If you plan to visit Kyoto around mid-February, visit Kōshō-ji (興正寺) for its plum blossoms. Although there is only a white and a red plum in the precinct, the trees are magnificent. Plus, there is a good photo spot where you can capture the pink flowers in a heart-shaped frame!
Kōshō-ji: The Temple for a Heart-Shaped Plum Blossom Photo Read More »
If you are a history buff or love historical architecture, Tō-ji (東寺), southwest of Kyoto Station, is a must-visit spot for you. It is the only remaining structure of the Kyoto from 1200 years ago. The temple houses many Japan’s national treasures and important cultural properties. In addition, it is a spot to adore seasonal
Tō-ji Temple: The Stunning Temple and Its National Treasures Read More »
Close to Arashiyama, there is a hidden gem for anyone who loves cats. Umenomiya Taisha (梅宮大社) has long been a shrine where the locals pray for sake-brewing and baby-related matters in Kyoto. Apparently, Empress Danrin (檀林皇后) was blessed with her first child, Emperor Ninmyō (仁明天皇), after praying at the shrine. But recently, it has also become
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Tatsuno City (たつの市), also known as Harima Province’s “Little Kyoto” (播磨の小京都), is a lovely city with a historical and tranquil atmosphere. Situated along the coast, quite a few of the attractions in the city come with a panorama view of the Seto Inland Sea, including a forest of plum blossoms. The city is also where
Tatsuno City – The Perfect Place to Enjoy the Four Seasons Read More »
You must have entered a museum at some point in your life. To protect the exhibits, food and drinks are usually not allowed in most museums in the world. So, if you like noodles and want to visit an uncommon museum where you can sample noodles, visit Ibo-no-Ito Sōmen Museum (揖保乃糸資料館そうめんの里) in Tatsuno City, the
Ibo-no-Ito Sōmen Museum: A Museum to Sample Thin Noodles Read More »
During your time at Kinosaki Onsen, how about a side trip to Genbudō Park (玄武洞公園), which has some amazing landscapes created by volcanic activity 1.6 million years ago? Although the park is called Genbudō, which means Genbu Cave, it actually has five basalt caves, each named after one of the four Chinese mythological divine beasts.
Genbudō Park – The Best Basalt Park with NS Pole Reversed Read More »
Izushi (出石) is a quaint town in Toyooka City where you can find traces of Japanese history dating back to the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Although it might not seem like it now, the castle town used to be incredibly prosperous. This prosperity earned it the title of Tajima Province’s Little Kyoto! Because the
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If you are a student or in the process of learning a skill, Kitano Tenmangū (北野天満宮) is the shrine you need to visit. The shrine enshrining the God of Learning is the best spot to pray for academic success. Among all the Tenmangū shrines in Japan, Kitano Tenmangū in Kyoto is especially well-known. Not only
Kitano Tenmangū: One of the Most Scenic Shrines in Kyoto Read More »
Many people come to Japan for its magnificent old castles. However, when it comes to castle ruins, we find that many tourists end up skipping them. We picture tumbledown walls and rocky boulders when we think of castle ruins. Unless notable or famous historical events have taken place there, there aren’t many incentives for international
The Best Guide to Akō Castle Ruins and Akō Ōishi Shrine Read More »
Shinjō Village (新庄村) is a village located in Maniwa District, Okayama Prefecture. While the village itself doesn’t have many attractions, it was still able to attract large crowds of visitors each year in spring! If you come to West Japan during the cherry blossom season, Gaisen Zakura Street in Shinjō Village is one of the places that you wouldn’t want
Shinjō Village and Gaisen Zakura Street’s Cherry Blossom Read More »
