Murasaki

I visited Shugakuin Imperial Villa in the rain (Kyoto)

This is my second visit to Shugakuin Imperial Villa. I last visited in October four years ago. At that time, the Rinun-tei Pavilion in the Upper Palace was under renovation, but this time I was able to go to the Rinun-tei Pavilion.

2025.12.25

Garden

When you come to Tondabayashi Jinai-machi, stop by the Former Sugiyama Family Residence and the Former Tanaka Family Residence (Osaka).

The Sugiyama family was an old family dating back to the founding of the Jinai-machi, and during the Edo period, they amassed wealth as sake brewers.The former Sugiyama family residence still retains structures built during the Edo period, so we highly recommend touring the interior.

2025.11.22

Architecture

Visiting Jinai-machi in Tondabayashi (Osaka)

Tondabayashi Jinai-machi also developed as a Jinai-machi after Kosho-ji Temple (established as a branch temple of Kyoto's Kosho-ji Temple) was built along the banks of the Ishi-kawa River in Minami-Kawachi during the mid-16th century Sengoku period.During its initial development, it appears the outer perimeter featured earthen ramparts and moats.The town had four entrances and exits, which were closed at night to maintain public order.

2025.11.22

Townscape

Keitaku-en Garden in Tennoji is a historic Japanese garden (Osaka)

Keitaku-en Garden was donated to the City of Osaka in 1926 by Sumitomo Kichizaemon Tomoito, the 15th head of the Sumitomo family, a wealthy merchant family in Osaka dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868).

2025.11.15

Garden

Shosei-en Garden is a tranquil garden near Kyoto Station (Kyoto)

It's hard to believe this is near JR Kyoto Station, bustling with tourists. It's a remarkably quiet garden.From this garden, you can see the Kyoto Tower to the southwest, so anyone can understand how close this garden is to JR Kyoto Station.This garden is Shosei-en Garden, an enclave within the grounds of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple.

2025.10.23

Garden

View of Mt. Hiei from the Okochi Sanso Garden (Kyoto)

This vast garden is a private estate completed over thirty years by the late Denjiro Okochi, a prominent film actor active in the early Showa era.The garden is a circuit style, designed for strolling through the forest.

2025.10.23

Garden

At the summit of Mt. Hachiman, there is a spot with a spectacular view and a quiet temple (Omi-Hachiman)

Mt.Hachiman(Altitude: approx. 270m) is the site of Hachimanyama Castle. Only the stone walls of the castle remain.You can reach the summit by ropeway.Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted by a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and the city of Omi-Hachiman.

2025.08.04

Townscape

Walking around Omi-Hachiman, the castle town of Toyotomi Hidetsugu (Omi-Hachiman)

Omi-Hachiman developed as a commercial city during the Edo period(1603-1868) based on the castle town built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu.The traditional townscape still retains its old-world charm, offering views of Mt. Hachiman, which stands at an elevation of 270 meters.

2025.08.03

Townscape

Visit Osaka-jo Castle, the symbol of Osaka City (Osaka)

Osaka Castle is one of my favorite places. I've been here many times, but I always think it's a great castle.Recently, Universal Studios Japan has become the most popular tourist destination in Osaka, but if you visit Osaka, you should definitely visit Osaka Castle. The most attractive features of Osaka Castle are its stone walls and the moat that reflects the walls onto the water.

2025.07.22

Architecture

Stop by Ryogen-in Temple, founded in 1502 (Kyoto)

Ryogen-in Temple is one of the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji Temple and is an old temple built in 1502.The Hojo (main hall), entrance, and front gate of Ryogen-in Temple are original structures and are the oldest buildings among the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji Temple.

2025.03.18

Garden

If you visit Daitoku-ji Temple, you should also visit Zuiho-in Temple (Kyoto)

This temple has three gardens surrounding the Hojo (main hall). Among them, the Dokuzatei Garden on the south side of the Hojo (main hall) is a Zen garden with a wild feel that contrasts with the surrounding silence. If you visit Daitoku-ji Temple, you should also visit Zuiho-in Temple.

2025.03.17

Garden