Nestled in a sacred area at the foot of Mt. Ikoma (生駒山麓) bordering the Nara Basin, Hiraoka Shrine (枚岡神社) is known as Kawachi Province’s Ichinomiya (河内国一之宮). It means that the shrine was the most influential shrine in the Kawachi Province. Because the Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) in Nara enshrines the two main gods in Hiraoka Shrine, […]
Hiraoka Shrine: A Scenic Shrine That Holds a Laughing Ritual Read More »
Anyone who has the slightest knowledge of Japan knows the mighty Mt. Fuji. But do you know which landscape closely follows? The scenery at Shōsenkyō Gorge (昇仙峡) in Yamanashi Prefecture will blow your mind off just as much as Mt. Fuji. It is a lot less packed, and you can get some of the best
Shōsenkyō Gorge and the Scenery Second Only to Mt. Fuji Read More »
If you are in Osaka from late February to early July and are after an off-the-beaten-path spot to enjoy nature and different kinds of flowers, consider heading to Osaka Garden of Floral Culture! The vast park is divided into several zones, each with a different type of flowers planted. Although getting there isn’t straightforward, you
Osaka’s Hidden Floral Spot: Osaka Garden of Floral Culture Read More »
From ancient times, the people who lived in Beppu (別府) in Ōita Prefecture suffered from the heat generated by volcanic activities. Crops could hardly be grown on the field, causing serious food shortage problems. And because the terrifying landscapes shaped by volcanic activities are nowhere to be found elsewhere in Japan, various myths and legends
A Tour to the Hells of Beppu – Japan’s Scariest Onsen Town Read More »
If you are a cat lover and are after a cute cat cafe, visit Temari no Oshiro (Cat cafe てまりのおしろ) in Kichijōji Petit Mura! The cafe, home to around 20 fluffy and friendly cats, is basically a cat castle. Walking through the unusually cute door is like entering the world of cats!
Tokyo’s Most Fantastic Cat Cafe: Temari no Oshiro Read More »
On the bridge leading to Inokashira Boathouse, you might notice a traditional building at the other end of the lake. It is the home of the Benzaiten, who gets jealous of happy couples rowing boats in Inokashira Park. The Inokashira Benzaiten Temple (井の頭弁財天) in the park’s northwest corner is serene and ideal for contemplation. The
Inokashira Benzaiten: The Must-Visit Temple in Kichijōji Read More »
If you are a Japanese history buff or love to examine Japan’s cultural properties, the temple you have to stop by when you get to Kawagoe is Kita-in (喜多院). The temple that has a deep connection with the Tokugawa clan not only houses the most cultural properties in Kawagoe, but it is also the last
Kawagoe Kita-in Temple and Its Connection With Tokugawa Clan Read More »
When you stroll around Kawagoe, you will notice a couple of the traditional confectionery shops are named Kameya (亀屋). A few centuries ago, the confectionery maker was chosen as a dedicated sweets maker for Kawagoe Domain’s lord. Even today, the family business is still prosperous. Thus, unsurprisingly, a few of the old houses and residences
Yamazaki Family’s Cultural Properties in Kawagoe Read More »
Konjō-in Hōkō-ji (金乗院 放光寺) at the top of a hill is a temple in Tokorozawa erected by the Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師). The scenery and buildings in the precinct are gorgeous. We reckon it is the best temple in the area! Not only does the temple have a scenic precinct, but you will also find Buddhist
Yamaguchi Kannon: The Best Scenic Temple in Tokorozawa City Read More »
People with a bit of knowledge of Aomori Prefecture will most likely have heard about the famous Hirosaki City. What they might not know or hear of is its sister-like city, Kuroishi (黒石市), which prospered with Hirosaki City as Hirosaki Castle’s castle town.
Kuroishi – Your Guide to Hirosaki’s Gorgeous Sister City Read More »
