If you're in Matsuyama and enjoy historical stories, don't miss the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum! Themed around Ryotaro Shiba's famous novel Clouds Over the Slope, its extensive exhibits introduce the lives of the Akiyama brothers and Shiki Masaoka, as well as the historical background of the Meiji era. The building itself is also very distinctive, and stepping inside feels like traveling through time! An NHK drama adaptation happened to be airing again recently, adding to the fun of visiting a filming-related site. I especially recommend joining the free guided tour of the surrounding area. The commentary is super informative, and afterward you'll really understand Matsuyama better〜Very worthwhile!
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Kohfukuji Temple
This temple was first built as a private residence of Fujiwara no Kamatari in Yamashina-suehara of Yamashiro-no-kuni (current Kyoto prefecture) and named Yamashina-dera, and later, Fujiwara no Fuhito decided to relocate to the current place at the time of the establishment of the Heijo Ⅽapital in 710, and the temple was renamed Kohfukuji.
With its long history, Kohfukuji Temple was one of the “Four Great Temples” of the Nara period. It is also the head temple of the Hosso school, one of the Six Schools of Nanto, and one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto. The temple has had deep ties with the Fujiwara clan since ancient times and holds a very important place in Nara’s history and culture.
As you enter the temple grounds, you are immediately surrounded by ancient buildings and a solemn atmosphere. The timeworn temple scenery especially gives you a strong sense of history. Kohfukuji Temple is also part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is truly worth visiting in person when you come to Nara.
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Yoshikien Garden
A Japanese garden located close to Nara Park, a popular sightseeing spot in Nara, and Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to the “Kofuku-ji Old Illustrated Map,” this is said to be the site where Manishuin, a sub-temple of Kofuku-ji Temple, stood before the Edo period. It took on its current form in 1919 and was opened to the public during the Heisei era.
When visiting Nara, besides Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, I also highly recommend adding Yoshikien Garden to your itinerary. Yoshikien Garden has three gardens, each with its own distinct character and showcasing a different kind of Japanese garden beauty. As you stroll through them, you can enjoy the ponds, moss garden, tea house, and seasonal greenery. It is quiet and full of Zen, and walking around really makes you feel especially relaxed.
It is also right next to Isuien Garden, so you can easily visit both attractions together. It makes for a very convenient itinerary. The weather was beautiful during this visit, and the sunlight shining across the gardens made the scenery even prettier. No matter where you take a photo, it has a distinctly Japanese feel. Most importantly--Yoshikien Garden is free to visit! You can enjoy such a beautiful garden without an admission fee, so it is definitely worth stopping by for a walk.
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Sarusawa Pond
Sarusawa Pond, a part of Nara Park known for its cultural heritage sites like Kasugataisha Shrine and Kohfukuji Temple, along with its majestic natural landscapes, is a scenic spot easily accessible from the city area.
When visiting Nara, besides visiting Kohfukuji Temple and Todaiji Temple, I also highly recommend walking over to Sarusawa Pond. Sarusawa Pond is an artificial pond with a circumference of about 360 meters. The willow trees along the shore sway in the breeze and are reflected on the water, with Kohfukuji Temple’s five-story pagoda in the distance, creating a very elegant Nara atmosphere. This scenery has been counted as one of the “Eight Views of Nanto” since the Muromachi period, giving it a real sense of history.
There are benches around the pond, so when you get tired from walking, you can sit down and rest, gaze at the water, enjoy the breeze, and take in Nara’s leisurely pace. It is also very close to Kohfukuji Temple, so you do not need to set aside much extra time. After exploring the temple, it is just right for a stroll by the pond.
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