Away from Kobe‘s city center, the Sumaura Sanjō Yūen Park (須磨浦山上遊園) is a scenic amusement park on the slopes of Mt. Tekkai (鉄拐山) and Mt. Hatsubushi (鉢伏山). It overlooks Awaji Island (淡路島) and Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge (明石海峡大橋). Once a battlefield for the Battle of Yashima (屋島の戦い) back in 1185, this park is now a famous place […]
Sumaura Sanjō Yūen Park and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
In Osaka‘s city center, the Ōsaka Tenmangū Shrine (大阪天満宮) is a convenient spot to adore the plum blossoms. Close to Japan’s longest shopping arcade, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街), around 100 plums were planted for the god enshrined, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because Michizane is worshipped as the God of Learning (学問の神様), many students would visit
Osaka Tenmangū: The Shrine in the City to Adore Plum Blossom Read More »
Traveling further south from Seta no Karahashi Bridge (a bridge that appeared in many historical took place) in Ōtsu City, you will find Ishiyama-dera (石山寺). The temple is one of the three Kannon sanctuaries in the Heian period (the other two are Kyoto‘s Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) and Nara‘s Hase-dera (長谷寺)). Another title earned by the temple
Ishiyama-dera: The Stunning Kannon and Literature Sanctuary Read More »
Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto, is underrated. While it is in the rural part of the Kansai region, we are sure you will be amazed by the tourist spots in Shiga once you get to know them. Although not as many as Kyoto, Shiga Prefecture also has a couple of plum blossom spots where you
The Best Guide to Plum Blossom Spots in Shiga Prefecture Read More »
If you aren’t told, you might not know that one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty is just minutes from JR Nagahama Station. Keiunkan (慶雲館) is the spot that was built to receive the Emperor Meiji’s visit in the late 19th century. Apart from the gorgeous garden, it is also one of the spots
Keiunkan: A Must-Visit in Nagahama for the Japanese Garden Read More »
One of the most famous attractions around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, is Hikone Castle (彦根城). The castle was never besieged and thus maintained its graceful appearance throughout the past 400 years. Because of its beautiful scenery, even those who aren’t interested in castles tend to pay it a visit when they travel to Shiga
Hikone Castle – Hikone’s Best Cherry Blossom Destination Read More »
Another representative plum blossom spot in Shiga Prefecture is on the grounds of a traditional confectionery maker, Kanou Shojuan Sunai no Sato (叶 匠壽庵 寿長生の郷). As many as 700 plums produce fruits for the company to make Japanese sweets. The head office in Ōtsu was renovated from an abandoned village in 1985. The company takes
Kanou Shojuan: Hidden Gem for Plum Blossoms in Shiga Read More »
If this is your first time visiting Kyoto, Arashiyama is probably on your itinerary. While the main streets in the area are packed, the great news is that there is a less-known stunning spot that isn’t flooded with tourists. Kameyama Park (亀山公園) has a small plum blossom spot close to the bamboo forest. Over 10
Kameyama Park: The Stunning Hidden Gem in Arashiyama Read More »
Regardless the overtourism problem, Kyoto is undoubtably Japan’s most popular tourist destination. The ancient capital of Japan has so much to offer that many people are enchanted by its charms. If you plan to visit Kyoto in early spring, there are several spots for you to add to your itinerary to enjoy the seasonal flower,
The Best Guide to Kyoto Prefecture’s Plum Blossom Spots Read More »
One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto’s city center is Nijō Castle (二条城). The castle was a symbol of the samurai’s world but is also where the reign of the Tokugawa clan ended. Apart from the historical elements, it is also where you can enjoy seasonal colors, including plum and cherry blossoms and fall
Nijō Castle: The Representative Spot to Feel Samurai’s World Read More »