You might have come across the beckoning cat, maneki-neko (招き猫). The Japanese waving cat figurine is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Leaving the figurine’s ability to bring good fortune aside, the maneki-neko is a cute decor and might cheer you up when feeling down. If you are smitten by maneki-neko, the […]
Gōtokuji Guide: Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple & Nearby Vegan Spots Read More »
If you like visiting museums and historical sites, Ōnaka-iseki Park (大中遺跡) is the perfect spot to appreciate the plum blossoms and the historical site from approximately 1900 years ago! The 20 plum blossoms at Ōnaka-iseki Park and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Archaeology usually bloom between mid to late February. The locals often have picnics
Ōnaka-iseki Park: The Pit Houses and the Plum Blossoms Read More »
At the foot of Mt. Sawa (佐和山), not too far away from Hikone Station, there are three temples that have a deep connection with the Ii clan, which is in charge of the Hikone Domain. Because of their history, these temples are popular tourist destinations after visiting Hikone Castle. If you have more than half
Ryōtan-ji and the Surrounding Temples Related to the Ii Clan Read More »
Chikubu Island (竹生島), floating on the northern Lake Biwa, has been a sacred island since ancient times. Together with the Benzaiten in Enoshima (江ノ島) and Miyajima (宮島), the Benzaiten enshrined on the island are together known as the Three Great Benzaiten in Japan. Also, the Hōngon-ji Temple (宝厳寺) on the island is the 30th temple
Chikubu Island – The Mysterious Sacred Island on Lake Biwa 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 »
While the world was panicking about the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, in March 2021, Aomori Prefecture proudly welcomed another world heritage title. The Sannai Maruyama Special Historical Site (三内丸山遺跡) that completely overturned the understanding of the Jōmon civilization was registered as a part of Jōmon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (北海道・北東北の縄文遺跡群) as a World Heritage.
Japan’s New World Heritage Sannai Maruyama Historical Site Read More »
The Tanesashi Coast (種差海岸) at the center of Sanriku Fukkō National Park (三陸復興國立公園) in Hachinohe City is an unusual beach. Instead of a sandy beach shore, it has a natural lawn that spreads all the way to the shoreline! As a designated National Place of Scenery Beauty, along the Tanesashi Coastline, you can admire more
Tanesashi Coast – One of Hachinohe’s Best Places to Visit Read More »
Speaking of Hiroshima, most visitors head straight to the Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園) and the Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム) or the World Heritage Site, Miyajima (宮島). While the two top-ranked destinations in Hiroshima Prefecture are certainly the must-visit, you should also go to Hiroshima Castle (広島城). After all, it is one of the Top 100
A Guide to Hiroshima Castle, The Other Symbol of Hiroshima Read More »
At the southwest of Nantan City in Kyoto, the Ruri River Valley Natural Park (京都府立るり渓自然公園) in the 4 km long Ruri River Valley (or Rurikei Gorge) is a designated National Place of Scenery Beauty. The valley has a delicate landscape with a 530-meter-tall plateau. The upstream of the valley is made of granite, whereas the
Ruri Valley – The Most Stunning Valley in Kyoto Read More »
If you aren’t told, you might not know that one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty is just minutes from JR Nagahama Station. Keiunkan (慶雲館) is the spot that was built to receive the Emperor Meiji’s visit in the late 19th century. Apart from the gorgeous garden, it is also one of the spots
Keiunkan: A Must-Visit in Nagahama for the Japanese Garden Read More »
