When visiting Sapporo, Hokkaido, of course you have to see the classic landmark, the Sapporo Clock Tower! The white wooden building with its red roof has the historic charm of early Hokkaido and is also one of Sapporo’s most iconic attractions.
It was a little smaller in person than I had imagined, but the moment I saw the Clock Tower from the street, it still made the trip feel special. With the surrounding city streets as a backdrop, it’s a great place to take a few photos as keepsakes.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple
As the principal object of worship at Kotoku-in temple (officially known as Daii-san Kotoku-in Shojosen-ji), the Buddhist statue of Amida Nyorai enjoys tremendous popularity among the famous spots of Kamakura. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is familiar for the intensity of its presence.
When visiting Kamakura, of course you can’t miss the classic Kotoku-in Temple and the Great Buddha of Kamakura! As soon as you enter the temple grounds, you can see the enormous Great Buddha sitting in the courtyard from a distance. Standing in front of it in person, it really feels more impressive than it looks in photos.
The Great Buddha is one of Kamakura’s most iconic attractions, and the surrounding area is very peaceful, creating a completely different atmosphere from the bustling streets. As you slowly walk closer and admire its details, you can feel the weight of its long history.
I specifically made time to come see it on this trip to Kamakura. Although I didn’t stay very long, it was still well worth seeing the Great Buddha from textbooks and travel photos with my own eyes.
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato
Miyama, Nantan City in Kyoto Prefecture, is home to a gathering of rare thatched-roof houses. The northern settlement is especially known for its preserved 39 thatched-roof houses, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, beloved to this day as a nostalgic landscape of Japan that melts against the backdrop of picture-perfect seasons.
I really love the scenery at Miyama Kayabuki no Sato. The old thatched-roof houses are scattered throughout the mountains, and the entire village is filled with the atmosphere of the Japanese countryside. I just never expected that both times I visited, it would rain. It was really a bit disappointing!
Although rainy Miyama has an added sense of tranquility and a misty atmosphere, the rain also made it impossible to really walk around and explore, and even harder to take the kind of beautiful photos I had in mind, with thatched-roof houses under blue skies and white clouds.
Every time I come, I feel like there are still so many places I haven't been able to fully experience. I especially want to see Kayabuki no Sato surrounded by the mountains and forests on a sunny day.
Kasugataisha Shrine
At the beginning of the Nara period, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto is said to have ridden on sacred deer from Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture to Mt. Mikasa to protect Heijo-kyo and promote national prosperity.
Kasugataisha Shrine in Nara. Unfortunately, it happened to be raining, which made the whole visit feel a little rushed. I had originally hoped to slowly walk along the approach, surrounded by the atmosphere of the ancient capital in nice weather, but instead I had to make my way there under an umbrella.
Along the way, I saw the tall trees, stone lanterns, and rows of hanging lanterns on both sides. Together with the rain-soaked stone path, they created a very quiet and mysterious atmosphere. Although I didn't get the beautiful sunny-day views I had hoped for, Kasugataisha Shrine in the rain had its own unique charm.
Walking through the forest was especially peaceful, and I occasionally saw Nara's deer wandering through it. It really felt like visiting an ancient shrine. Unfortunately, because of the rain, I wasn't able to take my time and fully explore.
If I visit Nara again, I hope the weather will be nice so I can walk through Kasugataisha Shrine once more and make up for all the scenery I didn't get to see enough of this time!
