Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
Another representative plum blossom spot in Shiga Prefecture is on the grounds of a traditional confectionery maker, Kanou Shojuan Sunai no Sato (叶 匠壽庵 寿長生の郷). As many as 700 plums produce fruits for the company to make Japanese sweets. The head office in Ōtsu was renovated from an abandoned village in 1985. The company takes […]
Kanou Shojuan: Hidden Gem for Plum Blossoms in Shiga Read More »
Regardless the overtourism problem, Kyoto is undoubtably Japan’s most popular tourist destination. The ancient capital of Japan has so much to offer that many people are enchanted by its charms. If you plan to visit Kyoto in early spring, there are several spots for you to add to your itinerary to enjoy the seasonal flower,
The Best Guide to Kyoto Prefecture’s Plum Blossom Spots Read More »
There are plenty of attractions in Yoshino District (吉野郡) in Nara that are sadly overshadowed by classic sites like Tōdaiji Temple (東大寺) in Nara Prefecture. It is time to shed light on the very best Yoshino has to offer. If you are fond of cherry blossoms and/or fall foliage, read on!
Yoshino – Where World Heritage Sites Meet Stunning Scenery Read More »
If you find the cherry blossoms at Mt. Yoshino too touristy, check out the flowers at Takami no Sato (高見の郷) in Higashiyoshino Village instead. Although the spot doesn’t have 30,000 cherry trees, the 1,000 weeping cherry blossoms at an altitude of 650 meters will still enchant you!
Takami no Sato: The Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot Near Mt. Yoshino Read More »
Totsukawa Village (十津川村), the biggest village in Japan, is located in the southernmost part of Nara Prefecture. It is blessed with beautiful scenery. To its north is the Tanize Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Japan. Sasano Falls, located in the middle of the village, is one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in the
Totsukawa – Japan’s Biggest Village and the Hidden Gems Read More »
Dorogawa Onsen Town (洞川温泉郷), in Tenkawa Village of Yoshino District (吉野郡天川村), is situated at an altitude of 820 meters. It has long been the first stop for the Shugendō (修験道) pilgrims on their way to the sacred mountain, Mt. Ōmine (大峯山). In hot summer, the mountain village situated in the highlands still gets to enjoy
Dorogawa Onsen: The Entrance of the Sacred Mt. Ōmine Read More »
When visiting a Japanese shrine, you must have seen those wooden plates with people’s wishes written on the back, hung on one side of the precinct. If you ever wonder where those wooden plates originated, then visit Niukawakami Shrine (丹生川上神社) in Nara‘s Yoshino District. Furthermore, you get to act like a Shinto priest swinging the
Niukawakami Shrine, The Shrine Revered by the Imperial Court Read More »
One of the most scenic places in the Yoshino District is probably Mitarai Valley (みたらい渓谷) in Tenkawa Village (天川村). The valley that boasts of being one of the most stunning valleys in the Kansai region is located where the Yamagami River (山上川) that flows from Mt. Ōmine (大峯山) joins the Amano River (天ノ川). It is
Mitarai Valley: One of the Most Stunning Valleys in Kansai Read More »
If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Kansai region, head to Yabu City in Hyōgo Prefecture. The city is perfect for outdoor recreation activities. It also has some amazing scenery that will captivate you any time of the year!
Yabu – The City in Hyōgo that is Full of Natural Wonders Read More »
Just like Mt. Hyōno, Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷), also in the Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park (氷ノ山後山那岐山国定公園) has such stunning scenery that it was chosen to be one of Japan’s Top 100 Hidden Scenic Spots! The mountain trail in Torokawa Valley is more suitable for those more experienced in mountain trekking. There are several places where you must
Torokawa Valley: A Top Picturesque Natural Spot in Kansai Read More »
