sightseeing


  • Toji Temple: Viewing the cherry blossoms at night

    Toji Temple: Viewing the cherry blossoms at night

    In a previous post, I wrote about visiting Toji temple in 2022 when I first came to Kyoto. At that time it was May and the cherry blossoms were long past. This year during a two-week break, I was able to spend part of it in Kyoto during the cherry blossom season. Blooming of the…


  • Daishoin Temple: Tranquility in a Buddhist Temple

    Daishoin Temple: Tranquility in a Buddhist Temple

    Nestled on the tranquil island of Miyajima, Daishoin Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. This serene and spiritual site is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the region. Located just a short ferry ride from the mainland, Miyajima is a small island steeped in history and…


  • Itsukushima Jinja: Miyajima’s Iconic Shrine and Floating Torii Gate

    Itsukushima Jinja: Miyajima’s Iconic Shrine and  Floating Torii Gate

    Nestled on the shores of the tranquil Seto Inland Sea in Japan, Miyajima Island is home to one of the country’s most iconic and breathtaking shrines: Itsukushima Jinja. Also known as the “floating shrine,” Itsukushima Jinja is built entirely on stilts over the water. During high tide, the water makes seem as though it’s floating.…


  • Yufuin: An Idyllic Japanese Getaway

    Yufuin: An Idyllic Japanese Getaway

    Nestled in the rolling hills of Oita Prefecture, Yufuin is a charming little town. It is known for its hot springs, picturesque scenery, and laid-back atmosphere. Located about 10 kilometres inland from the Beppu and near Mt Tsurumi, Yufuin has long been a popular destination for travellers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle…


  • Exploring the Natural Wonders of Japan’s Ikeda Lake

    Exploring the Natural Wonders of Japan’s Ikeda Lake

    Nestled in the southern part of Japan’s Kyushu island lies the stunning Ikeda Lake, a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lake sits near the city of Kagoshima, surrounded by lush green forests and stunning mountain ranges. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers…


  • Exploring the magnificent Zuihoden Mausoleum Complex in Sendai, Japan

    Exploring the magnificent Zuihoden Mausoleum Complex in Sendai, Japan

    The Zuihoden Complex in Sendai offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Japan. The complex houses the mausoleum of the famous samurai lord, Date Masamune, as well as several other historical buildings and structures. History Date Masamune, the powerful daimyo (feudal lord) of the Sendai region, began constructing his mausoleum in…


  • Visiting beautiful Inuyama Castle, Japan

    Visiting beautiful Inuyama Castle, Japan

    Japan is a country long steeped in history and tradition. One of the best ways to experience this is by visiting its many castles, especially the ones that have withstood the tests of time. One such castle that stands out is Inuyama Castle, located in Aichi Prefecture. It is one of only 12 remaining original…


  • Matsushima, Japan – One of Japan’s most beautiful areas

    Matsushima, Japan – One of Japan’s most beautiful areas

    Matsushima is a small town located in the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan. The town is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery – over 260 small islands scattered around Matsushima Bay. The islands feature pine trees/forests, hence the name Matsushima (Pine Islands). Matsushima’s history dates back to the 8th century. This is when it was first…


  • Chuson-ji – One of the Tohoku region’s premiere temples

    Chuson-ji – One of the Tohoku region’s premiere temples

    Hiraizumi’s Chuson-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi in the Iwate Prefecture of Japan. A quick ride on the bus or train from Ichinoseki and you are ready to explore one of Tohoku’s most elaborate and impressive temple complexes. History of Chuson-ji The temple was founded in the late 11th century by the local…


  • The Hells of Beppu (別府の地獄), Japan

    The Hells of Beppu (別府の地獄), Japan

    On the northeastern coast of the island of Kyushu lies Beppu, one of Japan’s best-known resort towns. For centuries, Japanese people have been flocking to this hot spring paradise to relax and cure their ailments. In addition to all the onsen (Japanese hot spring baths), Beppu also hosts 7 “Hells” – amazing hot springs near…


  • Matsumoto Castle Grand Taiko Festival – Japanese Drumming

    Matsumoto Castle Grand Taiko Festival – Japanese Drumming

    Picture this: you are studying Japanese intensively at a language school in Japan. It is the end of July and you have a couple of weeks off. What do you do? Where do you go? Well one possibility is the Matsumoto Castle Grand Taiko Festival. The best part (apart from the drumming) – it is…


  • Visiting Matsumoto Castle (松本城), Japan

    Visiting Matsumoto Castle (松本城), Japan

    Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, Japan, is one of the most impressive castles in Japan. If you search for Japanese castles, you will likely find images of Matsumoto Castle (along with places like Osaka Castle) and you can find it in many lists of the top castles to visit in Japan. It is easy to see…


  • Tofuku-Ji Temple and Tsuten-Kyo Bridge, Kyoto, Japan

    Tofuku-Ji Temple and Tsuten-Kyo Bridge, Kyoto, Japan

    After visiting Fushimi Inari and Mt. Inari, the next stop on my trip to Kyoto was Tofuku-ji Temple (東福寺) and Tsuten-Kyo Bridge. Tofuku-Ji is one of the “Five Great Zen Temples in Kyoto” and it is easy to see why. Combined with its garden, which contains the Tsuten-Kyo (covered) bridge, it is easy to see…


  • Toji Temple, Kyoto – The Temple for the Defence of the Nation by Means of the King of Doctrines

    Toji Temple, Kyoto – The Temple for the Defence of the Nation by Means of the King of Doctrines

    I recently posted about Fushimi Inari and Mt. Inari, Kyoto – The path of 1000 gates, which I visited during my trip to Kyoto. However, it was not the first place I went to in Kyoto. After getting off the Shinkansen (bullet train) at Kyoto station, I split up with my host family and went…


  • Fushimi Inari and Mt. Inari, Kyoto – The path of 1000 gates

    Fushimi Inari and Mt. Inari, Kyoto – The path of 1000 gates

    If you are travelling to Kyoto on a budget, you don’t like spending money or you just like hiking, then Fushimi Inari is for you. Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) is a Shinto Shrine in Kyoto that is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. It is free to visit and is open 24/7. Fushimi Inari…