Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
If sightseeing is what you are after in Kobe, stopping by the Kitano Ijinkan-Gai (北野異人館街) is a must, even if you come from a European country with similar house features. The old houses open to the public have all been renovated into museums with different themes. From the ones where you get to peek into […]
Kitano Ijinkan-gai and the Most Interesting Old Houses You Will Ever Find Read More »
If you only have time to visit a few houses in Kitano Ijikan-gai, ensure the Platon Decorative Arts Museum (プラトン装飾美術館) is on the list. The fundamental difference between the Platon Decorative Arts Museum and the other Western-style houses in the area is that this one is privately owned. Probably because of this, the staff welcoming
Platon Decorative Arts Museum: The Must-Go Spot in Kitano Ijinkan-gai Read More »
If you have been to Kyoto, you might have heard of or been to Kitano Tanmangū Shrine (北野天満神社). So when you hear of the Kitano Tenman shrine, you might wonder if they are related. And you are right. The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto is the origin of the Kitano Tenman Shrine in Kobe! Besides
Kitano Tenman Shrine and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
Close to Kobe in Takarazuka City, Nakayama-dera (中山寺) is a well-known plum blossom spot in the region. The temple has long been known for granting child-related prayers, including safe delivery. So, it was worshipped and supported by the imperial family and power samurais, such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Escalators and elevators are in the temple, making it
Nakayama-dera: The Safe Delivery Rituals & Stunning Flowers Read More »
When people talk about Osaka, they talk about all the great food from Dōtonbori, the Universal Studio Japan, and much more! The second-largest metropolitan area in Japan is a great place to have fun while accompanied by its mouth-watering food. But what if you want a bit of cultural element and quietness but simply can’t
Ikeda City: A Laid-Back City With a Long History in Osaka Read More »
We all know that instant noodles in Japan are super delicious, no matter what flavor you choose! But has it ever occurred to you that the particular ingredient you crave just isn’t in front of you? If that has ever been the case, come to the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda (カップヌードルミュージアム 大阪池田)!
The Best Guide to the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda Read More »
Numerous World’s Fairs have been held since the mid-19th century, and a couple of them were held in Japan (one was held in Osaka in 1970). After the exhibition, the site was turned into Osaka’s biggest park, where the locals can walk through woods and meadows and wade through small rivers. A couple of facilities
The Best Guide to the Events at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Read More »
Nestled in a sacred area at the foot of Mt. Ikoma (生駒山麓) bordering the Nara Basin, Hiraoka Shrine (枚岡神社) is known as Kawachi Province’s Ichinomiya (河内国一之宮). It means that the shrine was the most influential shrine in the Kawachi Province. Because the Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) in Nara enshrines the two main gods in Hiraoka Shrine,
Hiraoka Shrine: A Scenic Shrine That Holds a Laughing Ritual Read More »
If you plan to travel to Osaka with young children in spring or autumn, Tamateyama Park (柏原市立 玉手山公園) is a good spot for a family trip! The municipal park was completed in 1999 and has a ground area of 68,000 square meters. In spring, the locals head to the park for plum and cherry blossoms.
Tamateyama Park: A Hidden Spot for Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
If you are in Osaka from late February to early July and are after an off-the-beaten-path spot to enjoy nature and different kinds of flowers, consider heading to Osaka Garden of Floral Culture! The vast park is divided into several zones, each with a different type of flowers planted. Although getting there isn’t straightforward, you
Osaka’s Hidden Floral Spot: Osaka Garden of Floral Culture Read More »
