If you are looking for a hidden gem in Kyoto to avoid the massive crowds to admire the cherry blossom and autumn foliage, come to Ōno Dam (大野ダム), which is just a 15-minute bus ride from JR Wachi Station (和知駅)! Completed in 1961, the dam located upstream of the Yura River (由良川) is a multipurpose […]
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If this is your first time visiting Kyoto, Arashiyama is probably on your itinerary. While the main streets in the area are packed, the great news is that there is a less-known stunning spot that isn’t flooded with tourists. Kameyama Park (亀山公園) has a small plum blossom spot close to the bamboo forest. Over 10
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Totsukawa Village (十津川村), the biggest village in Japan, is located in the southernmost part of Nara Prefecture. It is blessed with beautiful scenery. To its north is the Tanize Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Japan. Sasano Falls, located in the middle of the village, is one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in the
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One of the most scenic places in the Yoshino District is probably Mitarai Valley (みたらい渓谷) in Tenkawa Village (天川村). The valley that boasts of being one of the most stunning valleys in the Kansai region is located where the Yamagami River (山上川) that flows from Mt. Ōmine (大峯山) joins the Amano River (天ノ川). It is
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One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto’s city center is Nijō Castle (二条城). The castle was a symbol of the samurai’s world but is also where the reign of the Tokugawa clan ended. Apart from the historical elements, it is also where you can enjoy seasonal colors, including plum and cherry blossoms and fall
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Nagaoka Tenmangū (長岡天満宮) in Kyoto that venerates Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) is one of the top Tenmangū shrines in Japan. Unlike other Tenmangū shrines, the one in Nagaoka has a wooden statue of Michizane that he made himself as the subject of worship. On the vast grounds of approximately 20,000 square meters, you can enjoy
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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
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With an altitude of 2702 meters, Mt. Hakusan or Mt. Haku (白山) is one of the top three mountains in Japan, along with Mt. Fuji (富士山) and Mt. Tate (立山) of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. With picturesque and magnificent scenery along the hiking trails, Mt. Hakusan is a popular hiking destination for any age
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Towards the north end of Kyoto’s city center in Katagamine (鷹ヶ峰), Shōzan Resort Kyoto (しょうざんリゾート京都) is where the locals would visit for a stylish getaway. The area is also where you can feel the history of Kyoto. The water from the Kamiyagawa River (紙屋川) flowing through the resort was used to make paper for the
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If you are a history buff or enjoy Japanese gardens, Chishaku-in (智積院) is an ideal spot to visit. The temple was initially built to pray for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s first son. While the garden isn’t particularly spacious, it is the second closest publicly accessible garden to Kyoto Station that has been designated as one of the
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