Murasaki

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

Shiga

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

Shiga

Walking along Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, a town for the locals (Osaka)

The longest shopping street in Japan, approximately 2.6 km long, is located in the northern part of Osaka City.Its name is Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street.This shopping street stretches north and south from the northern part of Tenjinbashi Bridge to Tenjinbashi-suji 6-chome.

2025.07.29

Osaka

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

Osaka

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

Kyoto

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

Kyoto

Take a break at SASAYAIORI in the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden(Kyoto).

The long-established Japanese sweets shop Sasaya Iori has a branch in the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (Kyoto Gyoen). The Konoe Residence Rest Area is that shop.If you go to the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho), you should stop by. The shop is calm and relaxed, but it gets crowded with tourists on weekends. It is closed on Mondays.

2025.03.16

Kyoto

Viewing the Zen garden at Daisen-in Temple(Kyoto)

Daisen-in Temple is one of the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji Temple.Walk along the stone paving in the precincts of Daitoku-...

2025.03.15

Kyoto

If you want to experience the silent Kyoto, let’s go to Daitoku-ji Temple(Kyoto).

Daitoku-ji Temple is a silent Zen temple. There are many sub-temples with Zen-style gardens. If you want to experience the silent Kyoto, I recommend Daitoku-ji Temple.Some sub-temples are always open to the public, but others are only open on special days.

2025.03.14

Kyoto

Teramachi-Kyogoku shopping street is a busy shopping area for tourists and locals (Kyoto)

Teramachi-Kyogoku shopping street, which borders Nishiki Market, is lined with many shops. There are restaurants serving Sukiyaki, Okonomiyaki, Tonkatsu（pork cutlet） and Tempura, as well as many shops selling second-hand kimono, old books, prints, hand fans,incense and other products that allow you to experience Japanese culture.

2025.02.20

Kyoto

Tatsumi-bashi Bridge in Gion is a very atmospheric little bridge (Kyoto)

Tatsumi-bashi Bridge is a atmospheric spot in the Gion area.The area around this small bridge over the Shira-kawa River is usually crowded with tourists taking commemorative photos.Luckily, it was a cold day, so there were not many people around and I was able to enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto. After crossing Tatsumi-bashi Bridge, the stone pavement continues on, and this is another place where you can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto.

2025.02.14

Kyoto

Nishitani-do’s Kintsuba is less sweet than usual(Kyoto)

Nishitani-do is located on the corner of Kyogoku-dori Sytreet and Sanjo-dori Street.It is a long-established Japanese confectionery established in 1892.Its main products are Youkan and Kintsuba. Today, I bought some Kintsuba and ate it there and then.

2025.02.12

Kyoto