While there are quite a few temples and shrines that frequently appear on the big screen, Aburahi Shrine (油日神社) in the ninja and ceramic city of Kōka isn’t just a film shooting location. Its splendid tower gate and gorgeous hallway blend perfectly with the surrounding scenery and beautiful nature!
Aburahi Shrine – A Popular Movie Shooting Destination 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
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You probably assume that all the shrines in Japan would have a minimum of a few centuries of history. However, this isn’t the case for Ōmi Jingū (近江神宮), close to Lake Biwa in Ōtsu City! Although it was founded only in 1940, the shrine’s location and the god enshrined hold some important Japanese history dating
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If you are visiting Mt. Hiei in Shiga Prefecture, stop by Hiyoshi Taisha (日吉大社) in Sakamoto. It has a deep connection with the Enryakuji Temple and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The shrine is particularly stunning in the fall. Also, if you are a fan of ‘Rurouni Kenshin’, you will
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In the rural part of Kyoto Prefecture in Miyazu City, there is a bridge that excites many Ghibli fans. Whether you are the cameraman trying to snap a photo of Yuragawa Bridge (由良川橋梁) or a passenger in the train carriage, if the weather is good enough, you are guaranteed to get a couple of astounding
Yuragawa Bridge: An Spot That Came Out of Spirited Away Read More »
After exploring Hirosaki, you might feel like you haven’t experienced enough of the Tsugaru region’s hospitality. You decide to hop on a train and are on your way to the sister-like city, Kuroishi. During the 50-minute train ride, you might look out the window and think, “I wonder whether there is anything interesting to see along this
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While there are plenty of historical attractions in Kanazawa, the city is quite modern. If you are seeking a spot that is quieter and less touristy, Yuwaku Onsen (湯涌温泉), which is 60 minutes away by bus from Kanazawa’s city center, can be a great choice. The hot spring town, with a history as long as
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Hida Furukawa (飛騨古川), a quaint, unassuming town, has become a lot more lively since Makoto Shinkai’s movie – Your Name (君の名は) hit the theater. The town serves as the inspiration behind many iconic scenes from the film! It can be accessed just two stations away from Hida Takayama City, a popular tourist destination in its
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Mt. Shirakami or Shirakami Sanchi (白神山地) is a vast mountain area of 130 hectares that spans from the north of Akita Prefecture to the south of Aomori Prefecture. Mt Shirakami has been listed as a world heritage site as of 1993. It is also a Pilgrimage site for Studio Ghibli fans as the forest in
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Those who know Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) or Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) in Aomori Prefecture probably know them because of their reputation for stunning cherry blossoms. More than two hundred thousand people visit Hirosaki for its Cherry Blossom Festival (弘前さくらまつり) each year! No wonder it was chosen as one of the top three cherry blossom viewing spots
Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park – A Romantic Spot to Be Read More »