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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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  • Sandanbeki Cliff

    Ninja Wifi – How to Rent the Best Portable Wifi in Japan

    December 28, 2024 /

    Whenever I travel across the countryside of Japan, staying connected is undeniably a top priority and I use Ninja Wifi for this. Over a decade ago, I used to travel around Japan WITHOUT a Wifi – relying heavily on old school methods like looking at the train schedule to catch the train and reading the signs at a village to get to some secluded temple. And while it was an adventure on its own, it was indeed tiring & confusing at times without the help of our trusty Google Maps. Nowadays, portable Wifi became more accessible and affordable, that it became mandatory for me to rent one on a road…

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    Yentravelsjapan 0 Comments

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    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
    Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023
  • Byodoin at Uji

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

    October 19, 2024 /

    From captivating ocean views of Amanohashidate (天橋立) to the majestic temple complex of Enryakuji (延暦寺) and also the matcha capital of Uji (宇治), there are certainly no shortages of Kyoto day trip destinations to enrich your travel experience. This list brings together the most panoramic Kyoto day trip destinations; each featuring its own unique history, charm, scenery and above all, captivating attractions.  Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more about it here. 1) Kurama & Kibune – The Spiritual Birthplace of Reiki Starting off the Kyoto day…

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    Ukimido sunset

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

    June 24, 2024
    Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023
    Fukiji temple

    9 Surprisingly Charming Historic Cities To Explore In Oita Prefecture

    August 30, 2021
  • Kibune

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

    August 3, 2024 /

    At the north of Kyoto’s majestic mountains lies the quaint village of Kibune (貴船). Since the ancient times, Kibune has been long associated with spirituality and tranquility; attracting many local visitors throughout the centuries who are seeking a retreat from the bustling city life. Let’s find out what makes this hidden village so attractive. Introducing Kibune & Its Surrounding Myths Kibune’s founding mainly stemmed from the legendary founding of Kifune Shrine (貴船神社). The shrine itself is one of the oldest in Japan when the goddess, Tamayori-hime (玉依姫) ordered the construction of the shrine as she was impressed with the purity of the water and the spirituality of the area. For…

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    Former Chikurin-in Temple – The Ultimate Travel Guide

    September 16, 2024
    Futagoji temple's main hall

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

    April 5, 2022
    Oharano Shrine Pond

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

    February 12, 2024
  • Kifune Shrine stairs

    Kifune Shrine – A Complete Guide to Kyoto’s Mystical Shrine

    July 19, 2024 /

    Amidst the lush forest and tranquil mountains of Kyoto (京都) lies the mystical Kifune Shrine (貴船神社) in the village of Kibune (貴船). Among all the shrines that are located within the mountains of Kyoto, Kifune Shrine is undisputedly the most famous of them all among the local community. Yet, it’s presence remains relatively low among international tourists. In this round, let’s explore the enchanting Kifune Shrine. Introducing Kifune Shrine The Legend Behind Its Founding Kifune Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan; with the shrine records detailing its reconstruction around 1,300 years ago. This means that it is as old; if not older than the ancient capital Kyoto…

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    Kurama-dera mountain scenery

    Kurama-dera Temple – The Ultimate Travel Guide

    March 30, 2024
    Ukimi Pavilion at night

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

    May 6, 2023
    Byodoin at Uji

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

    October 19, 2024
  • Kurama to Kibune hike

    Kurama to Kibune Hike – A Complete Day-Trip Guide from Kyoto

    April 28, 2024 /

    An enriching experience not to be missed is to visit the villages of Kurama (鞍馬) and Kibune (木船) up north of Kyoto; and part of the experience is the Kurama to Kibune hike itself. The hike itself connects Kurama (known for its temple with esoteric religious belief) and the picturesque Kibune which is famous for its shrine and high-end restaurants.  Along the hike, one will go through the holy mountains of the area that gave birth to Reiki therapy (霊気), filled with towering cedar trees, little rustic shrines and a combination of dirt trails and paved paths. With that expectation in mind, let’s go deeper into this unique hiking experience.…

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    Fukoji Temple – The Spectacular Cliff-Carved Buddha of Bungoono

    October 3, 2021
    Hotel Urashima room

    Hotel Urashima – The Ultimate Onsen Experience in Wakayama

    January 25, 2025
    Monjusenji Nio

    Monjusenji Temple – The Ultimate Spiritual Wisdom Spot of Kunisaki

    July 19, 2022
  • 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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    An autumn scenery in Bungoono

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

    September 20, 2021

    Former Chikurin-in Temple – The Ultimate Travel Guide

    September 16, 2024
    Oharano Shrine torii

    Oharano Shrine – Trivia Behind Kyoto’s Historical Hidden Gem

    January 20, 2024
  • Ukimi Pavilion at night

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

    May 6, 2023 /

    Ohori Park (or Oohori-Kouen/Ōhori-Kōen/大濠公園) is a huge pleasant park located in downtown Fukuoka; and a popular getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city among the locals. It was once a defensive moat for the next door Fukuoka Castle (福岡城), before being transformed into a recreational park today.  Despite being located in the middle of the city, the park is surprisingly peaceful; offering quiet moments especially for families and couples who wish to spend their time together alone. Let’s explore what this old and scenic park has to offer: Learn more about the history behind Fukuoka’s most famous park. Check out the park’s beautiful and scenic pond. Then, we…

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    Hikone Castle spring

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

    December 14, 2024
    A landscape photography of Kitsuki Castle

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

    May 10, 2021
    The beautiful Kitsuki Castle from afar

    The History of Kitsuki Castle – Japan’s Smallest Castle

    May 8, 2021
  • Monjusenji temple Kunisaki

    Kunisaki Peninsula – Discover Kyushu’s Authentic & Hidden Beauty

    October 16, 2022 /

    Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島), home of majestic mountains and rustic Buddhist temples is certainly one of Japan’s secret gem. Furthermore, the region is also home to an ancient 1,300 years old culture known as Rokugo Manzan (六郷満山). In essence, the place is a spiritual site nestled in a nature haven that is rich in history and culture. With that in mind, let us explore this lovely hidden destination shall we? Background of the Kunisaki Peninsula Read More Kunisaki Peninsula itself was formed from volcanic activities millions of years ago; which resulted in its current mountainous topography. It is located north-east of the island of Kyushu (九州), just north of the city…

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    Oharano Shrine torii

    Oharano Shrine – Trivia Behind Kyoto’s Historical Hidden Gem

    January 20, 2024
    Kurama-dera mountain scenery

    Kurama-dera Temple – The Ultimate Travel Guide

    March 30, 2024
    Kurama to Kibune hike

    Kurama to Kibune Hike – A Complete Day-Trip Guide from Kyoto

    April 28, 2024
  • Bungoono Yujaku Park

    Bungoono – A Complete Guide to Japan’s Secret Beautiful Geopark

    June 14, 2022 /

    A relatively unknown geopark among tourists, Bungoono is home to various fascinating landscapes and nature galore. In fact, the region itself is filled with lush forests, deep canyons, stunning waterfalls and even rustic religious sites. It’s minor presence is not surprising however, given the reclusiveness of the region as well as extremely scarce public transportation. Nevertheless, Bungoono will definitely rewards those who take their time to research and explore the beauty of the area. Let’s explore deeper into this gorgeous geopark, shall we? The History of Bungoono Read More About The Origin of This Fascinating Geopark Bungoono’s history dated 90,000 year ago; where the volcano Mt Aso (阿蘇山) erupted frequently.…

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    Dazaifu Station

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

    October 19, 2023
    Ukimi Pavilion at night

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

    May 6, 2023
    Entrance gate of Fukuoka Castle

    Fukuoka Castle – The Beautiful Castle Ruins Within a City

    April 8, 2023
  • Harajiri Falls in Bungoono

    Six Gorgeous Nature Spots to Check Out in Bungoono

    May 13, 2022 /

    Located south of Oita city (大分), Bungoono (豊後大野) is a city renowned for its gorgeous geological site, filled with many beautiful nature spots. This is because it was formerly a volcanic region that was created from the eruptions of the nearby Mt Aso (阿蘇山) thousands of years ago. And yet surprisingly, the site is still relatively unknown amongst the travel community; mainly due to the lack of public transportation as well as marketing towards foreign tourists. To my surprise, these nature sites are equally as gorgeous as the famed Mt Fuji (富士山), but also shamefully underrated. Due to the lack of foreign tourists, these sites do offer plenty of personal…

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    Kurama to Kibune hike

    Kurama to Kibune Hike – A Complete Day-Trip Guide from Kyoto

    April 28, 2024

    Fukoji Temple – The Spectacular Cliff-Carved Buddha of Bungoono

    October 3, 2021
    Kibune

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

    August 3, 2024
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