Kobe (神戸), a fashionable port city only a 30 minutes train ride from Osaka, has many hidden gems that many international visitors aren’t aware of. As an international trading port since 1868, many choose to pass it by when they visit Kansai because the city seems to be filled with western elements that aren’t unique […]
Kobe – Your Ultimate Guide to The Scenic Port City Read More »
One of the best ways to enjoy what a port has to offer is by taking a ship that cruises around the harbor. Especially at night when the buildings that line Kobe Port are all lit up, your time on the cruise ship is extra romantic and pleasant. Currently, there are three main companies that
The Best Guide to the Short Cruises from Kobe Port Read More »
If you visit Kobe via a cruise, the first area in the city you will encounter is the Meriken Park (メリケンパーク). It is basically the area around Kobe Port. The park hosts some shopping and restaurant districts and several attractions, including Kobe’s landmark: Kobe Port Tower. You will also find an earthquake memorial park that
Meriken Park: The Must-Visit Commercial Area in Kobe Read More »
Kōyasan, one of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (紀伊山地の霊場と参詣道) that was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004, is a popular destination for tourists. However, if you are interested in samurai history, you will want to extend your visit to Kudoyama Town (九度山町) at the foot of the
Kudoyama – The World Heritage Town and Sanada Yukimura’s Confinement Read More »
Originally, to get to Kōyasan, pilgrims needed to hike through the long approach called Kōyasan Chōishi-michi (高野山町石道), starting from the foot of the mountain. The starting point of that pilgrimage route is the Jison-in Temple (慈尊院). Established as the “front door” of Kōyasan by Kōbō Daishi, it was the place where his mother stayed after
The Best Guide to Jison-in: The Front Door of Kōyasan Read More »
If you are planning to visit the world heritage Kōyasan, remember to drop by the Niutsuhime Shrine (丹生都比売神社), which is on the pilgrimage route of Kōyasan chōishi-michi (高野山町石道) starting from Jison-in Temple in Kudoyama Town. The shrine has a deep connection with Kōyasan’s founding. One of the gods who is enshrined here – Kariba Myōjin
Niutsuhime Shrine and the God Who Helped Founded Kōyasan Read More »
Besides the World Heritage Site Byodoin, Uji has another must-visit temple, especially from spring to autumn. Mimuroto-ji (三室戸寺) is a hidden gem to international visitors in the city best known for its matcha production. It is one of Kyoto‘s most famous flower spots, as gorgeous flowers can be adored throughout the four seasons. Various unique
Mimuroto-ji: The Most Picturesque Temple in Uji in Kyoto Read More »
If you are a Japanese history buff or a fan of the famous samurai, Sanada Yukimura, the town you must visit in the Kansai region is Kudoyama. The town where Yukimura and his father spent their late years is the best spot to get a rough understanding of the hardships they endured throughout the 14
Zenmyōshō-in Temple (Sanada-an) and the Sanada Clan Read More »
The name Komatsu probably makes you think of construction sites and a global manufacturing company. And most people might know about Komatsu City (小松市) in Ishikawa Prefecture because of Komatsu Airport and the manufacturing company that has a long presence in it. But you might not be aware that the city boasts beautiful natural landscapes,
Komatsu City and Its Stunning Landscape and Craftworks Read More »
Among the five lagoon lakes in Ishikawa Prefecture, Lake Kiba (木場潟) is the most stunning and the only one left in its original natural state. On a clear day, you might find many photographers at the west of the lake with professional cameras. The reflection of one of the Top Three Sacred Mountains in Japan,
Lake Kiba: The Most Scenic Lagoon Lake in Close to Kanazawa Read More »
