A hidden gem in Kōka City in Shiga Prefecture is the Miho Museum (ミホ・ミュージアム), buried deep in the mountain at the city’s west. Precisely like the architectural design concept, stepping onto the museum’s ground is like stepping into utopia. While the bus trip from Ishiyama Station takes around an hour, you won’t regret making the […]
Miho Museum: The Most Amazing Art Museum in Japan Read More »
There is something magical about cherry blossoms. It is probably the alluring scenery created by millions of tiny white or pink flowers or the spirit behind the tradition of hanami that has existed for centuries. Whatever it is, there are many reasons why it is a great idea to visit Japan around the season.
Okayama Prefecture’s Hidden Cherry Blossom Destinations Read More »
Just a 30-minute train ride away from Kyoto, Mii-dera Temple (三井寺), formally Nagarasan Onjō-ji (長等山園城寺), overlooks the gorgeous Lake Biwa, is the headquarters of the Tendaijimonshū sect (天台寺門宗). It has been a renowned temple since its establishment, which occurred during the five years when Ōtsu was the capital of Japan. In addition to its rich
Mii-dera – A Temple with Rich History and Stunning Scenery 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 »
Nagahama Castle (長浜城) at the northeastern lakeshore of Lake Biwa is known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s starting point for becoming the leader of Japan. Even if you aren’t interested in Japanese history and the Japanese castle, you might still want to visit the castle park in spring. Usually, from early to mid-April, the cherry trees blossom
Nagahamajō: The Castle That Leads to Hideyoshi’s Success Read More »
One of the most famous attractions around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, is Hikone Castle (彦根城). The castle was never besieged and thus maintained its graceful appearance throughout the past 400 years. Because of its beautiful scenery, even those who aren’t interested in castles tend to pay it a visit when they travel to Shiga
Hikone Castle – Hikone’s Best Cherry Blossom Destination Read More »
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
Ōno Dam: Kyoto’s Hidden Cherry Blossoms & Fall Foilage Spot Read More »
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
Kameyama Park: The Stunning Hidden Gem in Arashiyama Read More »
There are plenty of attractions in Yoshino District (吉野郡) in Nara that are sadly overshadowed by classic sites like Tōdaiji Temple (東大寺) in Nara Prefecture. It is time to shed light on the very best Yoshino has to offer. If you are fond of cherry blossoms and/or fall foliage, read on!
Yoshino – Where World Heritage Sites Meet Stunning Scenery Read More »
If you find the cherry blossoms at Mt. Yoshino too touristy, check out the flowers at Takami no Sato (高見の郷) in Higashiyoshino Village instead. Although the spot doesn’t have 30,000 cherry trees, the 1,000 weeping cherry blossoms at an altitude of 650 meters will still enchant you!
Takami no Sato: The Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot Near Mt. Yoshino Read More »
