Just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Ōhara’s (大原) prime attraction, Sanzen-in, is the Hōsen-in Temple (宝泉院). While the scale of Hōsen-in is smaller than Sanzen-in, think twice before giving it a pass. Because in addition to two gorgeous gardens, the temple also has a historical element that can be traced back to 1600!
Hōsen-in and Its Amazing Gardens and Blood-Stained Ceiling Read More »
Nowadays, when we talk about traditional Japanese villages filled with traditional thatched roof houses, most people will think of the Shirakawa-go. But there is actually a spot just in Kyoto that shares a similar but less touristy atmosphere with the famous World Heritage-listed village!
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato – Kyoto’s Hidden Quaint Village Read More »
If you are ever looking for a naturally cool and refreshing spot in Kyoto, then read on! Mt. Kurama and Kibune, located in the northernmost part of Kyoto City, are where the locals head to when they want to escape the summer heat. Why? Because the best way to spend a summer day in Kyoto
Kurama & Kibune – The Hidden Gems in the Mountains of Kyoto Read More »
Amanohashidate (天橋立), one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), is one of the celebrated scenic sites in Japan that most Japanese have on their bucket list to visit. The place is just stunning throughout the year. There are cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn, and the area is even
Amanohashidate – One of the Top Three Scenic Places in Japan Read More »
Located in the western part of Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan, Appi Kōgen (安比高原) is an alluringly beautiful place for relaxing walks along the plateau from spring to autumn. When the region transforms into a winter wonderland, many flocks to Appi Kōgen for skiing or snowboarding on its high-quality snow because Appi Ski Resort is
Appi Kōgen – The Biggest Resort in Northeast Japan Read More »
Hachimantai (八幡平) in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is a magnificent patch of nature on the prefectural border between Iwate (岩手) and Akita (秋田). While the fall foliage scenery is better on the Akita side of Hachimantai, the summit of Mt. Hachimantai and many of the natural wonders are located in Iwate prefecture.
Hachimantai – The Dragon Eye and the Amazing Natural Wonders Read More »
If you plan to rent a car and explore Iwate Prefecture‘s nature, consider putting Hachimantai (八幡平) on your itinerary. The mountainous area in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) offers breathtaking scenery and is a perfect destination for hiking and trekking. One of the ways to get to the summit is Hachimantai Aspite Line (八幡平アスピーテライン). In fact,
Hachimantai Aspite Line: The Most Scenic Drive in Iwate Read More »
Nyūtō Onsen (乳頭温泉郷) is a rural hot spring resort in Akita Prefecture (秋田県) that consists of six ryokans and one hotel, each having its history, style, and spring quality. Listed as one of the 100 Japan Hidden Scenic Spots (日本の秘境100選), the resort is quietly nestled deep in the mountain at the base of Mt. Nyūtō.
Nyūtō Onsen and the 7 Unique Ryokans Deep in the Mountain Read More »
Amongst The Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園) in Kanazawa is probably the most famous (with the other two being the Kōrakuen (後樂園) in Okayama Prefecture and the Kairakuen (偕樂園) in Ibaraki Prefecture. This National Place of Scenery Beauty is practically the symbol of the city, if not the entire Ishikawa Prefecture!
Kenrokuen – Explore Japan’s Most Famous Garden Read More »
Hida Furukawa (飛騨古川), a quaint, unassuming town, has become a lot more lively since Makoto Shinkai’s movie – Your Name (君の名は) hit the theater. The town serves as the inspiration behind many iconic scenes from the film! It can be accessed just two stations away from Hida Takayama City, a popular tourist destination in its
Hida Furukawa and the Famous Anime Movie, Your Name Read More »