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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
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  • Kyoto Free Activity Fushimi Inari Taisha 2

    5 Free Kyoto Activities You Must Do in Japan

    November 23, 2024 /

    Kyoto free activities? You must be wondering if I am joking about this statement. Kyoto is often seen as an expensive city to visit with the sheer number of renowned attractions & high-end accommodations; but did you know there ARE free activities? Your travel budget will thank you for reading this blog! As a matter of fact, some of these activities involve exploring some of the major sites in the ancient capital. With that in mind, here are the top wonderful Kyoto free activities not to be missed! Here is the Google Map location for each point of interests: Trip map created using Wanderlog, for making itineraries on iOS and…

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    Canal City Night

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

    March 5, 2023
    Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023
    Usa Jingū

    Usa Jingū – A Complete Travel Guide to Japan’s First Hybrid Shrine

    May 14, 2021
  • 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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    Kyushu National Museum exterior

    Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide

    September 2, 2023
    Tochoji Grounds

    Tochoji – Introducing Japan’s Massive Wooden Seated Buddha

    December 25, 2022
    Usa Jingū

    Usa Jingū – A Complete Travel Guide to Japan’s First Hybrid Shrine

    May 14, 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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    Hikone Castle spring

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

    December 14, 2024
    Oharano Shrine Pond

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

    February 12, 2024
    Futagoji temple's main hall

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

    April 5, 2022
  • 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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    Harajiri Falls in Bungoono

    Six Gorgeous Nature Spots to Check Out in Bungoono

    May 13, 2022
    Matama coast Kunisaki peninsula

    Awe-Inspiring Scenic Sites in the Kunisaki Peninsula

    March 10, 2022
    An autumn scenery in Bungoono

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

    September 20, 2021
  • 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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    An autumn scenery in Bungoono

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

    September 20, 2021
    Monjusenji temple Kunisaki

    Kunisaki Peninsula – Discover Kyushu’s Authentic & Hidden Beauty

    October 16, 2022
    Usa Jingū

    Usa Jingū – A Complete Travel Guide to Japan’s First Hybrid Shrine

    May 14, 2021
  • 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
    Kibune

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

    August 3, 2024
  • Oharano Shrine torii

    Oharano Shrine – Trivia Behind Kyoto’s Historical Hidden Gem

    January 20, 2024 /

    Tucked away within the western forest of Kyoto lies the little Oharano Shrine (大原野神社/Ōharano-jinja); a shrine that is totally out of the tourist radar for those visiting Kyoto (京都). Ask the hordes of tourist if they have heard of this shrine and chances are 99.99% the answer is a huge NO. Despite this, the shrine itself holds an important spot in Kyoto’s history for more than a thousand years. With that in mind, lets dwell into this background behind the founding of this shrine. History A Little Historical Background For the history of this shrine, we first introduce the main contributor to this shrine, Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇). Emperor Kanmu was…

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    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
    An autumn scenery in Bungoono

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

    September 20, 2021
  • 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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    Kyoto travel

    5 Secret Kyoto Travel Tips for First Timers

    May 13, 2024
    Fukuoka Tower and Seaside Momochi Aerial View

    Seaside Momochi – A Complete Guide to Fukuoka’s Seaside Getaway

    June 9, 2023
    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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    Futagoji temple's main hall

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

    April 5, 2022
    A landscape photography of Kitsuki Castle

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

    May 10, 2021

    Fukoji Temple – The Spectacular Cliff-Carved Buddha of Bungoono

    October 3, 2021

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