If you are a history buff who loves ocean views, visit Oishi Park (生石公園) at the southeastern tip of Awaji Island. The park, located on a hill, was built from the Yura Fortress (由良要塞跡). In early spring, you can see the plum blossoms blooming on the slope leading to the sea from the Oishi Strait […]
Oishi Park: The Stunning Historical Spot on Awaji Island Read More »
Amagasaki is an industrial city in western Hyōgo Prefecture. While its tourist attractions are not mainstream, it is the closest city to Osaka. If you plan to stay around Osaka/Umeda Station in February, we highly recommend taking a short trip to visit the plum blossom spots in Amagasaki!
The Top Plum Blossom Spots in Amagasaki City, Next to Osaka Read More »
If you have heard about or have been to the Kumano Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture, you might wonder if Naniwa Kuamno Shrine (なにわ熊野神社) is related to the renowned Kumano Shrine. And your guess is correct! So, if you don’t have time to complete the pilgrimage, start your journey from Naniwa Kumano Shrine and get blessings
Naniwa Kumano Shrine and Its Gorgeous Plum Blossoms Read More »
Speaking of plum blossoms in Japan, many Japanese would think of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). The famous scholar from the Heian period (794 – 1185) is known for his love towards plum blossoms. Therefore, most, if not all, of the Tenmangū shrines in Japan have plums planted. The Tsunashiki Tenmangū (綱敷天満宮) in Kobe isn’t an
Tsunashiki Tenmangū: The Plum Blossoms & Interesting Rituals Read More »
Many come to Japan for its cherry blossoms, but do you know plum blossoms are just as beautiful as cherry blossoms? Tatsuno City, located in the southwestern part of Hyōgo Prefecture, is home to two of Kansai region‘s best plum blossom spots. While getting there is more than just a train ride from the region’s
Hyōgo Prefecture and Tatsuno City’s Best Plum Blossom Spots Read More »
If you have been to Kyoto, you might have heard of or been to Kitano Tanmangū Shrine (北野天満神社). So when you hear of the Kitano Tenman shrine, you might wonder if they are related. And you are right. The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto is the origin of the Kitano Tenman Shrine in Kobe! Besides
Kitano Tenman Shrine and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
Close to Kobe in Takarazuka City, Nakayama-dera (中山寺) is a well-known plum blossom spot in the region. The temple has long been known for granting child-related prayers, including safe delivery. So, it was worshipped and supported by the imperial family and power samurais, such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Escalators and elevators are in the temple, making it
Nakayama-dera: The Safe Delivery Rituals & Stunning Flowers Read More »
Numerous World’s Fairs have been held since the mid-19th century, and a couple of them were held in Japan (one was held in Osaka in 1970). After the exhibition, the site was turned into Osaka’s biggest park, where the locals can walk through woods and meadows and wade through small rivers. A couple of facilities
The Best Guide to the Events at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Read More »
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 »
If you plan to travel to Osaka with young children in spring or autumn, Tamateyama Park (柏原市立 玉手山公園) is a good spot for a family trip! The municipal park was completed in 1999 and has a ground area of 68,000 square meters. In spring, the locals head to the park for plum and cherry blossoms.
Tamateyama Park: A Hidden Spot for Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
