Things to Do
Shrines & Temples
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Shiga
Shrines & Temples
The Head Temple of the Tendai Sect, Mt. Hiei (Hieizan) Enryakuji Temple
3.29 5A solemn temple divided into three areas where the entire mountain becomes the precincts.
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Not Just Lake Biwa! 17 Must-Visit Spots to Make the Most of Shiga
Shiga Prefecture is home to Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, which covers about one-sixth of the prefecture. When people think of Shiga sightseeing, they often picture Lake Biwa and its nearby attractions, but Shiga offers much more. From historic shrines and temples such as the UNESCO-listed Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei to local cuisine like Omi beef, there are plenty of lesser-known highlights. This article introduces not only Lake Biwa and its surroundings, but also other attractions, food spots, and places to stay in Shiga.
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Immerse Yourself in Japan’s History & Culture! The Complete Sightseeing Guide to Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei
Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei is the head temple of the Tendai sect (the temple that oversees the sect) and is famous as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site with over 1,200 years of history. If you’re going to visit Enryaku-ji, you’ll want to make the most of what it has to offer. This article is for first-time visitors and covers key sights, the features of each of the three areas across its vast grounds, recommended seasons to visit, and other essential tips in as much detail as possible.
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Wakayama
Shrines & Temples
Kumano-Nachi Taisha
3.65 16One of the three major shrines on Kumano mountains that is believed to help with relationships and wishes. There is an 850-year-old giant camphor tree and many other spots to see.
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Kumano Kodo Travel Guide: Beginner-Friendly Walks and Itineraries
Explore the Kumano Kodo’s location, history, and main routes with maps. Compare 3 recommended walks for first-time visitors, plus sights, transportation, clothing, packing tips, and places to stay.
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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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Kansai, where you can “Experience the Real Japan” that you have been looking for.
The Kansai region is a “treasure house of Japanese culture” with a rich cultural resource remaining from its history as a former prosperous capital. There is a new, high-quality cultural tour that offers multiple cultural experiences in special settings with top-notch people who have mastered culture, art, or faith rooted in the Kansai region. Here are some travel reports from actual tour participants. Take part in this tour that is sure to become a once-in-a-lifetime precious trip.
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Meet "real Japan" in Kansai - an exclusive experience.
Kansai Region hosted a capital city in ancient times and has served as the nation’s hub. It has produced many types of culture, which are handed down to this day. Touring the Kansai Area allows you to trace back the source of Japanese culture. The guide by the Japanese-culture-and-arts expert and the exclusive space are woven together into this acclaimed video. Enjoy a simulated cultural experience in the space usually closed off from the public.
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Iwate
Shrines & Temples
Chuson-ji Temple
3.89 19A Temple Famous for the Glistening National Treasure “Konjikidō Golden Hall” and Lotuses.
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Chuson-ji Travel Guide: Experience a Sacred Site of Gold, Prayer, and Quiet
Chuson-ji in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, is one of the Tohoku region’s leading centers of Buddhist culture, established by the Oshu Fujiwara clan. Its quiet temple grounds form a place of prayer where nature and history come together, offering a special setting for a peaceful visit. This article introduces Chuson-ji’s overview, highlights, and cultural experiences.
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In Awe of Sheer Nature: Top 18 Autumn Foliage Spots in Tohoku
Tohoku is a destination replete with unbeatable nature and remarkable spots to catch vibrant leaves in autumn. Across the region you’ll find an array of foliage spots so vast it may be hard to pick, with anything from mountains blanketed in autumn colors, beautifully tinted valleys and mountain roads perfect for a drive amidst the autumn scenery, to lakeshores adorned in seasonal hues and more.
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Visiting Iwate Prefecture’s World Heritage Site, “Hiraizumi”
“Hiraizumi - Temples, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land” was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2011. It is composed of five parts, all located within Hiraizumi Town of Iwate Prefecture: Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, Kanjizaioin Ato, Muryokoin Ato, and Mt. Kinkeisan. This article will introduce each of these five locations.
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Yamagata
Shrines & Temples
Yama-Dera (Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple)
3.52 13Climb 1,015 Stone Steps to Reach the Top to Worship! A Temple Said to Cut Out Bad Relationships.
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Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture, with Stunning Scenery Throughout the Seasons
Yamadera is located in Yamagata City of Yamagata Prefecture. The temple’s official name is Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple. This ancient temple has been worshipped for many years, and it is believed that climbing the 1015 stone steps to worship at the summit helps to cut bad relationship ties. The temple offers stunning scenery throughout each season of the year, so enjoy this showcase of the seasonal views!
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15 Things to Do in Yamagata
Yamagata is blessed with beautiful natural scenery, including mountains such as Mt. Zao and Mt. Gassan, both of which are listed among Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, and the Mogami River, affectionately known as the Mother River. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Yamagata is home to many traditional hot spring towns and historic buildings. Visiting Yamagata lets you enjoy both picturesque landscapes and the charm of traditional Japan.
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Yamagata Prefecture’s “Yamadera” – Amazing Snowy Scenery!
You can reach Yamadera Station from Tokyo Station by taking the Yamagata Shinkansen for 2 hours and 30 minutes, then changing to the Senzan line at Yamagata Station and riding for about 20 minutes.
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Fuchu, Chofu, Tama
Shrines & Temples
Okunitama-jinja Shrine
3.86 19A shrine that boats over 1900 years of history and the guardian dieties of the Musashi Province.
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Experience Japan’s History and Culture Through the Four Seasons in Fuchu! 5 Must-See Festivals at Okunitama-jinja Shrine
Okunitama-jinja Shrine in Fuchu, one of Tokyo’s five major shrines, hosts nearly 400 festivals a year when you include the daily Onikkusai ritual (a ceremony offering food to the gods). Some of these festivals have lasted for over 1,000 years, and most have histories stretching back at least several centuries. The shrine is a must-visit for anyone wishing to experience different aspects of Japan’s history and culture as they change with the seasons. This article introduces five carefully selected festivals out of the approximately 400 held at Okunitama-jinja Shrine.
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Only 25 minutes from Shinjuku! Original Sushi-Making & Sake Tasting Tour in Fuchu City
In the 7th century, Fuchu City was the capital of the Musashi Province (covering almost all of modern-day Tokyo, Saitama and part of Kanagawa Prefectures). During the Edo period, the city thrived as a post town. Nowadays, we offer a comprehensive tour where participants can explore Japanese history, culture, and delicious food.
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