If you are a student or in the process of learning a skill, Kitano Tenmangū (北野天満宮) is the shrine you need to visit. The shrine enshrining the God of Learning is the best spot to pray for academic success. Among all the Tenmangū shrines in Japan, Kitano Tenmangū in Kyoto is especially well-known. Not only
Kitano Tenmangū: One of the Most Scenic Shrines in Kyoto Read More »
Maniwa City (真庭市), located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is the place to be for all dairy lovers. The soft-serve ice cream and the cheese made from hundreds of Jersey cows’ milk are a must-try, especially if you plan to go to the Hiruzen Highlands! The city is also known as one of
Maniwa City – Jersey Cows and the Cherry Blossoms in Autumn Read More »
Hiruzen Highlands (蒜山高原) in Okayama Prefecture, also known as Hiruzen Plateau, is one of the best highland resorts in Western Japan. It is reminiscent of Karuizawa near Tokyo. While architecture might be less fashionable, it has much more capacity for you to enjoy nature. At the same time, there are still stylish boutique shops for
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Umekōji Park (梅小路公園) was opened in 1995 to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as the capital in the Heian period. Another main reason for the park’s creation is to add green space in Kyoto’s city center so that locals can rest. Unlike other attractions in the city center, it isn’t crowded
Umekōji Park: The Hidden Gem in Kyoto for Seasonal Colors Read More »
Have you ever wondered what the world would look like after you die? Well, we have. According to Japanese folk tales, those who die will pass a bridge to cross the Sanzunokawa River. It has been said that the river divides our world from another world. As we all need to cross that river one
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Gōkei (豪渓) was designated as one of Japan’s National Site of Scenery Beauty in 1923. It is a beautiful valley located upstream of the Makidani River (槙谷川), a tributary of the Takahashi River (高梁川). The valley is still considered a hidden gem as most of the tourists who come to the valley are locals. With
Gōkei Valley – One of the Most Picturesque Valley in Okayama Read More »
Amongst all the attractions in Amanohashidate that have lookouts and observation decks, Nariaiji (成相寺) is the one we enjoyed the most! It is the most scenic place in the area throughout the year, especially during the autumn foliage season from early to mid-November. Located further up from Kasamatsu Park, you might be able to see
Nariaiji Temple: The Scenic Hidden Gem in Amanohashidate Read More »
Mt. Ōjigatake (王子が岳) is a mountain with various oddly shaped rocks on the border between the two cities, Tamano (玉野) and Kurashiki (倉敷) in Okayama Prefecture. The view of the Seto Inland Sea along the hiking trail and from the summit is what makes the mountain a popular spot among the locals. This is especially
Mt. Ōjigatake and the Weird Smiley Rock at the Summit Read More »
Miyama Park (みやま公園) in Tamano City is an enormous park that boasts a size of more than 200 hectares. It hosts 150,000 trees spanning more than 300 species, including plums, camellias, azaleas, maples, and about 7,000 cherry trees that bloom one after another throughout the year!
Miyama Park – The Best Park in Tamano City Read More »
Located in the western part of Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan, Appi Kōgen (安比高原) is an alluringly beautiful place for relaxing walks along the plateau from spring to autumn. When the region transforms into a winter wonderland, many flocks to Appi Kōgen for skiing or snowboarding on its high-quality snow because Appi Ski Resort is
Appi Kōgen – The Biggest Resort in Northeast Japan Read More »
