Kansai Region

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

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Spending a Night at Ine Bay’s Funaya, WATER FRONT INN Yosasou

If you are after a unique experience in Japan, consider spending a night at Ine Bay‘s traditional house, Funaya (舟屋). This type of architecture can only be found at Ine. This is why the Funayas are nationally recognized as cultural property. A couple of the former fishermen’s houses were later renovated into ryokans. If you […]

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The Complete Guide to the Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat

At Ine, approximately 230 Funayas line the Ine Bay, with most of them as private residential properties. Since the town has two main bay areas, if you want to see all of the houses in one go, consider taking either the Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat (伊根湾めぐり遊覧船) or hiring a Sea Taxi (海上タクシー). Seeing this unique

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Nariaiji Temple: The Scenic Hidden Gem in Amanohashidate

Amongst all the attractions in Amanohashidate that have lookouts and observation decks, Nariaiji (成相寺) is the one we enjoyed the most! It is the most scenic place in the area throughout the year, especially during the autumn foliage season from early to mid-November. Located further up from Kasamatsu Park, you might be able to see

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Motoise Kono Jinja: The Iconic Shrine in Amanohashidate

If you are trekking or cycling your way to the north of Amanohashidate, you will go past the Motoise Kono Shrine (元伊勢籠神社) on your way to Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park. The shrine is the highest-ranked shrine in the San-in region and was the home of the god in the famous Ise Jingū (伊勢神宮) in Mie Prefecture.

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Hikobee Chaya: The Best Place to Get Chie no Mochi

Close to Chionji Temple‘s Sanmon gate, a couple of cafes and restaurants sell the local specialty, Chie no Mochi (智恵の餅) or Wisdom Rice Cake in English. The cafe we recommend the most is Hikobee Chaya (彦兵衛茶屋). You will hardly miss it when you walk towards Chionji’s Sanmon Gate. The large lady figure in Kimono is

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Chionji: The Temple in Amanohashidate to Gain More Wisdom

From Amanohashidate Station, if you head straight to the shore, Chionji Temple (智恩寺) is the first main attraction you will encounter. The temple is ranked first of the three temples in Japan dedicated to the Monju Bodhisattva (文殊菩薩), the widest Bodhisattva in Buddhism. Because up until a few centuries ago, Amanohashidate was part of the

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How to Travel Between the Attractions in Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate (天橋立), one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), is a sandbar at Miyazu Bay (宮津湾) in northern Kyoto. The 3.6 km long sandbar, with a width ranging from 20 to 170 meters, was created by crustal movements, connecting Miyazu Bay’s north and south end. To get a clear view of such

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Miyazu City’s Best 3 Attractions Other Than Amanohashidate

Miyazu is a city in northern Kyoto Prefecture best known for one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), Amanohashidate. The 3.6 km long sandbar with the surrounding nature is considered one of Japan’s celebrated scenic sites. So it shouldn’t be a surprise if most Japanese want to go to this place at least

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The Best Guide to the Plum Blossom Spots in Hyōgo Prefecture

Most international tourists would visit Hyōgo Prefecture for Kobe. While the port city can be easily accessed from Osaka or Kyoto, the tourist attractions are usually packed, especially during the flowering seasons. So, exploring other parts of the prefecture would be a great idea if you don’t want to be pushed around. While some of

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