Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
Because of the Battle of Shizugatake (賤ヶ岳の戦い) in 1583 between Hashiba Hideyoshi (羽柴秀吉) and Shibata Katsuie (柴田勝家), Mt. Shizugatake is not only a scenic destination but also a pilgrimage spot for Japanese history buffs. Around the summit, monuments of the battlefield and those who died in the war commemorate the historic event. At the same […]
Shizugatake: The Stunning Attraction With a Bloody History Read More »
If you aren’t told, you might not know that one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty is just minutes from JR Nagahama Station. Keiunkan (慶雲館) is the spot that was built to receive the Emperor Meiji’s visit in the late 19th century. Apart from the gorgeous garden, it is also one of the spots
Keiunkan: A Must-Visit in Nagahama for the Japanese Garden Read More »
Nagahama Castle (長浜城) at the northeastern lakeshore of Lake Biwa is known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s starting point for becoming the leader of Japan. Even if you aren’t interested in Japanese history and the Japanese castle, you might still want to visit the castle park in spring. Usually, from early to mid-April, the cherry trees blossom
Nagahamajō: The Castle That Leads to Hideyoshi’s Success Read More »
If you are into shopping and trendy cafes, come to Kurokabe Square (黒壁スクエア) when you visit Nagahama in Shiga Prefecture! In this shopping district, not only are there boutique shops selling intricately hand-made glass items, but there is also a museum filled with figurines of various animes, animals, demons, and many other topics!
Kurokabe Square and Kaiyōdō Figure Museum Kurokabe Guide Read More »
Daitsū-ji Temple (長浜別院 大通寺) is a branch temple of the Higashi Honganji (東本願寺) in Kyoto, belonging to the Shinshū Ōtani school (真宗大谷派). On the temple’s precinct, there are many Important Cultural Properties, including the Grand Hall relocated from Fushimi Momoyama Castle, a tower gate from Nagahama Castle, a bell from the Nanboku-chō period (1336 –
Daitsū-ji: A Temple Filled With Gorgeous Paintings Read More »
A couple of Hōkoku Shrine (豊国神社) enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Japan, and one of them is in Nagahama. His retainers, Katō Kiyomasa (加藤清正) and Kimura Shigenari (木村重成), are also enshrined here. The citizens of Nagahama erected the shrine to commemorate Hideyoshi’s third anniversary in 1600. But, after the Tokugawa shogunate was established, the shrine was
Hōkoku Shrine: A Must-Visit Spot for Japanese History Buff Read More »
One of the most famous attractions around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, is Hikone Castle (彦根城). The castle was never besieged and thus maintained its graceful appearance throughout the past 400 years. Because of its beautiful scenery, even those who aren’t interested in castles tend to pay it a visit when they travel to Shiga
Hikone Castle – Hikone’s Best Cherry Blossom Destination Read More »
If you want to stay in a ryokan close to Kyoto Station but don’t want to splurge, Fujiya Ryokan (藤家旅館) is a great cozy inn for you to consider! The homey ryokan is within a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station and has various amenities. Those who have stayed there enjoyed the hostess’s top-class hospitality. As
Fujiya Ryokan: The Best Budget Ryokan Close to Kyoto Station Read More »
Nowadays, when we talk about traditional Japanese villages filled with traditional thatched roof houses, most people will think of the Shirakawa-go. But there is actually a spot just in Kyoto that shares a similar but less touristy atmosphere with the famous World Heritage-listed village!
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato – Kyoto’s Hidden Quaint Village Read More »
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 »
