Things to Do
Kansai Region
Shrines & Temples
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Okazaki, Ginkakuji, Ohara
Shrines & Temples
Nanzenji Temple
3.33 7One of the most famous Zen temples in Kyoto, founded by Emperor Kameyama.
Related Articles
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[Nanzen-ji Travel Guide] Explore a serene and beautiful space where history and nature exist in harmony
Nanzen-ji is one of the highest-ranking Zen temples in Japan. Within its grounds, you’ll find a serene and beautiful space where buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties blend with rich natural surroundings. The scenery changes beautifully through the seasons, but the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are especially breathtaking. This guide covers everything you need to know to fully enjoy Nanzen-ji, from its history and highlights to access information and nearby sightseeing spots. Use this article to make the most of your visit to Nanzen-ji.
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A Sightseeing Guide to Heian Jingu Shrine, Where You Can Experience Deep History and Natural Beauty
Heian Jingu Shrine is known for its beautiful, vividly vermilion buildings. Among Kyoto’s many shrines and temples, it is one of the sightseeing spots you should especially make time to visit. In addition to its historic buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties, it also features a Japanese garden with appeal in every season, offering plenty to see. This article introduces the basic information, highlights, and more about Heian Jingu Shrine in detail. We’ll also cover nearby sightseeing spots and local food, so use this as a guide when visiting Heian Jingu Shrine.
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Nara
Shrines & Temples
Kohfukuji Temple
3.32 5Designated as a World Heritage, Kohfukuji Temple was one of the four leading temples during the Nara period (710-784).
Related Articles
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Horyu-ji Travel Guide: Experience Timeless History at Japan’s First World Heritage Site
Horyu-ji is one of Japan’s most celebrated historic temples and is home to some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures. With around 3,000 structures and artifacts designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, the temple holds exceptional historical and cultural value. It also has deep ties to Prince Shotoku and has long held a special place in Japanese history and culture, with its traditions continuing to this day. In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights and appeal of Horyu-ji to help first-time visitors make the most of their visit.
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A Travel Guide to Gango-ji, Japan’s Oldest Full-Scale Buddhist Temple
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed “Gango-ji” is home to many buildings and Buddhist statues designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Often said to be the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism, it is renowned as a temple of great historical and cultural value. From the “East Gate,” the main gate, to highlights such as the “Main Hall” and other grounds buildings, there is plenty to see, and seasonal flowers charm visitors year-round. This article introduces everything you need to enjoy “Gango-ji,” from its history to recommended sightseeing spots-use it as a helpful reference.
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A Tōdai-ji Travel Guide to Timeless History and Culture
Tōdai-ji, famous for the Great Buddha of Nara. Beyond its many historic structures designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, the temple also offers easy-to-join Buddhist experiences like sutra copying and Buddha image tracing that can help calm the mind. Don’t miss the daily “Eleven-Faced Goma Fire Ritual Prayer” and the Tōdai-ji Museum, where you can learn more about its history. Here’s the history and must-see spots to know so you can fully enjoy Tōdai-ji, packed with highlights.
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Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
Shrines & Temples
Chion-in / Yuzen-en
3.30 3The garden on the Chion-in grounds with the stroll-style pond, rocks and sands.
Related Articles
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[Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour] Spring in full bloom!
If you feel a hint of spring, why don't you go to Kyoto?Cherry blossoms in Kyoto usually begin blooming around the end of March and are at their best from early to mid-April. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is known for its elegant scenery. Enjoy walking around the historic shrines and temples and the streets where you can feel the careful lifestyle of the people and visit the best cherry blossom viewing spots.
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[Yasaka Shrine Travel Guide] A Famous Kyoto Power Spot for Beauty, Connections, and Good Fortune
With a long and storied history, Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of Yasaka Shrines and Gion Shrines across Japan. Enshrining a variety of high-ranking deities, it’s known as one of Kyoto’s most famous power spots, even in a city filled with temples and shrines. Beyond that, the grounds are packed with historically valuable architecture and plenty of highlights. To help you fully enjoy Yasaka Shrine and receive its many blessings, we’ll introduce the main must-sees, the best seasons to visit, and noteworthy events.
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Wakayama
Shrines & Temples
Kongobuji
3.30 3The whole Mt. Koya is the premise! The head of Japan’s buddhist temples.
Related Articles
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40 Things to Do in Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture, blessed with oceans, mountains, and rivers, is a popular travel destination filled with historical sites, World Heritage locations, leisure spots, hot springs, and more. From scenic attractions that showcase Japan’s beautiful seasonal landscapes to accommodations, cuisine, and hot springs, we’ve carefully selected the best recommendations for your visit.
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World Heritage Site – Mt. Koya (Part 1) – Autumn Leaves at Kongobu-ji and Danjogaran
Wakayama Prefecture. Mt. Koya, a sacred place of which Kobo Daishi (Kukai), a famous poet, sang praises of its autumn leaves. He was fascinated by the brilliant autumn leaves during clear weather.
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