Why Fall in Japan is Better Than the Spring

momijigari boat Kyoto river

Spring in Japan, famous for its breath-taking cherry blossoms, is by far the most popular time of the year for tourists. But, fall in Japan has incredible beauty, delicious foods, and pleasant weather that definitely rivals the spring! Here’s why you should visit Japan in autumn!

Sakura Viewing in Daigoji Temple, Kyoto

daigoji sakura cherry blossoms

Daigoji Temple, established in 874 and designated as a World Heritage Site, is renowned as a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing. It is where Toyotomi Hideyoshi famously hosted his “Daigo no Hanami” cherry blossom viewing party. The temple’s magnificent grounds, adorned with two national treasures; a stunning five-story pagoda (五重塔) and Kondō (金堂 Golden Hall) and other historic buildings, … Read More

My Top 5 Sakura viewing spots

My best Hanami spots

Travel to Japan during the beautiful Sakura season and witness nature’s amazing transformation! Me Kazue visited many cherry blossom spots in Japan, and here are the top 5 Ohanami spots of my selection! No.5 – Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto🚶🌸 Stroll along the canal to experience a serene escape in nature! The two-kilometer path, named after renowned philosopher Nishida Kitaro who … Read More

5 best places to see Sakura, cherry blossoms in Osaka

Osaka cherry blossom viewing

Are you dreaming of a trip to Japan and the breathtaking view of sakura, cherry blossoms? Lately, more and more tourists are flocking to this city in western Japan. Relaxing in gorgeous parks with hundreds of beautiful blooming trees that create mesmerizing visual effects takes only one day out of your vacation – yet, it’s likely something you will remember … Read More

10 Best Plum blossom Viewing Spots in Japan

10 Best Plum blossom Viewing Spots in Japan inabeshi Nogyokoen

Persevering through even the coldest of winter days, beautiful plum blossoms bloom to grace their surroundings with a mesmerizing display. These delicate flowers come in an array of colors ranging from pale white and soft pinks, all radiating sweet fragrance that will delight your senses. With five petals set atop no leaf stalks they represent hope and temperance – inspiring … Read More

Osorezan (恐山): Japan’s “Fear Mountain”

osorezan lake and statue

Japan’s Mount Osorezan (恐山) in Aomori Prefecture is ranked along with Koyasan and Hieizan as one of the three most sacred places in the entire country. Today, it known as the site of Bodai-ji Temple, where female mediums called itako are said to be able to communicate with the deceased. Read on to learn all about Japan’s fascinating “fear mountain”.

Cats and Japanese Love History

Hello Kitty tomb

In Japan, there are many items with cat motifs, such as Hello Kitty and Maneki Neko. There are also many cat goods, and it seems that Japanese people are full of cat lovers. In this blog, I would like to introduce the history of cats and humans, cat cafes, cat temples, and a cat temple museum that I recently visited. … Read More

Feel peace of mind at Zentsuji Temple

zentsuji walkthrough and drive

If you are looking for a calming place in the Japanese countryside, this is the place to be. Located in the western part of Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku, the head temple of the Zentsuji School of Shingon Buddhism is the birthplace of Kukai (Kōbō Daishi) and is widely known as one of the three great spiritual sites of Kobo Daishi … Read More

Travel Guide to Kisoji, Nakasendo ~Visiting post towns

magome-juku post town

Have you ever traveled to Nakasendō road or any of the post town stations along the way? There are beautiful, ancient, and picturesque trails in Nakasendo中山道 where you will feel nostalgic, especially in the Kisoji area (Gifu & Nagano). These trekking routes between the post towns are where you can enjoy scenic mountain hikes. In this blog, I visited and … Read More

The Best Day Trips From Tokyo

nikko bridge autumn

Are you coming to Japan and staying in Tokyo? Thanks to Japan’s convenient public transportation, you can easily make a number of great side trips to nearby rural areas no matter where you stay in Tokyo. Get out of the city for a bit and get lost in the beauty of rural Japan – just for a day or two. … Read More