If you only have time to visit a few houses in Kitano Ijikan-gai, ensure the Platon Decorative Arts Museum (プラトン装飾美術館) is on the list. The fundamental difference between the Platon Decorative Arts Museum and the other Western-style houses in the area is that this one is privately owned. Probably because of this, the staff welcoming […]
Platon Decorative Arts Museum: The Must-Go Spot in Kitano Ijinkan-gai Read More »
If you have been to Kyoto, you might have heard of or been to Kitano Tanmangū Shrine (北野天満神社). So when you hear of the Kitano Tenman shrine, you might wonder if they are related. And you are right. The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto is the origin of the Kitano Tenman Shrine in Kobe! Besides
Kitano Tenman Shrine and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
Close to Kobe in Takarazuka City, Nakayama-dera (中山寺) is a well-known plum blossom spot in the region. The temple has long been known for granting child-related prayers, including safe delivery. So, it was worshipped and supported by the imperial family and power samurais, such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Escalators and elevators are in the temple, making it
Nakayama-dera: The Safe Delivery Rituals & Stunning Flowers Read More »
The Noto Peninsula (能登半島) close to Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is rich in nature. The entire peninsula is designated as a national park. The diverse landscape created a unique rural culture that differs from the close-by popular destination – Kanazawa. The best way to explore the peninsula is to do a loop course and discover
The Ultimate Guide to the Stunning Noto Peninsula Read More »
Known among hot spring lovers, one of the most popular spots amongst the Japanese in the Noto Peninsula is Wakura Onsen Town (和倉温泉). Discovered around 1,200 years ago, the onsen became famous after the second lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Toshinaga (前田利長), who was treated with the hot spring here. Besides the hot spring,
Wakura Onsen – Noto Peninsula’s Best Hot Spring Resort Read More »
At the northmost part of the Noto Penisula, there is a picturesque cape called Cape Suzu (珠洲岬). It is also where the most fanciful Ryokan is located on the peninsula!
Cape Suzu – The Most Beautiful Spot in Noto Peninsula Read More »
Proceeding north of the Chirihama Beach Driveway, you will enter a region of countless strange rocks and cliffs extending for about 30 kilometers. The scenery here is as stunning as Mt. Kongou (Kumgang, 金剛山) in North Korea, which is why it is named Noto Kongō (能登金剛).
Noto Kongō’s Gammon Gate – Noto Peninsula’s Natural Wonder Read More »
Keta Grand Shrine (Keta Taisha, 氣多大社), close to Chirihama Beach, is the representative shrine of the Noto Peninsula. According to Japan’s ancient documentation, the shrine was already the biggest in the central part of Japan’s main island back in 741. Originally, the shrine god was worshiped as the region’s guardian. But more recently, it is
Keta Grand Shrine – The Biggest Shrine in Central Japan Read More »
Chirihama Beach Driveway (千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ) is an 8 km beach shore on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture that connects Imahama Coast (今浜海岸) and Chirihama Beach (千里浜). It is the only place you can freely drive any vehicle on the sand in Japan, including bicycles. Even across the world, you probably won’t be able to find
Chirihama Beach Driveway – The Only Sandy Driveway in Japan Read More »
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
Yuwaku Onsen – A Quaint Town to Enjoy Onsen at Kanazawa Read More »
