Close to Arashiyama, there is a hidden gem for anyone who loves cats. Umenomiya Taisha (梅宮大社) has long been a shrine where the locals pray for sake-brewing and baby-related matters in Kyoto. Apparently, Empress Danrin (檀林皇后) was blessed with her first child, Emperor Ninmyō (仁明天皇), after praying at the shrine. But recently, it has also become […]
Umenomiya Taisha: The Cat Shrine Famous for Plum Blossoms Read More »
Tatsuno City (たつの市), also known as Harima Province’s “Little Kyoto” (播磨の小京都), is a lovely city with a historical and tranquil atmosphere. Situated along the coast, quite a few of the attractions in the city come with a panorama view of the Seto Inland Sea, including a forest of plum blossoms. The city is also where
Tatsuno City – The Perfect Place to Enjoy the Four Seasons Read More »
You must have entered a museum at some point in your life. To protect the exhibits, food and drinks are usually not allowed in most museums in the world. So, if you like noodles and want to visit an uncommon museum where you can sample noodles, visit Ibo-no-Ito Sōmen Museum (揖保乃糸資料館そうめんの里) in Tatsuno City, the
Ibo-no-Ito Sōmen Museum: A Museum to Sample Thin Noodles Read More »
If you visit Tatsuno City in spring or the fall, Tatsuno Park (龍野公園) is the must-visit spot in the rural city. The beautiful cherry blossom spread from Tatsuno Castle to Tatsuno Park on the west. Following the road from the castle, you will arrive at the tea house completed in the Edo period, Shūentei (聚遠亭).
Tatsuno Park: Where You Can Enjoy Seasonal Colors and Tea Read More »
During your time at Kinosaki Onsen, how about a side trip to Genbudō Park (玄武洞公園), which has some amazing landscapes created by volcanic activity 1.6 million years ago? Although the park is called Genbudō, which means Genbu Cave, it actually has five basalt caves, each named after one of the four Chinese mythological divine beasts.
Genbudō Park – The Best Basalt Park with NS Pole Reversed Read More »
Izushi (出石) is a quaint town in Toyooka City where you can find traces of Japanese history dating back to the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Although it might not seem like it now, the castle town used to be incredibly prosperous. This prosperity earned it the title of Tajima Province’s Little Kyoto! Because the
Izushi – A Castle Town that Retains the Past Eras’ Remnants Read More »
If you have two days to spend in Kinosaki Onsen, allocate half a day to visit Izushi. The small township is a hidden gem close to the popular hot spring town. After enjoying the town’s famous local specialty, Izushi Soba, hike up to the top of Izushi Castle Ruins (出石城跡) for a panoramic view of
Izushi Castle: The Best Spot for a Scenic View of Izushi Read More »
When speaking of Izushi, the town is probably most famous for its Izushi Soba (出石そば). With around 40 soba restaurants in the small town, there is no doubt that soba noodles are one of the town’s biggest selling points. Unlike elsewhere in Japan, where you are served with one bowl or plate of noodles, in
The Best Place to Enjoy Izushi Soba: Soba Honjin Tsuruya Read More »
North of Toyooka City, there is a beautiful coastline with crystal-clear seawater suitable for various beach activities. Having the Sea of Japan located on one side, it has been said that Takeno Kaigan (竹野海岸) is considered to be one of the best beaches in Japan. With clean and highly transparent water, the beach is perfect
Takeno Beach – One of the Best Beaches in Japan Read More »
Akō (赤穂) is a rural city that isn’t too far away from the most elegant castle in Japan, Himeji Castle. While it is certainly not a top must-see destination in Japan, it does have its charm. In spring, it is the place that you want to be for its beautiful cherry blossom in the coastal
Akō City – The Salt, The Castle, And The Sunset Read More »
