Ueno Tosho-gu is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its brilliant, gold-adorned shrine buildings are beautifully preserved and full of Edo-period historical charm.
The surrounding area is lush and green, making it great for cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn. It’s a scenic spot within Ueno Park that’s well worth visiting and paying your respects.
Chion-ji Temple
Known as one of Japan’s Three Great Monju Temples, alongside Abe Monju-in in Nara and Kameoka Monju in Yamagata (or Kinkaku Komyo-ji in Kyoto), Chion-ji enshrines Monju Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The temple’s origins are said to trace back to ancient times, and it is renowned for its long history, including being featured in Sesshu’s National Treasure, Amanohashidate-zu.
At Chion-ji Temple in Kyoto, what caught my eye most was the Sanmon Gate, known as the “Golden Pavilion.” The gate has a historic appearance, and its wooden architecture exudes a strong sense of history. Standing in front of it, you can feel the solemn atmosphere unique to Kyoto temples.
The Sanmon Gate, also called the “Golden Pavilion,” is one of Chion-ji Temple’s most iconic structures. Looking closely at the roof, wooden pillars, and overall structure, you can really see the character of traditional Japanese architecture. Although I didn’t stay long, just taking photos in front of the gate and admiring the architecture made the visit feel worthwhile.
Kaya-no-Sato Souvenir Shop
Located in the scenic thatched-roof village of Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama, Nantan City, Kyoto, Kaya-no-Sato Souvenir Shop is a charming stop that adds a special touch to your journey through this picturesque countryside.
After arriving at Miyama Kayabuki no Sato and walking around, I made a point of stopping by the Kaya-no-Sato Souvenir Shop to look for souvenirs. The shop has quite a few local Miyama specialties and keepsakes, and browsing through them really made it feel like I was traveling.
In the end, I chose a magnet shaped like Miyama to take home. Although it’s just a small souvenir, it feels especially meaningful. Whenever I see it, I’ll remember this visit to Miyama, the rows of beautiful thatched-roof houses, and the quiet, relaxing mountain village scenery around them.
I also bought a bottle of Miyama milk. It was nice and cold, with a natural milky flavor, and having a bottle after walking all around was really refreshing.
When I travel, I like buying small souvenirs. They don’t have to be expensive, but they let me bring home memories of the place.
Kayabuki no Sato Noda Shop
Noda Shop has long supported local residents as a community store. After being closed for many years, it reopened in 2024 as a combination tourist information center and souvenir shop known as Kayabuki no Sato - Noda Shop. With a concept centered around connecting visitors with the local community and preserving Kayabuki no Sato for future generations, the shop actively contributes to maintaining the area’s traditional landscape. Here, you'll find tourist brochures and helpful guidance on exploring the village, making it the perfect first stop on your visit.
While visiting Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama, I came across Noda Shop, a small store with a real local feel. Compared with shops at typical tourist attractions, it has a more down-to-earth, rural atmosphere. Stepping inside also gives you a sense of everyday life in Miyama.
The shop carries some local everyday items and specialty products. There’s no pressure while browsing; it feels more like casually exploring a small village. Stopping by to look around after getting tired from walking was also a very pleasant little moment during the trip.
What I liked most was how well Noda Shop fit in with the surrounding thatched-roof houses. As soon as you step outside, you’re greeted by Miyama’s distinctive traditional village scenery, with forests, fields, and rows of thatched-roof houses all woven together. It really has the feel of the Japanese countryside.
