Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
If you have read our Kinosaki Onsen article, do you remember our history talk about the monk, Dōchi Shōnin (道智上人), who uncovered the spring source of the hot spring town? The story continues and is the origin of Onsenji Temple (温泉寺) at Mt. Daishi. In the past, those who visited Kinosaki for the hot spring […]
Onsenji Temple: Kinosaki Onsen’s Guardian Temple Read More »
At the south of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, three temples were erected in the early 8th century. Each has a worship hall designated as a National Treasure in its precinct. Together, the three Tendai sect temples have been known as the ‘Konan Sanzan (湖南三山)’ since 2005. But nowadays, instead of the national treasures, what
Konan Sanzan – The Three Most Scenic Temples South of Lake Biwa Read More »
While Zensui-ji (善水寺) isn’t close to the other two temples of Konan City (known as Konan Sanzan), it is still a temple that is worth the travel. Like Chōju-ji and Jōraku-ji, Zensui-ji has a beautiful precinct and houses a national treasure. In addition, the temple with a Healing Buddha as the main image has sacred water for
Zensui-ji: A Stunning Temple to Source Sacred Water Read More »
If you want to avoid the crowds at Kyoto‘s famous autumn foliage spots, consider visiting Jōraku-ji (常楽寺), the best place in southern Shiga Prefecture to adore the vivid fall colors from mid-November to early December. While there aren’t many bus services that stop close to the temple, the scenery here will amaze you! Among the
Jōraku-ji: Konan City’s Best Fall Foliage Hunting Spot Read More »
In the Ishibe area of Konan City (湖南市), Chōju-ji (長寿寺) is a temple with breathtaking scenery. Adding to the temple’s charm, cute decorations and paper cutting art can be found throughout the precinct. Because it is located the eastmost among the city’s three temples that house a national treasure, Chōju-ji is also referred to as
Chōju-ji: The Stunning Fall Foliage and Amazing Papercutting Read More »
If you need to spend a night at Kansai International Airport, book a night with First Cabin Kansai Airport (ファーストキャビン関西空港). While KIX Airport Café Lounge NODOKA is our favorite, First Cabin Kansai Airport gives you a more comfortable stay. Besides private rooms, it also has a public bath, perfect to rejuvenate!
The Best Guide to First Cabin Kansai Airport Read More »
Shijō is arguably the busiest part of Kyoto City. As the city’s commercial center, this part of Kyoto is filled with department stores, boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. So, after visiting the famous attractions in the city, many would end their day in Shijō to experience Kyoto’s nightlife. The great news is that there are
The Vegan-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants in Kyoto Shijō Read More »
Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto, is very underrated. Despite many cultural properties and beautiful scenery in the prefecture, not many international tourists are aware of its existence. Because of the lack of overseas visitors, vegan-friendly restaurants are hard to come by. Fortunately, a few places are scattered in Shiga where you can enjoy a meal
The Best Guide to the Vegan-Friendly Spots in Shiga Prefecture Read More »
If you can only visit one castle in Japan, Himeji Castle is undoubtedly the one to visit. The castle that escaped the fate of being bombed isn’t just the most elegant castle in Japan but is also one of the top cherry blossoms and fall foliage destinations in the Kansai region. If you feel hungry
The Best Guide to Himeji’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Read More »
While there are many vegan-friendly restaurants in Kyoto’s city center, once you travel beyond the busy area, the number of plant-based spots decreases sharply. Fortunately, VeganLife SoiSoi (ヴィーガンライフソイソイ) opened in Kyotamba in 2023. The spot in the quaint town between Kyoto City and Amanohashidate is a great restaurant to stop by for lunch. So, if
VeganLife SoiSoi: The Hidden Vegan Restaurant in Kyoto Read More »
