Mt. Hiei’s Yokawa (横川) area is the least visited but most spiritual part of Enryakuji by tourists. The area was founded by Ennin (円仁), also known as Jigaku Daishi (慈覚大師). He is the disciple of Saichō (最澄) and the third head of the Tendai sect in Japan. Tucked deep in the mountain, this part of Mt. Hiei […]
The Best Guide to Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple’s Yokawa Area Read More »
Saikyō-ji (西教寺), at the foot of southeastern Mt. Hiei, is the headquarter of the Tendai Shinsei sect (天台真盛宗), which has more than 450 branches across Japan. The temple also gets more attention when fall foliage brightens up the scenery.
Saikyō-ji – One of the Best Temples for Fall Foliage Hunting Read More »
Amongst all the Satobō (residence of retired monks) in Sakamoto, the Former Chikurin-in (旧竹林院) is probably the most famous. Not only is it known to be one of the highest-rank temples in Enryakuji, but its garden was also designated the National Place of Scenery Beauty in 1998. Nowadays, this garden is known as a spot
Former Chikurin-in Temple and the Stunning Garden Reflection Read More »
If you are after a spiritual place in Kameoka, consider visiting Izumo-Daijingū Shrine (出雲大神宮). The shrine that is tucked in Kyoto‘s beautiful nature has a serene atmosphere. When the weather starts getting colder, the precinct becomes more splendid with different colors in the background.
Izumo-Daijingū: An Ancient But Beautiful Shrine in Kameoka Read More »
Mitaki-dera (三瀧寺 or 三滝寺) is a temple standing in the middle of Mt. Mitaki (三滝山). Throughout the precinct of the temple, there are a couple of mountain streams flowing from the three majestic waterfalls. It might sound like the temple is hard to get to when we say it is in a mountain, but that
Mitaki-dera: The Stunning Temple in Hiroshima’s City Center Read More »
Kyoto isn’t just about all the temples and Geishas around Kyoto Station. Some of the prefecture’s most amazing spots are located away from the urban crowd and hidden in rural areas such as Nantan City (南丹市). Just around 1 – 2 hours away from Kyoto’s city center, you will find Japan’s stunning rural landscape with
Kyoto’s Stunning Spots off the Beaten Track in Nantan City Read More »
If you ever wonder what the interior of a dam look like, don’t miss out on Hiyoshi Dam (日吉ダム) when you come to Kyoto! The Kansai region‘s biggest dam is also a facility to learn about the power of flooding and how a dam can effectively minimize the damage of too much rain and maintain
Hiyoshi Dam: The Biggest Dam in the Kansai Region Read More »
If you plan to visit Nagahama City in Shiga Prefecture in November, remember to put Keisoku-ji (鶏足寺) and Shakudō-ji Temple (石道寺) in your itinerary. Although located away from the city center, the two temples just minutes away from each other are the best destinations for autumn color hunting!
Keisoku-ji – Nagahama’s Most Alluring Destination in Fall Read More »
Because of the Battle of Shizugatake (賤ヶ岳の戦い) in 1583 between Hashiba Hideyoshi (羽柴秀吉) and Shibata Katsuie (柴田勝家), Mt. Shizugatake is not only a scenic destination but also a pilgrimage spot for Japanese history buffs. Around the summit, monuments of the battlefield and those who died in the war commemorate the historic event. At the same
Shizugatake: The Stunning Attraction With a Bloody History Read More »
Nowadays, when we talk about traditional Japanese villages filled with traditional thatched roof houses, most people will think of the Shirakawa-go. But there is actually a spot just in Kyoto that shares a similar but less touristy atmosphere with the famous World Heritage-listed village!
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato – Kyoto’s Hidden Quaint Village Read More »
