Hōfukuji Temple (井山宝福寺) is a sub-temple of the Tōfukuji Temple (東福寺) school of the Rinzai sect (臨済宗). It is also the leading Zen Buddhist temple in the region. When you explore this temple, you will find a couple of tied-up monks’ statues. However, there is no need to be afraid of or weirded out.
Hōfukuji Temple and the Interesting Monk and Mouse Statues Read More »
Gōkei (豪渓) was designated as one of Japan’s National Site of Scenery Beauty in 1923. It is a beautiful valley located upstream of the Makidani River (槙谷川), a tributary of the Takahashi River (高梁川). The valley is still considered a hidden gem as most of the tourists who come to the valley are locals. With
Gōkei Valley – One of the Most Picturesque Valley in Okayama Read More »
At Ine, approximately 230 Funayas line the Ine Bay, with most of them as private residential properties. Since the town has two main bay areas, if you want to see all of the houses in one go, consider taking either the Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat (伊根湾めぐり遊覧船) or hiring a Sea Taxi (海上タクシー). Seeing this unique
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If you are in Tokyo and want to do some home decor and tableware shopping, visit free design (フリーデザイン) in Kichijōji. It is a shop for Scandinavian-style home decor and accessories. The shop gathers products from typical Scandinavian home accessory companies, such as Arabia Finland and marimekko, and also teams up with famous artists to
free design: The Best Spot in Kichijōji to Shop Stylish Tableware Read More »
Amongst all the attractions in Amanohashidate that have lookouts and observation decks, Nariaiji (成相寺) is the one we enjoyed the most! It is the most scenic place in the area throughout the year, especially during the autumn foliage season from early to mid-November. Located further up from Kasamatsu Park, you might be able to see
Nariaiji Temple: The Scenic Hidden Gem in Amanohashidate Read More »
If you are trekking or cycling your way to the north of Amanohashidate, you will go past the Motoise Kono Shrine (元伊勢籠神社) on your way to Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park. The shrine is the highest-ranked shrine in the San-in region and was the home of the god in the famous Ise Jingū (伊勢神宮) in Mie Prefecture.
Motoise Kono Jinja: The Iconic Shrine in Amanohashidate Read More »
From Amanohashidate Station, if you head straight to the shore, Chionji Temple (智恩寺) is the first main attraction you will encounter. The temple is ranked first of the three temples in Japan dedicated to the Monju Bodhisattva (文殊菩薩), the widest Bodhisattva in Buddhism. Because up until a few centuries ago, Amanohashidate was part of the
Chionji: The Temple in Amanohashidate to Gain More Wisdom Read More »
Miyazu is a city in northern Kyoto Prefecture best known for one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), Amanohashidate. The 3.6 km long sandbar with the surrounding nature is considered one of Japan’s celebrated scenic sites. So it shouldn’t be a surprise if most Japanese want to go to this place at least
Miyazu City’s Best 3 Attractions Other Than Amanohashidate Read More »
36 Sublo (36 サブロ) is a shop in Kichijōji for papyrophiliac. Beyond the door, a small stationery world will make you lose track of time. It is amazing how the shop can turn ordinary items in our daily life into something that isn’t only just useful but different. For example, the date stamps have other
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If you plan to visit Himeji in early spring, stop by Zuiganji (増位山随願寺). The oldest Tendai sect temple in the southern Hyōgo Prefecture has a plum grove. Aside from its cultural properties, you can also see the elegant Himeji Castle from the plum grove. Using a professional camera, a picture of the castle with plum
Zuiganji: A Hidden Gem to Adore the Plum Blossoms in Himeji Read More »
