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
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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
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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
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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
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For those who are eager to explore the stunning Kurobe Gorge on foot, follow the sign at Kurobe Gorge Railway‘s Unazuki Station and walk the Yamabiko Promenade (やまびこ遊歩道). The 1.1km promenade goes past the Kyū-Yamabiko Bridge to Unazuki Dam Observatory, which allows you to walk along railway bridges, tunnels, and old railway tracks. You might
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Kyoto has many temples and shrines, and the famous ones are usually flooded with tourists! To enjoy your time in Kyoto’s city center, cherry-picking the temples to visit is essential. Daikaku-ji (大覚寺) is a temple that we recommend stopping by, especially during the plum and cherry blossom season. The precinct is also stunning during the
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Agatsuma Gorge (吾妻渓谷) is a must-visit scenic spot in Kawarayu Onsen. The stunning gorge tucked away in the mountains of Gunma is a designed National Place of Scenery Beauty. Especially during the autumn leaves and fresh green seasons, the sheer valley is so beautiful buried amongst the red and light green trees.
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Yamba Dam (八ッ場ダム) at the south end of the Agatsuma Gorge is undoubtedly the most prominent landmark of Kawarayu Onsen. It can even be said that the construction of Yamba Dam made the hot spring town famous. While the dam has caused much controversy, its completion is definitely an asset to not only Naganohara Town
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Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮) at the west foot of Mt. Hiei (比叡山) is a facility belonging to the Japanese imperial family that has earned a 2-Star rating from the Michelin Green Guide. It was designed by the retired Emperor Go-mizuno’o (後水尾上皇) with the idea of a villa in the countryside with beautiful scenery in every
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If Kyoto Imperial Palace iis on your itinerary, consider applying for a permit to enter Kyoto Sentō Imperial Palace (仙洞御所). The palace is renowned for its picturesque fall scenery. Many people also visit the palace for its garden view, decorated with blooming flowers in spring. As only 250 people are allowed to enter this part
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