While the crowds flock to Arashiyama, a quiet, historical treasure awaits just south of Kyoto in Yawata City. Shōkadō Garden & Art Museum (松花堂庭園) is far more than a simple Zen retreat. It is a cultural crossroads where culinary history, world-changing invention, and seasonal beauty meet. From its origins as the spiritual home of the […]
Shōkadō Garden Art Museum: The Birthplace of the Shokado Bento 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 »
If you want to receive blessings for academic success, visit Dōmyōji Tenmangū (道明寺天満宮) in Osaka‘s Fujiidera City (藤井寺市). The shrine that enshrines the God of Learning, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), has a history of more than 1,400 years (founded in 947). Like most Tenmangūs in Japan, plum blossoms can be found in the shrine’s precinct.
Dōmyōji Tenmangū: Osaka’s Hidden Plum and Cherry Blossom Spot Read More »
If you ask a local who lives in Hakata where they would take a leisurely stroll, they will probably tell you Ōhori Park (大濠公園). Since the park opened to the public in 1929, it has been the city’s oasis. But, during the cherry blossom season, many of the locals will definitely flock to Maizuru Park
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On the way to Kobe, Hattori Ryokuchi Park (服部緑地) is another plum blossom hunting spot in Osaka. The park, which was chosen to be one of the Top 100 Urban Parks in Japan, is best known for its plum grove and water park. The fall foliage scenery there is also amazing. Opened in 1950, Hattori
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If you like visiting museums and historical sites, Ōnaka-iseki Park (大中遺跡) is the perfect spot to appreciate the plum blossoms and the historical site from approximately 1900 years ago! The 20 plum blossoms at Ōnaka-iseki Park and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Archaeology usually bloom between mid to late February. The locals often have picnics
Ōnaka-iseki Park: The Pit Houses and the Plum Blossoms Read More »
If you want to escape Osaka’s crowded city center, consider taking a break at Yamadaike Park (山田池公園), north of the busy Namba area. The urban park is the perfect spot to enjoy seasonal colors and nature. You can also rent a bicycle from the park’s office and cycle between different scenic areas. There are even
Yamadaike Park: The Hidden Spot to Enjoy Nature in Osaka Read More »
Visiting a place related to the imperial family always feels a bit special. Why not stop by the Suma Rikyū Park (神戸市立須磨離宮公園) if you visit Kobe in spring to early summer? The park is best known for its fountain garden, reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. The panoramic view of Osaka Bay is also impressive.
Suma Rikyū Park: The Scenic Park That Was an Imperial Villa Read More »
A hidden gem in Osaka for flowers and fall foliage hunting is Kanshin-ji Temple (観心寺). After all, it was chosen to be one of the Flower Temples in the Kansai region! In addition, the temple houses Osaka Prefecture’s oldest architectural national treasure. You can also perform a few simple rituals in its vast precinct. Moreover,
Kanshin-ji: The Scenic Temple and Its Cultural Treasures Read More »
