Sorakuen: Traditional Japanese Garden with a mix of Western-influenced Meiji Era Buildings

On February 23, 2019January 21, 2019 By JenniferIn Architecture, Japanese Gardens, KansaiLeave a comment

An unexpectedly quiet stroll in Kobe City's Sorakuen, a stroll-pond garden featuring a former houseboat decorated with rich lacquer. The former Hassam House relocated from Kitano-cho and an European-style stable is unique to this garden. A visit during the azalea or chrysanthemum season is highly recommended.

Cosmos Wonder in Awaji Hanasajiki

On February 2, 2019December 31, 2018 By JenniferIn Flowers, Kansai2 Comments

Leisurely strolling in Awaji Hanasajiki, a flower park with a backdrop of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Osaka Bay. Different flowers can be enjoyed here throughout the seasons, and I was happy to be able to see the cosmos even though it was already the second half of November.

Spectacular Views of the Kitan Strait from Oishi Park

On January 26, 2019January 26, 2019 By JenniferIn Historic Sites, Kansai3 Comments

Oishi Park, the former site of Yura Fortress which was built to protect access to Osaka Bay through the Kitan Strait today offers a look at the remains of batteries. The observatories and lookout points from the park gives a great view of Osaka Bay, the Kitan Strait and the Tomogashima Islands nearby.

Final Resting Place of Izanagi: Izanagi Shrine

On January 19, 2019December 25, 2018 By JenniferIn Japanese Mythology, Kansai, Temple & Shrines4 Comments

Visiting Izanagi Shrine, said to be the final resting place of the god Izanagi, who gave birth to the Japanese archipelago with Izanami. Located on Awajishima, the first island born during the kuniumi process, this shrine is also said to be the oldest shrine in Japan.

Sumoto Castle Ruins – Oldest Reconstruction of a Tenshu

On January 12, 2019December 23, 2018 By JenniferIn Castle, Kansai1 Comment

Sumoto Castle was a vital strategy for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's control over Osaka Bay, situated in Awajishima which is located in the strategic midpoint between the mainland and Shikoku Island. The tenshu seen today is the oldest reconstructed castle keep in Japan, built in 1928.

Senzan’s Senkoji Temple – Temple on the “First Mountain” of the First Island

On January 5, 2019December 25, 2018 By JenniferIn Japanese Mythology, Kansai, Temple & Shrines11 Comments

Located on top of Mount Senzan, said to be the first mountain created on Awajishima, Senkoji was said to be founded by a hunter who was led by a manifestation of Senjukannon (thousand-armed Kannon) in the form of a wild boar. Also serving as the first temple of the Thirteen Buddhas of Awajishima, the temple also worships Fudo Myo-o or Acala.

Mt. Maya’s Tenjoji, the Temple in the Sky

On November 24, 2018November 21, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines6 Comments

A walk to Tenjoji near Kikuseidai of Mt. Maya, I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful dry landscape garden of the temple, and the heaven-like atmosphere of such serene temple. The viewing platform, Tenku no Daibutai offers a good view of the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island and the Akashi Bridge on a clear day.