Because of other more renowned places in the region, Ayabe City (綾部市), almost in the center of Kyoto Prefecture, isn’t a famous destination in the Kansai region that receives much attention from the media. However, quite a few places in the city are worth your time in spring. What we are implying here isn’t cherry […]
Ayabe – The City in Kyoto Filled with Hidden Gems Read More »
Nagaoka Tenmangū (長岡天満宮) in Kyoto that venerates Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) is one of the top Tenmangū shrines in Japan. Unlike other Tenmangū shrines, the one in Nagaoka has a wooden statue of Michizane that he made himself as the subject of worship. On the vast grounds of approximately 20,000 square meters, you can enjoy
Nagaoka Tenmangū: The Shrine With a Splendid Azalea Approach Read More »
Whether you are planning a day trip to Kōyasan or want to spend a night in the sacred mountain, Kongō Sanmai-in (金剛三昧院) should be on your itinerary. The temple, which has multiple important national cultural properties and national treasures, is a spot that shouldn’t be overlooked!
Kongō Sanmai-in – One of the Best Shokubō Temples in Kōyasan Read More »
Kōyasan, one of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (紀伊山地の霊場と参詣道) that was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004, is a popular destination for tourists. However, if you are interested in samurai history, you will want to extend your visit to Kudoyama Town (九度山町) at the foot of the
Kudoyama – The World Heritage Town and Sanada Yukimura’s Confinement Read More »
Originally, to get to Kōyasan, pilgrims needed to hike through the long approach called Kōyasan Chōishi-michi (高野山町石道), starting from the foot of the mountain. The starting point of that pilgrimage route is the Jison-in Temple (慈尊院). Established as the “front door” of Kōyasan by Kōbō Daishi, it was the place where his mother stayed after
The Best Guide to Jison-in: The Front Door of Kōyasan Read More »
If you are planning to visit the world heritage Kōyasan, remember to drop by the Niutsuhime Shrine (丹生都比売神社), which is on the pilgrimage route of Kōyasan chōishi-michi (高野山町石道) starting from Jison-in Temple in Kudoyama Town. The shrine has a deep connection with Kōyasan’s founding. One of the gods who is enshrined here – Kariba Myōjin
Niutsuhime Shrine and the God Who Helped Founded Kōyasan Read More »
If you are a Japanese history buff or a fan of the famous samurai, Sanada Yukimura, the town you must visit in the Kansai region is Kudoyama. The town where Yukimura and his father spent their late years is the best spot to get a rough understanding of the hardships they endured throughout the 14
Zenmyōshō-in Temple (Sanada-an) and the Sanada Clan Read More »
Among the five lagoon lakes in Ishikawa Prefecture, Lake Kiba (木場潟) is the most stunning and the only one left in its original natural state. On a clear day, you might find many photographers at the west of the lake with professional cameras. The reflection of one of the Top Three Sacred Mountains in Japan,
Lake Kiba: The Most Scenic Lagoon Lake in Close to Kanazawa Read More »
Hakusan City (白山市) is a city in Ishikawa Prefecture filled with breathtaking scenery. One of Japan’s most sacred mountains, Mt. Hakusan, stands on one side of it. Naturally, the city has numerous hiking trails with various difficulties that suit a wide range of age groups. It also features one of Japan’s best places for paragliding.
Hakusan City – A Paradise for Hikers and Paragliders Read More »
With an altitude of 2702 meters, Mt. Hakusan or Mt. Haku (白山) is one of the top three mountains in Japan, along with Mt. Fuji (富士山) and Mt. Tate (立山) of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. With picturesque and magnificent scenery along the hiking trails, Mt. Hakusan is a popular hiking destination for any age
Hiking Mt. Hakusan, One of Japan’s Top Three Sacred Mountain Read More »
