Things to Do
Kansai Region
Shrines & Temples
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![Nanzenji Temple is home to 300 maple trees, and in the fall, the leaves change color beautifully.
(Photo Credit: iStock)]()
Kyoto
Shrines & Temples
Nanzenji Temple
3.88 4One of the most famous Zen temples in Kyoto, founded by Emperor Kameyama.
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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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[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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![Crossing the Uji Bridge to the Naiku Shrine]()
Mie
Shrines & Temples
Ise Jingu
4.77 8A two-thousand-year-old Shinto shrine, filled with the origins of Japanese history, nature, and architecture.
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Best Street Food Near Ise Jingu: A Guide to Oharaimachi & Okage Yokocho
If you’re visiting “Ise Jingu,” be sure to stop by “Oharaimachi & Okage Yokocho” as well. This historic street stretches for Approx. 800 meters and is filled with a retro Ise atmosphere, lined with many restaurants, snack stands, and souvenir shops-perfect for strolling and tasting local bites before or after your visit. In this article, we’ll cover key details about Oharaimachi & Okage Yokocho and introduce the best street food for lunch or a quick snack. They’re all classic, popular picks-so you can’t go wrong.
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Ise Jingu Travel Guide : A Complete Guide to Highlights, Visiting Order, and Access for Geku & Naiku
Ise Jingu, regarded as the most prestigious Shinto shrine in Japan, is a special and sacred place often called “the spiritual hometown of the Japanese people.” With 7 to 8 million visitors each year, this sacred area has a history of over 2,000 years and offers a powerful sense of Japanese culture and faith. This article covers everything from essential basics like Ise Jingu’s history and blessings to must-see spots, worship etiquette, and how to get around. We’ve compiled key information that’s especially helpful for first-time visitors, so be sure to read to the end.
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![The grounds are 39-acre wide]()
Wakayama
Shrines & Temples
Kongobuji
4.18 3The whole Mt. Koya is the premise! The head of Japan’s buddhist temples.
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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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![The "Main hall" with the famous "Stage of Kiyomizu" built on the slope of the mountain]()
Kyoto
Shrines & Temples
Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple
4.71 28A place that should be visited when traveling to Kyoto, the temple selected as a World Cultural Heritage.
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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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Special outdoor lighting of Kyoto’s autumn leaves at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
I went to Kyoto and saw Kiyomizu-dera Temple at night for the first time. They had special outdoor lighting set up to make the autumn leaves appear even more magical than usual.
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