Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto （All）

Ginkaku-ji Ginkaku-ji, officially named Jisho-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple nestled in the eastern hills of Kyoto, Japan. Constructed in the late 15th century, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its tranquility and minimalist aesthetic, Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a counterpart to the more opulent Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion. The temple’s two-story Kannon-den, or main hall, features a restrained elegance with its silvered exterior, reminiscent of the moonlight reflecting on water. The meticulously landscaped gardens surrounding the temple contribute to its serene ambiance, showcasing carefully raked sand patterns and moss-covered grounds.…

Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto （All）

Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto Yasaka Shrine, located in the Gion district of Kyoto, Japan, is a venerable Shinto shrine with a rich cultural legacy. Also known as Gion Shrine, it has been a focal point of traditional festivities and spiritual practices for centuries. Established in the 7th century, Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deities Susanoo and Kushinadahime. The shrine’s main gate, known as the Romon Gate, and its main hall exhibit stunning architectural beauty, reflecting the essence of Japanese design. Yasaka Shrine is particularly famous for the Gion Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated annual festivals. During this…

Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto （All）

Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and visually stunning landmarks. Situated in the northern part of the city, Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple renowned for its striking, gold-leaf-covered exterior, which shimmers brilliantly in the sunlight, reflecting on the calm waters of the surrounding pond. Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun, the building was later converted into a temple. The upper floors are adorned with intricate architecture and exquisite artwork that is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship. The garden surrounding Kinkaku-ji, known as…

Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto（All）

Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha is a revered Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a mesmerizing tunnel-like pathway through the lush forests of Mount Inari. It is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and sacred sites, drawing countless visitors from all around the world. This spiritual destination was founded in the 8th century and is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity, and business. The shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, including the main hall, worship halls, and auxiliary shrines, all set against a backdrop of…

Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto（All）

Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple, officially known as Kiyomizu-dera, is a prominent and historic Buddhist temple located in the eastern part of Kyoto, Japan. This revered temple, whose name translates to “Pure Water Temple,” is celebrated for its awe-inspiring wooden stage that seems to float among the trees, offering visitors spectacular views of Kyoto’s scenic beauty. Kiyomizu-dera was founded in the 8th century and has since become one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for its architectural significance and cultural importance. The temple’s iconic wooden stage, known as the “Kiyomizu Stage,” extends out over a steep hillside and…

Kyoto Arashiyama （All）

Kyoto Arashiyama Kyoto Arashiyama district is a picturesque and historic destination located in the western part of the city. It’s celebrated for its serene natural beauty, iconic bamboo groves, and a rich cultural heritage that captivates visitors from around the world. One of the most famous attractions in Arashiyama is the Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that create a surreal and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can take a leisurely walk or a traditional rickshaw ride through this enchanting bamboo forest, creating a unique and peaceful experience. Arashiyama is also home to the Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans the…

The Osaka National Museum of Art（All）

The Osaka National Museum of Art The Osaka National Museum of Art was established in 1977. It mainly collects, preserves and exhibits contemporary art works from Japan and abroad, and conducts related research and projects. It opened in Expo Commemorative Park. Due to the obsolescence of the facilities, it was moved to the newly built completely underground art museum in Nakanoshima, Osaka in 2004. The exterior design of the building is based on the vitality of bamboo and the development and growth of contemporary art. It was designed by Argentinian-born architect César Pelli. The collection of works amounts to approximately…

Osaka The Tempozan Ferris Wheel（All）

Osaka The Tempozan Ferris Wheel The Tempozan Ferris Wheel was once the largest, tallest, and most technologically advanced Ferris wheel in the world. The large Ferris wheel has 60 separate sightseeing windows and can accommodate 8 tourists. The “Meteor Shower Fireworks” installed for the first time in the world can form a beautiful lantern pattern with a diameter of 100 meters. Another feature of the big Ferris wheel is that it can display the weather forecast to everyone on a screen with a diameter of 100 meters. Access By Car The best way to visit Osaka The Tempozan Ferris Wheel…

Osaka Tennoji Zoo （All）

Osaka Tennoji Zoo Tennoji Zoo is located within Tennoji Park in Osaka, Japan. It is an ancient and charming urban zoo. Established in 1915, it is one of the oldest zoos in Japan and one of the most popular family and educational tourist destinations in Osaka City. Tennoji Zoo is renowned for its diverse range of animal species and ecological exhibits. Visitors can get up close to animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, giraffes, penguins, bears, and more. The zoo is committed to providing an opportunity for interaction and learning about animals through rich displays and explanations, allowing…

Nijo Castle (Nijojo) （All）

Nijo Castle Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle’s palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan’s feudal era, and the castle…

Kobe Harborland （All）

Kobe Harborland Kobe Harborland, located in the heart of Kobe, Japan, is a vibrant waterfront district that blends modern urban living with scenic coastal beauty. This iconic area has evolved from its historical role as a busy port to become a thriving entertainment, shopping, and cultural hub. The centerpiece of Kobe Harborland is Meriken Park, a scenic seaside park named after the “American Marines” who landed here in the 19th century. The park features well-manicured green spaces, a beautiful waterfront promenade, and the iconic Kobe Port Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. The nearby Mosaic Mall is a…

The Shin-Kobe Ropeway（All）

The Shin-Kobe Ropeway The Shin-Kobe Ropeway is an iconic aerial tramway located in Kobe, Japan, offering visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding scenic beauty. This remarkable mode of transportation connects the base of the Rokko Mountain to the Shin-Kobe area, providing both residents and tourists with a unique and convenient way to access the picturesque Rokko Mountain. The ropeway journey takes passengers high above the city and offers spectacular vistas of Kobe, the Seto Inland Sea, and, on clear days, even Awaji Island. It’s an especially popular destination in the evening when the city lights up,…