Kyotamba – The Black Beans, the Chestnuts and the Sceneries Read More »
