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Torokawa Valley: A Top Picturesque Natural Spot in Kansai

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 […]

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Hiking Mt. Hyōno, The Highest Mountain in Hyōgo Prefecture

Mt. Hyōno (氷ノ山), with a height of 1,510 meters, is the highest mountain in Hyōgo Prefecture. The mountain blessed with an excellent natural environment was chosen as one of Japan’s 200 most famous mountains. The area is decorated with rare plants and animals, such as the National Natural Monument Golden Eagle. The Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷)

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Tendaki Falls: A Spectacular Waterfall Near Takeda Castle

If you plan to visit Takeda Castle Ruins by car and enjoy hiking, there is a spot in Yabu City that you can visit on the same day. Tendaki Falls (天滝), with a height of 98 meters, is the best waterfall in Hyōgo Prefecture and one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls! If you are coming

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Tamaki Shrine – The Shrine that Can only Be Reached if Summonded

Tamaki Shrine (玉置神社) in Totsukawa Village, almost at the summit of Mt. Tamaki (Tamakisan, 玉置山), is the oldest shrine in Japan. The shrine is at an altitude of 1,076 meters and was founded in BC 37 by the imperial court for demon expulsion. In 2004, the shrine, one of the Shugendō’s (修験道) training sites, was registered

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Dorokyō – The Stunning Gorge that Spans Three Prefectures

Dorokyō Gorge (瀞峡) or Dorokyō Valley, located in the south of Totsukawa Village, is one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty (特別名勝). The picturesque valley remains a hidden gem to most. So if you enjoy various outdoor activities, Dorokyō can be the ideal destination to stop by when you visit the Kansai region!

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Naoshima Island – The Paradise for Contemporary Art Lovers

The Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海) is famous for its magnificent scenery. But another reason it is so well-known to the world is the Setouchi Triennale, also known as the Setouchi International Art Festival. This contemporary art festival is held every three years across the islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Even after the festival, many

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Karamon Gate Nijo Castle Kyoto Japan

Nijō Castle: The Representative Spot to Feel Samurai’s World

One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto’s city center is Nijō Castle (二条城). The castle was a symbol of the samurai’s world but is also where the reign of the Tokugawa clan ended. Apart from the historical elements, it is also where you can enjoy seasonal colors, including plum and cherry blossoms and fall

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Kōyasan – One of the Three Holiest Mountains in Japan

Kōyasan, or Mt. Kōya, is a sacred mountainous area north of Wakayama Prefecture surrounded by peaks about 1,000 meters above sea level. Having received a three-star rating in the “Michelin Green Guide Japan”, it remains an enigma to most of us. For more than 1200 years, this irreplaceable sacred settlement has enchanted people in Japan

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