Continuing my temples visit in Bessho Onsen, I visited Kitamuki Kannon, literally “Facing-North Kannon”, which is unusual as temples usually faces south. This Tendai sect. temple faces the Buddha statue in famous Zenkoji in Nagano directly and is popular as a love fulfillment spot.
Visiting Anraku-ji, the oldest Soto sect. of Zen Buddhism temple in Nagano which boost the only surviving octagonal pagoda in Japan. Located near Bessho Onsen, 30 minutes away from Ueda city, this temple deserves more attention for its history and links to Kencho-ji’s Rankei Doryu.
Hakuba in green season offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, mountain-biking and more. I hiked to Happo-ike or Happo Pond on this clear weather to see the beautiful pond with the reflection of the Hakuba Sanzan – Mt. Shakushi, Mt. Yari, and Mt. Shirouma.
Just an hour away from Nagoya, Korankei Valley in Toyota is famous for its autumn colors in November, regarded as one of the best spots in the Chubu Region. Over 4,000 maple trees are planted along the valley, creating a wonderful sight during the height of autumn season.
First post of the Affordable Japan series! Exploring Highway Buses as a budget-travel option between cities.
Riding only one roller-coaster at Fuji-Q Highland due to the long queues and visiting beautiful Shibazakura Festival near Lake Motosuko.
A short trip to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka prefecture, visiting Hamamatsu Castle where Ieyasu spent 17 years during his younger days and Kanzanji, a Zen-Buddhist temple on Mt. Tateyama.
Brief visit to Momijiyama Garden, located next to the Sunpu Castle ruins. Though relatively small, the garden features four distinct scenes which represent the scenic landscapes of Suruga.
Visit to the lavishly decorated Kunozan Toshogu, enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu. Walking down the 1000 steps of stone stairs overlooking Suruga Bay on a sunny Sunday.
Continuing my hike in Kamikochi, from Kappabashi (Kappa Bridge) to Myojin-ike (Myojin Pond).
Awed by the beautiful autumn foliage, magnificent views of Northern Japan Alps, and the clear Azusa river in a day-trip hike in Kamikochi, part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park.
