Nishiki Market （All）

Nishiki Market Nishiki Market  is a historic market located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its colorful array of foods. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” it boasts over 400 years of history. The market stretches about 500 meters with over 100 shops and stalls offering fresh seafood, prepared foods, pastries, pickled items, and various Japanese specialty seasonings and cooking utensils. At Nishiki Market, visitors can taste traditional Japanese cuisine such as sashimi, sushi, tempura, and more. The market is not only a magnet for tourists but also a popular spot for locals to purchase ingredients and gourmet delights. Each…

Shitennoji Temple （All）

Shitennoji Temple Shitennoji ( Shitennōji) is one of Japan’s oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple’s buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design. The outer temple grounds are free to enter, but admission to the inner precinct, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the treasure house is paid. In the pebble-covered courtyard of the inner precinct stand a five-storied pagoda that can be entered and…

Kema Sakuranomiya Park（Spring）

Kema Sakuranomiya Park Kema Sakuranomiya Park, located in Osaka, Japan, is a picturesque urban oasis renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms and scenic landscapes along the Okawa River. Spanning approximately four kilometers, the park is a prime destination during the cherry blossom season, attracting locals and tourists alike. The park features thousands of cherry trees, creating a breathtaking canopy of pink and white blossoms in spring. The idyllic riverside setting enhances the viewing experience, offering a tranquil atmosphere for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics and strolls. Boasting a mix of Somei Yoshino and other cherry tree varieties, the park extends…

Osaka Expo ’70 Park（All）

Osaka Expo ’70 Park Osaka Expo ’70 Park, officially named Banpaku Kinen Koen (Expo Commemoration Park), is a sprawling recreational area in Suita, Osaka, Japan. Established in commemoration of the 1970 World Exposition held in Osaka, the park covers a vast expanse of greenery and diverse attractions. The park’s centerpiece is the iconic Tower of the Sun, a symbol of the Expo ’70 and a futuristic sculpture designed by renowned artist Taro Okamoto. The expansive grounds offer a variety of recreational spaces, including vast lawns, jogging paths, and serene ponds. Seasonal flower displays, including cherry blossoms in spring, enhance the…

Minoo Park

Minoo Park Minoo Park, situated just north of Osaka, Japan, is a scenic natural retreat known for its lush landscapes, hiking trails, and the iconic Minoo Waterfall. The park offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle, with dense forests, winding paths, and the soothing sound of flowing water. One of the park’s highlights is the picturesque Minoo Waterfall, which stands at a height of 33 meters. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along a well-maintained trail leading to the waterfall, surrounded by greenery and occasionally encountering wild monkeys. Renowned for its seasonal beauty, Minoo Park is particularly popular during…

Sumiyoshi Taisha（all）

Sumiyoshi Taisha Sumiyoshi Taisha, located in Osaka, Japan, is one of the country’s oldest and most esteemed Shinto shrines. Founded in the 3rd century, it stands as a testament to Japan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Characterized by its unique architectural style called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, the main shrine buildings lack a veranda, presenting a distinctive and ancient aesthetic. The shrine is dedicated to four Shinto deities, and it is revered as a guardian of sea travelers and fishermen. Visitors approach the main hall via a series of arched bridges, symbolizing the crossing from the mundane to the sacred. The picturesque setting,…

Mount Rokko （all）

Mount Rokko Mount Rokko ( Rokkōsan, 931 meters) is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, which provides the pleasant green backdrop to the city of Kobe. Panoramic views of the heavily urbanized Hanshin region (Kobe and Osaka) can be enjoyed from the mountain and are particularly spectacular around sunset. Various small tourist attractions can be found on Mount Rokko, including a botanical garden, a music box museum, a pasture with flowers and sheep, Japan’s first golf course and Rokko Garden Terrace, a tourist complex with a few restaurants, shops and an observation deck. A circular bus line (running…