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History
Tower of Yasaka (Hokanji)
Location:
388, Yasakakamimachi, Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
（Credit notation is required）Kyoto Media Support Center
This Rinzai sect temple was built in 1658, and was known as the family temple of the lords of the Fukui Domain during the feudal era. Today, it is preserved in the same condition as it was at the time. On the western side of the temple grounds, there is an iris garden famous for the beauty of the 10,000 flowers tha bloom there in early summer.
National Historic Site Hakusan Heisenji Shrine
Location:
Katsuyama City,Fukui Prefecture
Opened in the year 717 as a base for faith in the sacred mountain Mt.Hakusan. Its wide-open grounds are virtually carpeted with moss.
The vermilion-painted torii gate is known as one of the three largest wooden torii gates in Japan, and is nationally designated as an important cultural property. Within the shrine grounds, you'll find Chomeisui, a well said to be flowing with mystical energy in addition to pure water.
Once the second residence of the Matsudaira clan, the feudal lords of Fukui long ago. Its Shoin architecture and garden are considered valuable examples of famous gardens from the middle of the Edo era(1603-1868).
From October to April, the Ono Basin occasionally becomes enveloped in clouds that cause Echizen Ono Castle to appear to "float" on them, leading to its nickname, the "Castle in the Sky".
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
Location:
Fukui City,Fukui Prefecture
The Warring States-era warlords, the Asakura clan, ruled this area from 1471 to 1574, the remains of their castle town can still be seen today. These remains have been designated a special historic site, a site of special scenic beauty, and an important cultural property.
Built in 1576, Maruoka Castle is the oldest original castle tower still standing in Japan.Also known as the "Castle of the Mist." When the 400 or so cherry trees surrounding it come into bloom in spring, the castle practically "floats" fantastically on the blossoms.
Hatenashi Settlement is located along Kohechi Route, which is one of the pilgrimage routes to Kumano. These routes were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. It is also called ‘The Sky Village’ due to its high altitude location and has spectacular views of the Hatenashi Mountain Range. Hatenashi Settlement is chosen one of Japan’s top 100 villages. Visitors enjoy these views not only on clear days but also in mist and clouds on rainy days.
Mt Yoshinoyama is regarded as Japan’s best cherry-blossom sight. It has about 30,000 cherry trees, mainly of the Shiroyamazakura variety. The trees burst into bloom from early to mid-April. Mt Yoshinoyama has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site named the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”.
The history of Gojo Shinmachi went back to roughly 400 years ago, shortly after the Edo Bakufu was established following the Battle of Sekigahara. The Shimmachi Street retains historical buildings from the Edo period including the oldest existing private residence. Their architectural styles vary from each period. The area was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Okumiya (Summer Shrine), of Ogamiyama-jinja Shrine
Location:
Daisen (Town),Tottori Prefecture
The mountain Daisen has been revered since olden times by mountain priests as a holy mountain inhabited by gods. The Okumiya Shrine of Ogamiyama-jinja has long been the center of worship. The majestic shrine hall stands at the end of a sacred approach of about 700 meters, paved with natural stone. At the formal summer opening of the mountain, a torch procession of 2,000 people leads off from the Okumiya.
Nageire-do Hall of Sanbutsu-ji Temple, on Mt. Mitoku
Location:
Misasa (Town),Tottori Prefecture
En-no-Gyoja, by tradition the founder of the Shugendo school of Buddhism, was said to have used the power of Buddhism to throw the hall onto the side of Mt. Mitoku. Indeed, the hall seems to be floating on the side of a precipitous cliff. Nageire-do Hall can be reached by climbing the pilgrim’s path, a steep and difficult track passing over tree roots and boulders. However, the scenery on reaching the top is something special.
Itaibara Village
Location:
Chizu (Town),Tottori Prefecture
Itaibara Village is classified as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. As if hidden within a valley of deep green cedar forests, Itaibara is a Japanese mountain village presenting a scene that appears just as it would have in days long past, with groups of old thatched-roof houses, branch schools, shrines, small mill houses working with the flowing river water, charcoal huts, and more.
Fudoin Iwaya-do is a butai-zukuri (balcony-type) construction built into a natural cave. It is renowned as a temple of the Shugendo school of Buddhism, and listed as a National Important Cultural Property. The Main Hall holds a statue of the Buddhist divinity Fudo Myo-o, said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi at the age of 33 years. The statue is regarded as one of Three Great Fudo Myo-o Images in Japan.
Jinpukaku is a white, European-style building located close to the ruins of Tottori Castle within Kyusho Park, an area renowned also for cherry blossoms. The two-story building is of wood with a tiled roof, and was designed in the French Renaissance style. The elegance of the exterior harmonizes nicely with the beauty of the Japanese-style garden. Jinpukaku is listed as a National Important Cultural Property.
Awaji Ningyo Joruri
Location:
Minamiawaji City, hyogo Prefecture
Awaji Ningyo Joruri, a narrative puppet theater art accompanied by shamisen music, is a traditional performing art with a history of over 500 years. This performing art is presented every day in its own theater. Each puppet has three people operating it, displaying skills that result from many years of training. Encounter an aspect of culture and history unique to Awaji.
Sasayama Castle Ruins, and Traditional Merchant Houses of Kawaramachi-Tsumairi
Location:
Sasayama City, hyogo Prefecture
Feel the atmosphere of an earlier era. Visit the ruins of Sasayama Castle, built in 1609 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Kawaramachi-Tsumairi group of merchant houses presents scenery of a town that prospered as a center of commerce after the castle was built.
Nada-Gogo (Five Villages of Nada) in Kobe
Location:
Kobe City, hyogo Prefecture
The Nada-Gogo in Kobe City is one of the greatest sake brewing districts in Japan. The foundation of sake produced by the Nada-Gogo is Yamada Nishiki rice, a rice variety ideal for brewing sake, and Miyamizu water, a hard water discovered in the early half of the 19th century. Embark on a tasting tour of some of the more than 30 breweries that together produce about a third of all the sake made in Japan.
Fukujusan Jigen-ji Temple (Common name: Nozaki Kannon)
Location:
Daito City, Osaka Prefecture
Nozaki Kannon is said to date from the middle of the 8th century, when the Buddhist priest Gyoki carved and dedicated the main image, a statue of the divinity, Eleven-Face Kannon. The temple later fell into ruin. It is believed that during the 12th century a wealthy woman, Eguchi-no-kimi, restored the temple upon transfer to its present site, in gratitude for recovery from a long and difficult illness. The temple grounds are surrounded by lush green nature and offer a wonderful view. The temple divinity is said to give blessings or protection to women in such areas as matchmaking, problem-free childbirth, fertility, illnesses affecting women, and other ailments. People worship here also for recovery from illness, and for overall physical health. Shops selling souvenirs and mementos are located nearby. Spend a leisurely time and recharge your spirit in a place thought to be filled with mystical energy.
Ishikiri Tsurugiya-jinja Shrine
Location:
Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Ishikiri Tsurugiya-jinja is located in the east of the Osaka Plain at the base of Mt. Ikoma. Commonly known as Ishikiri-san (Cutting Through Stone-san), the shrine has long been said to give blessings in recovery from illness. There is a steady flow of worshippers undertaking a “100 times worship.” To prove their sincerity to the deities, they walk from the stone at the entrance to pray at the main hall for realization of their wishes, and back to the entrance, 100 times. The road leading up to the shrine is a shopping street with the nostalgic appeal of the mid-20th century. Businesses include long-established shops selling traditional herbal medicines, haberdasheries, general merchandise shops, Japanese-style confectioners, shops specializing in pickles, and much more.
This shrine was originally established for the guardian deity of the ancient and powerful Haji clan. Today the shrine is dedicated to three deities, one of whom is Sugawara-no-Michizane, a descendant of the Haji clan. The Treasure Hall holds many priceless cultural assets, including items that belonged to Sugawara-no-Michizane and are listed as National Treasures. The shrine is renowned also for its plum blossoms, and the plum tree grove attracts many worshippers and visitors when the trees flower, in February and March.
Ikegami Sone Archeological Site (A National Historic Site)
Location:
Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture
Ikegami Sone is the site of a ring-moated village dated to the middle of the Yayoi period, about 2,000 years ago. Measuring 1.5 km from north to south, 0.6 km from east to west, and covering some 600,000 m2, Ikegami Sone is one of the largest archeological sites in the country. An area of about 110,000 m2 at the center of the village is listed as a National Historic Site. A large-scale building measuring 7 meters north-south and 20 meters east-west, a large dug well with a diameter of more than 2 meters, pit-dwellings and other features of the site have been reconstructed. The Yayoi Cultural Workshop, offering a glimpse of life in the Yayoi period, and Osaka Prefectural Museum of Yayoi Culture, which specializes in the Yayoi period, are located nearby.
Wakimachi Udatsu Streetscape
Location:
Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture
From the Edo period to the Meiji period, "Awa Ai" indigo was traded here, in this streetscape full of merchant houses. On the second floor between buildings, extended walls called "udatsu" were built. At first they were built to prevent fires from spreading, but they quickly became a point of ornamental competition between houses, giving rise to the idiom "udatsu ga agaranai" meaning someone who can't get ahead in the world. In 1988, it was one of 28 places designated as an Important Group of Traditional Buildings.
Oto Matsuri
Location:
Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture
Every year, the Oto Festival is held at Kamikura Shrine on February 6. It's amazing to see the participants holding burning torches in their hands as they run down the 538 steep stone steps of the road approaching the shrine.
Kumano Kodo (Ogumo Torigoe)
Location:
Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
The World Heritage Site, "Kumano Kodo". In ancient times, people came here to renew their spirit on this healing trail. The Kumano Kodo was also a location for imperial outings of retired emperors, and along the trail are "oji" shrines collectively called the 99 Ojis that are dedicated to the Kumano Mikogami gods. The retired emperors used to visit these ojis while traveling the long road.
Kumano Kodo (Hyakken-gura)
Location:
Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
The World Heritage Site, "Kumano Kodo". In ancient times, people came here to renew their spirit on this healing trail. Partway through the trail, there are spots where the peaks of the Kii Peninsula mountains can be seen. Hyakumengura is the most popular spot to view this sight.
Mt. Koya
Location:
Koya, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture
Surrounded by eight peaks, it is as if Mt. Koya is surrounded by the petals of a lotus. Kobo Daishi (Kukai) opened the mountain as the basic training place for Shingon Buddhist secret teaching. Even today, many monks continue the teachings of Kukai, and continue to do ascetic training here. There are 52 pilgrims lodgings on the mountain, and visitors can experience the history and culture of Mt. Koya through vegetarian Buddhist cuisine or by attending a Buddhist religious service.
Nachi Waterfall
Location:
Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
The object of worship at Kumano Nachi Shrine is the Nachi Waterfall, with the tallest water head in Japan. The roar of the falls and view of the forest of 800 year-old cedar trees is a spectacle.
Tomogashima
Location:
Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
The Kitan Strait is home to four islands: Jinoshima, Torajima, Kamishima, and Okinoshima. They are collectively known as Tomogashima. Regular boats leave from Kada port, and arrive at Okinoshima in approximately 20 minutes, where a hiking course that tours the fort remains is popular. Additionally, the western edge of island that cross through the meridian line of Japanese Standard Time (135 degrees east longitude) is home to the eighth white western-style lighthouse built in Japan, that helps to protect the comings and goings of ships in the strait even today.
Awashima Shrine “Hina-nagashi”
Location:
Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Known as the home to a guardian deity of women, visitors to Awashima Shrine pray for easy childbirth and pregnancy. In the Hina-nagashi festival, the main hall is stuffed with doll festival dolls collected from all over the country. Dolls purified in the main hall are loaded into a wooden boat, and pulled into the gentle spring ocean harbor where a thousand paper cranes have been released into the water. The shops lining the road to the shrine sell fresh seafood such as sea snails, whitebait, and sea bream.
Kishutoshogu “Waka Festival”
Location:
Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
This is the main festival of Kishutoshogu shrine, which was built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, father of the first daimyo lord of Kishul. It was once counted among the three major festivals in Japan, and while it was not held for a time during the war, it has been passed down through 400 years of history. Kishu Toshogu has 108 steep stone steps, and one ton portable shrines are carried down these steps in the "Mikoshi Oroshi" ceremony which starts the festival. This is followed by a procession of approximately 1000 people who perform their many entertaining talents in the Togyo Gyoretsu, which is a soul-stirring and showing event.
Mt. Koya Oku-no-in Five-storied Stone Pagoda of Sugen-in
Location:
Koya, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture
The Mt. Koya Oku-no-in five-storied pagoda is a stone tower design unique to Japan that began towards the end of the Heian period and continues to the present day. The shape references the five elements that buddhist teachings say all things are made of: earth, water, fire, wind, and air. Said to be the first made, is at Sugen-in (Hidetaka Tokugawa, second generation shogun's wife Ogo) memorial tower was built in 1627, and it is the largest of the five-storied pagodas with 6.6m in height and a base size of 8 tatami mats. Even visitors from foreign countries with a long history of "stone culture" will be impressed by its size.
Inami Festival (Inami Hachiman Shrine – Yamaguchi Hachiman Shrine Festival) (Inami Hachiman Shrine Festival Wakayama Prefecture Intangible Cultural Asset)
Location:
Inami, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture
The Inami Hachiman and Yamaguchi Hachiman festivals are held in advance of the other autumn festivals in the Kinan region. At the Yamaguchi Hachiman festival, six festival floats and portable shrines are carried to Inan Beach, where dances such as the Saiga Odori which has ties to the Kishu-Saiga group, Yakko Odori, and Shishimai are performed. Come to see the festival floats fiercely clash together. Alternatively, at Inan Hachiman, four festival floats and portable shrines jump into the Inan river, and the men dressed in festival costumes carry the floats across the river while up to their shoulders in water, which is an incredible sight to see. The river crossing ceremony is very rare, nationally.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Location:
Kobe City, hyogo Prefecture
The magnificence of the world's longest suspension bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi. The length of the space between the pillars on the Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi is the longest in the world. There are many places to view the elegance of the bridge's shape, and at night when it is lit-up, but the best place to truly experience the size of the bridge and the fusion of nature and the massive man-made architectural structure, is the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park directly adjacent to the bridge. It also has historical appeal, and is an ideal addition to a new one hundred Kansai views. (There is also a tour where visitors can experience a 360 degree panoramic view from the top of the bridge's pillar at Bridge World from April to November (every week from Thursday to Sunday, and on Holidays))
Castle in the Sky Takeda Castle Ruins (Wadayama, Asago City, hyogo Prefecture)
Location:
Asago City, hyogo Prefecture
Takeda Castle Ruins, the Castle in the Sky of hyogo Prefecture's Asago City is known as the Machu Picchu of Japan. This photo of the castle ruins was taken from the castle ruins atop the mountain path. The view from the castle ruins is so different from most Japanese scenery that it will make the viewer think, "Is this really Japan?" The vast view is truly breathtaking. It is a place worth a visit.
Nada no Kenka Matsuri
Location:
Himeji City, hyogo Prefecture
This festival is held every October in Shirahama, Himeji, at the Matsubara Hachiman Shrine. See a soul-stirring religious ceremony featuring a parade of floats before the shrine and hall of worship, and the clashing together of festival floats. Last year a Thai TV station came to film the event, and a Hong Kong magazine also came to report on it. Interest about the festival from overseas is growing.
The Koya Highway connects the old capital of Kyoto with the world heritage site Mt. Koya. Since ancient times, it has been lively with worshippers heading to and from Mt. Koya. From Kawachinagano Station to Mikkaichicho Station, important cultural properties Nagano Shrine, Eboshigata Hachiman Shrine, registered cultural properties Saijo Goshigaisha former shop, the Yagike house, and more can be found, in a streetscape rich with historical atmosphere. In recent years, the streets have been decorated by local citizens groups with things like "sugitama" cedar balls and lanterns, to welcome visitors to the Koya Highway.
It is uncertain when and who built Kishiwada Castle, but it came into being during the Sengoku period (mid-16th century) and it was the residence of the Matsuuras, who governed the Senshu region. During the Edo period, Kishiwada Castle was used to protect south Osaka, and it played an important role in helping the Bakufu control the western part of the country. In front of the castle keep, is the Hachijin Garden, designed by leading garden designer Shigemori Mirei, and even today the castle is famous as a spot for a castle wedding.
Open-Air Museum Of Old Japanese Farm Houses, Hattori Ryokuchi Park
Location:
Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture
In the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses see the nostalgic old Japanese way of life with representative farm houses from all parts of Japan that have been dismantled and reconstructed on the site. This was Japan's first outdoor museum. From Iwate Prefecture in the north, to Kagoshima Prefecture in the south, there are 11 farm houses collected on the site. All of the farm houses were originally built in the 17-19th centuries (the Edo period), and people were living in them until the late-1950s. Also on display are Kuribune boats from Amamioshima and San'in, and a windmill from Sakai. Hattori Ryokuchi Park is the location of the Open-Air Museum Of Old Japanese Farm Houses, which is a green tract of land 33 times the size of the Koshien baseball stadium, chosen as one of Japan's hundred best city parks, and Japan's hundred historical parks, and loved as a place of relaxation and refreshment.
Built to protect the Southwest corner of the capital, also known as the unlucky quarter, this role was transferred to it from Usamiya in 859. It is one of Japan's three great Hachiman shrines. The rare Hachiman-style shinto shrine is a nationally designated important cultural property, and the precint is also designated a national historical site. Additionally, the Otokoyama mountain where the Ishiwashimizu Hachimangu grounds are located has beautiful cherry blossoms and fall leaves, and Mt. Tennozan, and the point where three rivers Katsuragawa, Ujigawa, and Kizugawa merge can be seen from the viewing platform.
Nagaokakyo Garasha Festival
Location:
Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture
This public festival is the most famous of Nagaokakyo City, based on the theme of the tale of love and emotion about the daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide, Tama (aka Hosokawa Garasha), who went to marry the eldest son of Hosokawa Fujitaka, Hosokawa Tadaoki. The festival is based on Tama's bridal procession, with a parade of people wearing historical costumes. The fun takes over the whole city with outdoor booths selling food, drink, and other items, and stage performances.
It is the headquarters of Seizan Jodo Buddhism and believed to be built by Naozane Kumagai (Renjo), one of the disciples of Honen, in 1198. The temple, located at the foot of the green west mountains, is surrounded by nature for all four seasons. The temple is especially known for its breathtaking fall foliage and the tunnel of maple leaves, but the fresh green and the green leaves of the same maple tree in the summer as well as the snowscape in the winter are also a sight worth seeing.
Maizuru Brick Park
Location:
Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture
Maizuru, known for its navy district, has many remaining red brick buildings, but the most recommended is the Maizuru Brick Park. Surrounded on three sides by red brick walls, the area is nostalgic and fun. A variety of events including concerts and shows are held inside the buildings, where an air of the early 1900s remains.
Centered on a pond shaped like the sanskrit letter "A, with the Healing Buddha in the east and the Amitabha Buddha in the west of the garden, this designated place of scenic beauty and history represents paradise. The main temple (a national treasure) contains a concealed buddhist statue of Kichijotennyo (an important cultural property), and nine seated Amida Buddha statues (national treasures), and another name for the temple is Kutaiji. The temple is number sixteen in the list of Kansai's flower temples, and flowers can be found blooming here throughout the four seasons.
Hikone Castle
Location:
Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
This castle was built under orders from Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu over the course of approximately 20 years from 1604. The castle is well-preserved, looking much like its original form, a rarity for Japanese castles. It is also a designated national treasure. The castle keep looks out over Lake Biwa, and it is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring, and when the autumn leaves turn red. It is also known for its mascot, one of the most popular in Japan, Hiko-nyan. Come to the castle and meet the adorable Hiko-nyan.
Enryaku-ji temple on Mt. Hiei is the head temple of the Tendai Sect, with over 1200 years of history, and it was designated a World Heritage Site in 1994. Enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn, and look out on Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, also known as the Pond of the Healing Buddha. In this atmosphere full of gravity as the training ground for Tendai Sect members, visitors can enjoy a serene and quiet moment trying zazen meditation and copying Buddhist scripture.
A regular favorite among Japanese cycling fans is the course around Lake Biwa. Recently, visitors from overseas bring their bicycles here and enjoy the beautiful scenery and streetscapes as well as delicious food while biking around the lake. A trip around Lake Biwa is a perfect way to experience a condensed "Japan".
Shakudo-ji, Keisoku-ji Route
Location:
Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
The statue of Buddha in Shakudo-ji temple is made from a single zelkova tree, and the red of the lips remain today. It is said that in ancient times it was a brightly colored statue. The gently curved figure clothed in flowing robes has always given visitors an impression of mildness and calm. Keisoku-ji temple is known as the most famous spot for autumn leaves in the Omi region, with gently sloped stone steps leading up to the temple flanked on either side by moss-covered stone walls, and over 200 old Japanese maple trees.
Omihachiman Suigo Meguri (SUKIYAKI)
Location:
Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
The origin of suigo meguri can be traced back four hundred years to when Toyotomi Hidetsugu, a nephew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi went boating, a recreational activity often enjoyed by the imperial court. Look out on clumps of reeds, listen to the oars and the chirping of birds, smell the water and reeds, and feel the rocking of the rowboat...experience nature while eating piping hot sukiyaki on board the boat. Sukiyaki served on the Suigo Meguri is popular at any time of year.
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