Kansai Region

Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama

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Gosho no Yu: Kinosaki Onsen’s Best Public Bathhouse

Among all Kinosaki Onsen‘s public bathhouses, Gosho no Yu (御所の湯) is the most recommended onsen facility. There aren’t many places where you can adore a 3m mighty waterfall while soaking in a hot spring, so be sure to stop by! While the bathhouse doesn’t have an indoor pool, a part of the onsen tub is […]

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Ichi no Yu: The Hot Spring With the Best Medical Benefits

If receiving medical benefits from the hot spring is important to you, Ichi no Yu (一の湯) is the best public bathhouse to visit in Kinosaki Onsen. The spring quality was ranked the best in Japan by Japan’s Father of Hot Spring Medicine. Moreover, if you are after an experience of bathing in a cave or

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Jizō-Yu: The Hot Spring Where a Jizō Bodhisattva Appeared

Besides Ichi no Yu, Jizō-Yu (地蔵湯) is another public bathhouse where you can rent a private hot spring tub in Kinosaki Onsen. Its building looks like a humble hotel but is definitely hard to miss when you walk past. The gigantic stone lantern at the front is too hard to miss! The hexagon-shaped windows are

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Fukuchiyama Castle and Why Akechi Mitsuhide Was a Good Man

If you are coming to Fukuchiyama City by train, you might notice a castle up on the hill from the train window. Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城) is a popular destination and a landmark in Northern Kyoto. It was also listed in the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (続日本100名城) by the Japanese Castle Foundation (日本城郭協会)!

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Shoseien and Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan

Shōseien: The Picturesque Garden Near Kyoto Station

If you are after a traditional garden close to Kyoto Station that is stunning throughout the year, Shōseien (渉成園) is a top choice. The garden is a renowned spot with flowers blooming in both spring and summer. Many also visit the garden in late November, when it is decorated by autumn foliage.

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Plum Blossoms at Koshoji Kyoto Japan

Kōshō-ji: The Temple for a Heart-Shaped Plum Blossom Photo

If you plan to visit Kyoto around mid-February, visit Kōshō-ji (興正寺) for its plum blossoms. Although there is only a white and a red plum in the precinct, the trees are magnificent. Plus, there is a good photo spot where you can capture the pink flowers in a heart-shaped frame!

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Five-Story Pagoda and Fujizakura Nighttime Illumination Toji Temple Kyoto Japan

Tō-ji Temple: The Stunning Temple and Its National Treasures

If you are a history buff or love historical architecture, Tō-ji (東寺), southwest of Kyoto Station, is a must-visit spot for you. It is the only remaining structure of the Kyoto from 1200 years ago. The temple houses many Japan’s national treasures and important cultural properties. In addition, it is a spot to adore seasonal

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Cats at Umenomiya Taisha Kyoto Japan

Umenomiya Taisha: The Cat Shrine Famous for Plum Blossoms

Close to Arashiyama, there is a hidden gem for anyone who loves cats. Umenomiya Taisha (梅宮大社) has long been a shrine where the locals pray for sake-brewing and baby-related matters in Kyoto. Apparently, Empress Danrin (檀林皇后) was blessed with her first child, Emperor Ninmyō (仁明天皇), after praying at the shrine. But recently, it has also become

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Tatsuno City – The Perfect Place to Enjoy the Four Seasons

Tatsuno City (たつの市), also known as Harima Province’s “Little Kyoto” (播磨の小京都), is a lovely city with a historical and tranquil atmosphere. Situated along the coast, quite a few of the attractions in the city come with a panorama view of the Seto Inland Sea, including a forest of plum blossoms. The city is also where

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Ibo-no-Ito Sōmen Museum: A Museum to Sample Thin Noodles

You must have entered a museum at some point in your life. To protect the exhibits, food and drinks are usually not allowed in most museums in the world. So, if you like noodles and want to visit an uncommon museum where you can sample noodles, visit Ibo-no-Ito Sōmen Museum (揖保乃糸資料館そうめんの里) in Tatsuno City, the

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