Places to Visit

Kyushu National Museum Dazaifu Fukuoka Japan

Kyushu National Museum: The Best Museum in Kyushu

If you are a history buff or love spending time in museums, don’t miss out on Kyushu National Museum (九州国立博物館) when you are in Dazaifu. Connected with Dazaifu Tenman-gū via a rainbow tunnel with an in-built escalator, traveling between the two attractions is easy. Kyushu National Museum is the fourth national museum established in Japan, […]

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Yanagawa River Boat With Cherry Blossoms in Yanagawa Fukuoka Japan

The Best Guide to the Seasonal Flowers in Yanagawa

Because of the Yanagawa River Boat, the Town of Water, Yanagawa, has becomes well-known among international tourists in recent years. With just 50 minutes on train from Fukuoka‘s city center, you can enjoy Japan’s countryside vibe. What’s better is that Yanagawa is a good destination to admire seasonal flowers. In addition to the cherry blossoms

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Mihashira Shrine Onigie Yanagawa Fukuoka Japan

Mihashira Shrine: A Scenic Shrine That Excites History Buff

If you want to visit a shrine in Yanagawa, Mihashira Shrine (三柱神社), located on the northern outskirts of Yanagawa Station, is a good choice. Not only is the shrine a religious and historical spot, but a large part of its precinct has been turned into Takahatake Park (高畑公園). It is now a popular destination for

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Autumn Foliage at Kuhombutsu Joshin-ji Temple Setagaya Tokyo Japan

Kuhonbutsu Jōshin-ji Temple: The Hidden Gem in Tokyo

In addition to the beckoning cat temple, Gōtokuji, there is another temple in Tokyo that is secluded from the capital’s hustle and bustle. Located west of Jiyūgaoka, Kuhonbutsu Jōshin-ji (九品仏淨眞寺) is an ancient temple with an enchanting dry landscape garden. It is a spot in the urban jungle that will make you feel like you

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Ukimi-do-Katayamazu-Onsen-Ishikawa-Japan

Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimi-dō and the Eight Views of Ōmi

The city of Ōtsu has many stunning scenery and one of them is at the northern Ōtsu close to Biwako Bridge (琵琶湖大橋). The view of the worship hall of Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimi-dō (満月寺 浮御堂) sticking out of Lake Biwa is one of the Eight Views of Ōmi (近江八景). Because of its fame, it is a

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Ninaido-Saito-Mt.-Hiei-Shiga-Japan

The Ultimate Guide to Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple’s Saitō Area

Saitō (西塔) is a quiet place deep in Mt. Hiei in beautiful cedar forests in the west founded by Enchō (円澄), also known as Jikukō Daishi (寂光大師). While the number of attractions here isn’t as many as in the Tōdō area, we loved our visit to Saitō. It wasn’t as busy as Tōdō. The atmosphere here

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Roadside-Station-Funayanosato-Ine-Autumn-Ine-Kyoto-Japan

The Best Guide to Roadside Station Funayanosato Ine

Besides seeing Ine‘s unique Funayas by taking the Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry, there is another way to adore the town’s rural scenery. The view from the Roadside Station Funayanosato Ine (道の駅 舟屋の里伊根) is the most spectacular in the area, and it doesn’t cost you anything to enjoy it!

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Onsenji-Temple-Hondo-Onsen-Tooyoka-Hyogo-Japan

Onsenji Temple: Kinosaki Onsen’s Guardian Temple

If you have read our Kinosaki Onsen article, do you remember our history talk about the monk, Dōchi Shōnin (道智上人), who uncovered the spring source of the hot spring town? The story continues and is the origin of Onsenji Temple (温泉寺) at Mt. Daishi. In the past, those who visited Kinosaki for the hot spring

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Chojuji-Temple-Autumn-Foliage-Konan-Shiga-Japan

Konan Sanzan – The Three Most Scenic Temples South of Lake Biwa

At the south of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, three temples were erected in the early 8th century. Each has a worship hall designated as a National Treasure in its precinct. Together, the three Tendai sect temples have been known as the ‘Konan Sanzan (湖南三山)’ since 2005. But nowadays, instead of the national treasures, what

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