Koko-en Garden @ Himeji

On November 25, 2017August 2, 2018 By JenniferIn Japanese Gardens, Kansai1 Comment

Relaxing stroll at Koko-en Garden, located right next to Himeji Castle, featuring 9 different gardens.

Beautiful White Castle of Himeji Surrounded by Sakura

On November 18, 2017August 2, 2018 By JenniferIn Castle, Kansai5 Comments

Visiting the White Heron Castle, Himeji-jō, the largest castle in Japan and one of the 12 original castles of Japan.

Dashimaki Tamago @ Pontocho, Kyoto

On November 8, 2017November 4, 2017 By JenniferIn Food & Drinks, Kansai1 Comment

The richness of the dashi flavor in the dashimaki tamago makes this egg dish easily one my favorites in Japan.

Rare, surviving castle palace of Nijo Castle

On October 22, 2017October 9, 2018 By JenniferIn Castle, Japanese Gardens, Kansai3 Comments

Though having lost its castle keep, Nijo Castle is a worthy visit for its Ninomaru Palace, a rare surviving example of Japan's castle palace.

Bridge to Heaven: Amanohashidate

On September 30, 2017October 27, 2022 By JenniferIn Japanese Mythology, Kansai, Scenic View, Temple & Shrines12 Comments

A trip to one of the Three Views of Japan - Amanohashidate, roughly translates to "bridge to heaven". Viewing the sandbar from the southern and northern bays, walking on the pine-tree covered sandbar, and side visits to Chionji and Motoise Kono Jinja.

Thunder God Shrine: Kamigamo-jinja, Kyoto

On September 24, 2017March 17, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & ShrinesLeave a comment

A trip to one of the Kamo Shrines, Kamigamo-jinja, or Kamo-wake-ikazuchi, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kyoto, dedicated to the Thunder God.

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street and the Nenbutsu-ji Temples, Kyoto Travel

On August 26, 2017October 27, 2022 By JenniferIn Historic Sites, Kansai, Temple & Shrines10 Comments

Continuing my trip in hidden Arashiyama, exploring the somber Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and the whimsical statues in Otagi Nenbutsuji, while walking through the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street.

Moss Garden at Gioji, Kyoto

On August 19, 2017August 2, 2018 By JenniferIn Japanese Gardens, Kansai, Temple & Shrines4 Comments

Lovely moss garden and thatched roof at Gioji, an often overlooked temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Where the retired Emperors resided: Daikaku-ji, Kyoto

On August 12, 2017August 2, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines13 Comments

A visit to the slightly off-the-beaten path temple in Kyoto, a monzeki temple in which retired Emperors resided. Located next to the oldest, partly survived Shinden-style garden pond.