If you want to avoid the crowds at Kyoto‘s famous autumn foliage spots, consider visiting Jōraku-ji (常楽寺), the best place in southern Shiga Prefecture to adore the vivid fall colors from mid-November to early December. While there aren’t many bus services that stop close to the temple, the scenery here will amaze you! Among the […]
Jōraku-ji: Konan City’s Best Fall Foliage Hunting Spot Read More »
In the Ishibe area of Konan City (湖南市), Chōju-ji (長寿寺) is a temple with breathtaking scenery. Adding to the temple’s charm, cute decorations and paper cutting art can be found throughout the precinct. Because it is located the eastmost among the city’s three temples that house a national treasure, Chōju-ji is also referred to as
Chōju-ji: The Stunning Fall Foliage and Amazing Papercutting Read More »
If you are interested in adding some traditional Chinese architectural elements to your itinerary, Bukkōsan Housui-ji (佛光山 法水寺), close to Ikaho Onsen and Shibukawa City Multipurpose Park, is a good choice. Bukkōsan is Taiwan’s largest Buddhist group. Housui-ji in Ikaho, completed in 2018, is its head temple in Japan. The mountainous view of Mt. Akagi
Bukkōsan Housui-ji and the Spectacular Natural Scenery Read More »
Byōdō-in (平等院) isn’t the only temple you can visit in Uji. Two stations away from Uji Station, Manpuku-ji (萬福寺), close to JR Ōbaku Station (黄檗駅), is a less-known but magnificent and culturally rich religious facility that has 23 Important National Cultural Properties. The temple is the head temple of Japan’s Three Great Zen Schools, Ōbakushū
Manpuku-ji Temple and Its Amazing Vegan Fucha Ryōri Read More »
On the way to Shima Onsen‘s best natural spot, Lake Okushima, how about making a detour to Hinatami Yakushidō (日向見薬師堂)? The temple with a thatched roof is the legendary birthplace of the hot spring town. In addition, it also has a connection with the Sanada clan, a famous samurai family in the late 16th century!
Hinatami Yakushidō: The Birthplace of Shima Onsen Read More »
If you are passionate about hiking and historical and cultural spots, you might want to have the Iimori Shrine (飯盛神社), south of Hakata, on your itinerary. The shrine has three sub-shrines scattered in Mt. Iimori. There are things to do and see across the precinct, so you surely won’t be bored during your hike. In
Iimori Shrine: An Interesting Shrine to Visit Near Hakata Read More »
Close to the mountainous area west of Kyoto Station, besides the weeping cherry blossom, Shōbō-ji (西山正法寺) is a hidden plum blossom spot in Kyoto that only a few know about. The temple is nicknamed a Rock Temple (石の寺) because unique rocks were collected from all over the country. Many of them are placed in its
Shōbō-ji and Its Stunning Rock Garden and Plum Grove Read More »
If you land at the Kansai Airport between late February and early March, don’t jump on the train straightaway for Osaka’s city center. The plum blossoms close to Kinyūji might be blooming beautifully upon your arrival. How about starting your trip by detouring to the small temple for the plum blossoms up the hill?
Kinyūji: The Plum Blossom Temple Close to the Kansai Airport Read More »
Heading to Fukuoka City and looking for some interesting shrines and temples to visit? If so, you are in luck! Fukuoka has quite a few unique shrines and temples, some of which you can participate in traditional rituals. Here is a list of our favorites!
The Most Interesting Shrines and Temples in Fukuoka City Read More »
So you are planning a trip to Okayama Prefecture and are curious about which shrines and temples should be on your list to visit? Well, you are in luck! We have done the research for you. Here is our list of Okayama Prefecture’s most unique shrines and temples and why!
The Best Shrines and Temples in Okayama Prefecture Read More »
