If you are a history buff or love historical architecture, Tō-ji (東寺), southwest of Kyoto Station, is a must-visit spot for you. It is the only remaining structure of the Kyoto from 1200 years ago. The temple houses many Japan’s national treasures and important cultural properties. In addition, it is a spot to adore seasonal […]
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Close to Arashiyama, there is a hidden gem for anyone who loves cats. Umenomiya Taisha (梅宮大社) has long been a shrine where the locals pray for sake-brewing and baby-related matters in Kyoto. Apparently, Empress Danrin (檀林皇后) was blessed with her first child, Emperor Ninmyō (仁明天皇), after praying at the shrine. But recently, it has also become
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If you are a student or in the process of learning a skill, Kitano Tenmangū (北野天満宮) is the shrine you need to visit. The shrine enshrining the God of Learning is the best spot to pray for academic success. Among all the Tenmangū shrines in Japan, Kitano Tenmangū in Kyoto is especially well-known. Not only
Kitano Tenmangū: One of the Most Scenic Shrines in Kyoto Read More »
Umekōji Park (梅小路公園) was opened in 1995 to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as the capital in the Heian period. Another main reason for the park’s creation is to add green space in Kyoto’s city center so that locals can rest. Unlike other attractions in the city center, it isn’t crowded
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Just a 5-minute walk from Hanshin’s Amagasaki Station (阪神尼崎駅), Amagasaki Castle Ruins Park (尼崎城址公園) is the most easily accessible spot in Amagasaki City for plum blossoms. While only 22 plums are planted, it is the perfect spot to take photos of the gorgeous flowers with the castle. In addition, you can transform yourself into the
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Most international tourists would visit Hyōgo Prefecture for Kobe. While the port city can be easily accessed from Osaka or Kyoto, the tourist attractions are usually packed, especially during the flowering seasons. So, exploring other parts of the prefecture would be a great idea if you don’t want to be pushed around. While some of
The Best Guide to the Plum Blossom Spots in Hyōgo Prefecture Read More »
If you plan to visit Himeji in early spring, stop by Zuiganji (増位山随願寺). The oldest Tendai sect temple in the southern Hyōgo Prefecture has a plum grove. Aside from its cultural properties, you can also see the elegant Himeji Castle from the plum grove. Using a professional camera, a picture of the castle with plum
Zuiganji: A Hidden Gem to Adore the Plum Blossoms in Himeji Read More »
Sone Tenmangū (曽根天満宮), enshrining Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), was erected by his fourth son and 13 retainers after he passed away in Dazaifu, Kyushu. The spot proves that Michizane was wrongly demoted for a crime he didn’t commit. In addition to the pine that is the shrine’s symbol, around 200 plums of 40 varieties bloom
Sone Tenmangū: One of the Best Plum Blossom Spots Near Kobe Read More »
Like other Tenman shrines in Japan, the Sanda Tenman Shrine (三田天満神社) has Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) as the main god. His favorite flower, plum blossom, is thus planted in the precinct. In fact, the 200-year-old plum isn’t just another plum on the street. The plum is called Tobi-Ume (飛び梅), the same plum as the one
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While not as famous as Kobe, Awaji Island across the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is one of the top tourist destinations in Hyōgo Prefecture. Many visit the island for the stunning scenery. It is also a historical and cultural rich part of the Kansai region. So, if Awaji Island is on your itinerary and you plan to
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