While many scenic natural spots are not usually close to a train station, Kumoba Pond (雲場池) in Karuizawa is just a 20-minute walk from Karuizawa Station! The spot that was nicknamed Swan Lake (スワンレイク) by Westerners is a place with a very calm atmosphere that you will surely love!
Kumoba Pond: The Must-Visit Scenic Spot in Karuizawa Read More »
Living up to its fame as the best summer resort close to Tokyo, Karuizawa has a wealth of nature. And if you love exploring nature or are seeking a spot to cool yourself further down, there are two waterfalls in Karuizawa that you will want to visit. In fact, both spots are stunning throughout all
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While not as famous as Kappa Bridge or Taishō Pond, Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池) located between the two scenic spots are picturesque throughout the year. Especially in the morning of the colder months, you will find these two spots extra stunning because the plants are covered by a thin layer of frost!
The Best Guide to Tashiro Marsh and Tashiro Pond in Kamikōhi Read More »
Even if you haven’t been to Japan before, your image of Shinjuku is most likely an area in Tokyo that is filled with skyscrapers and crowds. While the stereotype is true, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑) is where you can escape the crowds and adore Japanese and Western-style beautiful gardens. Although it is one of
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If you want to escape Osaka’s crowded city center, consider taking a break at Yamadaike Park (山田池公園), north of the busy Namba area. The urban park is the perfect spot to enjoy seasonal colors and nature. You can also rent a bicycle from the park’s office and cycle between different scenic areas. There are even
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A hidden gem in Osaka for flowers and fall foliage hunting is Kanshin-ji Temple (観心寺). After all, it was chosen to be one of the Flower Temples in the Kansai region! In addition, the temple houses Osaka Prefecture’s oldest architectural national treasure. You can also perform a few simple rituals in its vast precinct. Moreover,
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Most people visit Kyoto for its traditional vibe. While the temples and shrines are certainly the must-sees in the city, you are missing out if that is all you have on your itinerary! Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園), also known as the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden, is a hidden gem in the northern part of Kyoto
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The ancient city of Kyoto has enchanted the hearts of many international tourists, making it one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. But while the tourism boom has certainly brought in a fortune to the local businesses, many find their visits increasingly unpleasant, with temples and shrines over-commercialized and over-crowded.
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After you have your fill at Ōhara‘s landmark, Sanzen-in, you can follow the Rosen River (呂川) and enjoy a 5-minute hike to Raigō-in (来迎院). The temple, surrounded by rich nature, sits quietly at the top of a small hill. In autumn, the approach to Raigō-in will be one of the most vivid paths you will
Raigō-in: The Temple where a New Buddhist Sect Was Born Read More »
Next to Sanzen-in, Jikkō-in (実光院) is another temple with stunning garden views in Ōhara (大原). While the ground of the gardens of Jikkō-in is covered by moss, the flowers of around 150 different kinds of plants will catch your attention from spring to autumn. In winter, another highlight of Jikkō-in is the cherry tree that
Jikkō-in – A Temple to Adore Cherry Blossoms from Autumn Read More »
