Even if you’re not usually an outdoorsy person, it’s easy to fall in love with nature here in Kamikochi. The whole area is very well maintained, and it really makes you want to come back again.
Kamikochi | Review by Lin
Other Reviews by Lin
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Zuishinin Temple
The head temple of the Zentsuji school of Shingon Buddhism, it is said to be the place where Heian-period poet Ono no Komachi spent her later years. The current halls were rebuilt after the Keicho era, and the main hall, built in the shinden-zukuri style, enshrines the principal image, a seated Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu statue designated as an Important Cultural Property, a seated Kongosatta statue by Kaikei, and a seated Amida Nyorai statue said to be the work of Jocho.
Zuishinin Temple isn't located in Kyoto's busiest tourist area, so many first-time visitors to Kyoto skip it altogether. But because of that, it has retained a quieter atmosphere. The scenery is especially beautiful during the fall foliage or spring plum blossom seasons, making it a great place for people visiting Kyoto for the second or third time.
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Toganoo-san Kosanji Temple
An ancient temple standing deep in the mountains of northwestern Kyoto City, founded in the early Kamakura period by the monk Myoe at the imperial request of Retired Emperor Go-Toba. It is designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” and its grounds are also registered as a National Historic Site. The temple also houses more than 10,000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. One of Kosanji Temple’s most famous treasures is the National Treasure “Choju Jinbutsu Giga.”
It was my first time visiting Toganoo-san Kosanji Temple, and what I liked most was the peaceful atmosphere. The path is lined with trees and old buildings, which feels completely different from the bustle of central Kyoto.
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Oya History Museum
Oya stone was mined from the area near Oyamachi, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, and was also used as a building material for the former Imperial Hotel. The "Oya Museum" is the one that passes on the history of mining.
The scale of the underground space is truly impressive. The lighting against the stone walls creates such a mysterious atmosphere.
Oya History Museum is especially comfortable to visit in the summer. It stays cool inside year-round, and walking through the spacious underground area feels wonderfully refreshing. -
