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  • Destinations
    • Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県)
    • Kyoto Prefecture (京都府)
    • Oita Prefecture (大分県)
    • Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県)
  • Why Japan?
  • The JAPAN Plan
  • Favorite Travel Resources
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

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  • Hikone Castle spring

    Hikone Castle – The Ultimate Travel Guide & Must-Know Hidden Tips

    December 14, 2024 /

    Hikone Castle (彦根城) is certainly no stranger among locals when it comes to the list of impressive castles in Japan. And this is because it is one of the few remaining original-construction castles. Because of its authentic architecture, it is a MUST-VISIT castle especially for the architecture lovers and history buffs.  And the BEST part of them all? It is easily accessible from the ancient capital of Kyoto (京都); making this a prime candidate to save in your next Japan travel itinerary! With that in mind, lets explore the impressive Hikone Castle itself. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then I…

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    Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023
    Canal City Night

    Canal City – A Complete Guide to Fukuoka’s Architecture Marvel

    March 5, 2023
    Shofukuji

    Shofukuji – A Complete Guide to Japan’s First Zen Temple

    November 11, 2022
  • Former Chikurin-in Temple – The Ultimate Travel Guide

    September 16, 2024 /

    Located in the town of Sakamoto (坂本) near Kyoto (京都), lies the small and quaint Former Chikurin-in Temple (旧竹林院). Don’t underestimate this small temple though as this place is not only a scenic beauty but also once served as a Satobo (里坊), or a residence for retired monks. Today, this place is famously known among locals for its scenery of its garden reflection captured on a low table setup in Japanese-style rooms. History A Little Historical Background This site is located at the foot of the famed Mt Hiei (比叡山 or Hiei-zan) which houses the massive temple complex of Enryakuji (延暦寺) at its summit. At its peak, Enryakuji had over…

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    Futagoji temple's main hall

    Futagoji Temple – A Complete Guide to Kunisaki Peninsula’s Poster Boy

    April 5, 2022
    Kibune

    Kibune – A Complete Travel Guide to Kyoto’s Mystical Village

    August 3, 2024
    An autumn scenery in Bungoono

    Bungoono – Admiring the Beautiful Autumn in Japan’s Enchanting Countryside

    September 20, 2021
  • Ukimido sunset

    Ukimido – A Complete Guide to Lake Biwa’s Iconic Scenery

    June 24, 2024 /

    Ukimido (浮御堂) is recognised one of the Eight Great Views of Omi (近江八景; pronounced Oumi Hakkei) and is easily the poster boy of the group. Ask any local who stay around Lake Biwa (琵琶湖 or Biwa-ko) to recommend a photogenic spot around the lake and most likely their answer is Ukimido. Despite locating in the city of Otsu (大津) and its close proximity to Kyoto, this little temple is still relatively unknown among the tourist radar. This is a blessing in disguise however, as this makes it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a lake scenery in peaceful state of mind. Now what makes this little temple so…

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    Byodoin at Uji

    9 Kyoto Day Trip Gems You Can’t Miss: Get The Ultimate List of Panoramic Views

    October 19, 2024
    Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023
    Hikone Castle spring

    Hikone Castle – The Ultimate Travel Guide & Must-Know Hidden Tips

    December 14, 2024
  • Kyoto travel

    5 Secret Kyoto Travel Tips for First Timers

    May 13, 2024 /

    It is no secret that a Kyoto travel experience is highly sought after among the travel community. Being the former ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto (京都) features a plethora of beautiful historical sites ranging from temples, shrines, and even teahouses and restaurants. Despite this, Kyoto is also infamously known for its overtourism; hundreds of tourists hogging at famous sites including Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari Taisha and even the streets of Gion District. So much so that even the local council passed a law to banned tourists from entering certain private streets in the Gion District. Nevertheless, travelling in Kyoto can be made much more relaxing with these tips in mind. Here…

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    Shirahama Beach

    Shirarahama – The Guide to the Ultimate Japan Beach Experience

    February 23, 2025
    Yufuin Onsen

    8 Genuine Onsen Spots Nearby Oita, Other than Beppu

    January 8, 2022
    Entrance gate of Fukuoka Castle

    Fukuoka Castle – The Beautiful Castle Ruins Within a City

    April 8, 2023
  • Kurama-dera mountain scenery

    Kurama-dera Temple – The Ultimate Travel Guide

    March 30, 2024 /

    While my wife and I went on a day trip to escape the bustling Kyoto to Kurama (鞍馬), Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺) turned out to be one of our favourite highlights in our Kyoto trip. In fact, climbing mountains was undeniably a nightmarish activity for my wife and we did not know what to expect out of Kurama Temple. To our surprise, Kurama-dera turned out to be a pleasant temple to visit. The remote natural beauty together with the lack of tourist crowds makes this one of our favourite temples to visit in Japan.  Introducing Kurama-dera Location Kurama-dera is located up north of Kyoto at the base of Mt Kurama (鞍馬山).…

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    Monjusenji temple Kunisaki

    Kunisaki Peninsula – Discover Kyushu’s Authentic & Hidden Beauty

    October 16, 2022
    Fukino Falls, one of the most gorgeous destinations nearby Usa.

    9 Best Hidden Road Trip Destinations Around Usa, Ōita

    August 8, 2021
    Kibune

    Kibune – A Complete Travel Guide to Kyoto’s Mystical Village

    August 3, 2024
  • Oharano Shrine Pond

    Oharano Shrine – The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto’s Hidden Gem

    February 12, 2024 /

    It is no surprise that Kyoto (京都) is home to a plethora of temples and shrines, both large and small; including the highlight of today’s post, Oharano Shrine (大原野神社). Oharano Shrine is among the hundreds of shrines in Kyoto that is relatively hidden from the usual tourist radar. While it is rather secluded; it makes up for it with its captivating nature scenery as well as a rich history behind its founding (see my trivia post about this shrine). To find out what the shrine beholds, lets explore its beautiful in today’s post. Exploring Oharano Shrine Location Oharano Shrine is located at Nishikyō Ward (Nishikyō-ku/西京区); aka the Western Capital Ward.…

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    Futagoji temple's main hall

    Futagoji Temple – A Complete Guide to Kunisaki Peninsula’s Poster Boy

    April 5, 2022
    An autumn scenery in Bungoono

    Bungoono – Admiring the Beautiful Autumn in Japan’s Enchanting Countryside

    September 20, 2021
    Hikone Castle spring

    Hikone Castle – The Ultimate Travel Guide & Must-Know Hidden Tips

    December 14, 2024
  • Dazaifu Station

    Dazaifu – The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Former Western Capital

    October 19, 2023 /

    Did you know the small city of Dazaifu (太宰府) was once shared the status as the capital of Japan together with the famed Kyoto (京都)? Located 15 kms southeast of Fukuoka (福岡), this city once served as the bridge that connects Japan and the outside world. In fact, the city traced its origin 1,300 years ago and was once a major cultural and political hub. Despite being a fraction of its former glory today, it remains a hidden yet significant travel spot simply for its historical value. Let’s explore what the once magnificent capital has to offer: What is the history behind this small city? Which attraction is not to…

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    Oita Train

    5 Unique Ways To Travel To Oita

    November 27, 2021
    Kyoto Free Activity Fushimi Inari Taisha 2

    5 Free Kyoto Activities You Must Do in Japan

    November 23, 2024
    Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023
  • Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023 /

    Did you know there are only 4 national museums in total in Japan; with the Kyushu National Museum (九州国立博物館) being the latest? The Kyushu National Museum is the latest addition to the list of monumental national museums in Japan; the other three are in Tokyo (東京), Kyoto (京都) and Nara (奈良). While the former three museums were constructed during the 1800s, this one has a distinction of being completed in the 21st century (2005 to be precise). Because of this, the opening of the museum is seen as an eventful occassion among locals. It is also currently the only national museum that is located in the small town of Dazaifu…

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    Canal City Night

    Canal City – A Complete Guide to Fukuoka’s Architecture Marvel

    March 5, 2023
    Fukiji temple

    9 Surprisingly Charming Historic Cities To Explore In Oita Prefecture

    August 30, 2021
    Byodoin at Uji

    9 Kyoto Day Trip Gems You Can’t Miss: Get The Ultimate List of Panoramic Views

    October 19, 2024
  • Dazaifu Tenmangu gate

    Dazaifu Tenmangu – A Complete Guide to Japan’s Poetic Shrine

    August 10, 2023 /

    Ask any local in Fukuoka (福岡) to name a shrine, and there is a high chance that Dazaifu Tenmangu will be the first in their mind. Dazaifu Tenmangu (pronounced Dazaifu Tenmangū/Dazaifu Tenmanguu/太宰府天満宮) is the largest shrine in the island of Kyushu’s (九州) and like every other shrine, is known for its stunningly beautiful architecture. Despite its famed reputation, it also holds a tragic past in regards to its founding. With that in mind, let’s explore the history and also what the complex has to offer: Read more about its deep history and tragic backstory here. Check out the town near the shrine entrance for these unique local attractions. Let’s explore…

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    Tochoji Grounds

    Tochoji – Introducing Japan’s Massive Wooden Seated Buddha

    December 25, 2022
    A landscape photography of Kitsuki Castle

    Kitsuki Castle – A Complete Travel Guide To Japan’s Smallest Castle

    May 10, 2021
    Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023
  • Entrance gate of Fukuoka Castle

    Fukuoka Castle – The Beautiful Castle Ruins Within a City

    April 8, 2023 /

    Did you know the city of Fukuoka (福岡) once had a castle known as Fukuoka Castle (福岡城)? Once considered the largest bastion in Kyushu (九州), today only the ruins of it remained in a park located in the city. So much so that it is called the Fukuoka Castle ruins (福岡城跡/Fukuoka-jo Ato); in which ‘Ato/跡’ here refers to ruins. Despite that, it is a well-known attraction among the locals simply for its atmospheric ruins and peaceful surroundings. So what makes the castle ruins a unique attraction on its own? Let’s explore the area further to discover it’s beauty: Find out more about the history of a castle that was once…

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    The Suya no Saka and Shioya no Saka (behind) slopes

    Kitsuki – A Comprehensive Travel Guide to the Sandwich Castle Town

    May 3, 2021
    Hikone Castle spring

    Hikone Castle – The Ultimate Travel Guide & Must-Know Hidden Tips

    December 14, 2024
    Ukimi Pavilion at night

    Ohori Park – The Ultimate Guide to Fukuoka’s Tranquil Park

    May 6, 2023
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