Shirakawa-go has fairytale-like gassho-zukuri houses, and the scenery is beautiful in every season. The snowy winter views are especially dreamy.
Walking through the village, you can feel its simple rural charm and long history. It’s an unforgettable World Heritage Site.
Gion Shopping Street
A shopping street located along the approach from Shijo Ohashi Bridge and Gion-Shijo Station to Yasaka Shrine. Centered on Shijo Street, long-established shops and specialty stores line Yamatooji Street, Hanamikoji Street, Higashioji Street, and more. This local shopping district values Gion’s long history and is deeply involved in traditional events such as the Gion Festival. Many of its shops are popular not only with tourists but also with locals, making it a great place to enjoy dining, shopping, and strolling while experiencing Kyoto’s traditions.
What caught my attention most about Kyoto’s Gion Shopping Street was the neat, uniform signs lining both sides of the street. The whole area has Kyoto’s distinctive old-fashioned charm, and you can really feel the strong Japanese atmosphere just walking down the street!
There are lots of shops to browse, offering everything from souvenirs and Kyoto-themed items to all kinds of food and desserts. It’s easy to lose track of time while walking around and browsing!
If you enjoy taking leisurely walks and seeing Kyoto’s streetscapes, Gion Shopping Street is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. You can take photos along the way, buy some Kyoto souvenirs, and experience Gion’s distinctive street atmosphere.
Rotating Bridge
Spanning the canal between Miyazu Bay and Aso Sea, home to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, the Rotating Bridge connects Amanohashidate to the mainland where Chionji Temple’s Monju-do Hall is located. This rare bridge swivels 90 degrees to make way for larger vessels such as sightseeing and cargo ships. Officially named “Shotenkyo” (Small Amanohashidate Bridge), it is one of two bridges in the area, the other being “Daitenkyo” (Large Amanohashidate Bridge), which does not rotate.
When I arrived at the Rotating Bridge, a boat was just about to pass through. I was so lucky! The bridge deck slowly began to swivel, gradually opening to let the boat pass through smoothly. It was my first time seeing this in person, and it was truly impressive.
Watching the bridge slowly swing open and the boat gradually pass underneath was fascinating, even though the whole process wasn't very fast.
Daruchan no Ouchi
Daruchan no Ouchi in Chofu, Tokyo is a hands-on shop themed around daruma. Centered on the local traditional craft, Tama Daruma, it also serves as a hub for daruma culture. It is run by a local owner from Chofu and carries a wide range of original daruma goods. Its most popular hands-on program is the Chofu Daruma Workshop.
At Daruchan no Ouchi in Chofu, Tokyo, a whole row of cute daruma outside caught my eye before I even walked in! Daruma in all kinds of designs were lined up at the entrance, and their round shapes looked so auspicious that I couldn't help stopping to take pictures!
In Japan, daruma symbolize wishes and the fulfillment of goals. Seeing so many cute daruma gathered together made the whole atmosphere especially fun.
