Things to Do
Kansai Region
Shrines & Temples
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![Stately appearance with a sense of 1300 years of history
*Photo provider: Gangoji Temple]()
Nara
Shrines & Temples
Gangoji Temple
4.07 2A stately World Heritage site with 1,300 years of history.
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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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[Horyu-ji Travel Guide] Experience Timeless History at Japan’s First World Heritage Site
Horyu-ji, the world’s oldest wooden building, is one of Japan’s most celebrated historic temples. Around 3,000 structures and artifacts have been designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, giving it immense historical and cultural value. Closely associated with Prince Shotoku, the temple remains deeply familiar to many Japanese people, and its traditions continue to this day. This article introduces the charms of Horyu-ji, focusing on recommended highlights that even first-time visitors can fully enjoy.
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![Japanese rock garden expressing the ocean with white gravels]()
Kyoto
Shrines & Temples
Chion-in / Yuzen-en
The garden on the Chion-in grounds with the stroll-style pond, rocks and sands.
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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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Experience Japan’s Timeless Charm, Woven from History and Nature: A Kiyomizu-dera Travel Guide
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing spots, as famous as Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama. It’s packed with highlights, from many historically valuable buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties to beautiful natural scenery. To help you fully enjoy Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s must-visit attractions, we’ll introduce not only the can’t-miss highlights, but also its history and the best seasons to visit.
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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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