While in Kyoto, I especially wanted to buy nama yatsuhashi from the main Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohonten store, but when I visited, I came away empty-handed and had to buy a variety sold at a branch instead.
The thin outer layer wrapped around the sweet, fragrant filling was soft and delicate. Still, I'm curious whether the flavors at the main store and the branches are different, but I'll have to wait until next time to compare them myself.
Shinhotaka Ropeway
Far east of Takayama City, in Okuhida Hot Spring Villages, a ropeway takes you to Shin Hotaka Onsen. From the starting point, Shinhotaka-Onsen Station, to the terminal, Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station, ride the 1st and then 2nd ropeway to enjoy a 3,200m-long journey in the sky.
Coming to Gifu, the Shinhotaka Ropeway was one of the most anticipated attractions of this trip. As the ropeway climbed higher, the mountain views outside the windows gradually opened up, with layers of mountains stretching into the distance and revealing magnificent alpine scenery.
After reaching the top, I looked out from the observation deck and took in the entire Northern Alps. Snow covered the peaks, and it felt as though I had stepped into a snowy wonderland. The crisp, pristine scenery made it hard to look away. So beautiful!
Chion-in / Yuzen-en
Chion-in, the head temple of Jodo Sect, was built on land related to the founder, Reverend Honen. Yuzen-en on the premises was remodeled in 1954 on the 300th anniversary of the birth of Yuzen textile’s founder and a painter in mid Edo Period, Miyazaki Yuzen. It is made up of the stroll-style pond garden with the spring water from Higashiyama drawn in and also a Japanese rock garden Rokuyaen.
Visiting Chion-in's Yuzen-en Garden in Kyoto during the summer, I was surrounded by lush greenery. It's a place filled with the beauty of a Japanese garden. Inside, the verdant trees, pond, and stone landscaping complement one another, while paths wind through the garden, revealing delicate and elegant scenery at every turn. A gentle breeze rustling through the treetops makes the garden feel even more peaceful.
Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
The oldest park in Kyoto, built on land once owned by temples and shrines. It is located across the Shijo Ohashi Bridge from Kawaramachi and straight down the Gion shopping street on Shijo Dori Street. From the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, pass the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station and continue along the shopping street, and you will see Yasaka Shrine in front of you.
In summer, Maruyama Park in Kyoto is filled with lush greenery. The dense trees, green lawns, and winding paths intertwine, creating the refreshing atmosphere of summer in Kyoto.
Walking through the park, there may not be the lively sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom like in spring, but instead, there's a sense of summer vitality. Looking at the trees covered in dense foliage, I couldn't help imagining what they would look like when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring. If I have a chance to visit again, I hope to come in spring and see a different seasonal view of Maruyama Park.
