Kyu-Chikurin-In is a former temple located near the prefectural city of Otsu in Shiga prefecture. It’s located just a few minutes away from Kyoto Station. While no longer a temple, the place has been turned into a "Satobo" or retirement house for the priest of Enryaku-Ji temple
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One of Japan’s most famous temples, Kinkakuji is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and is a world-renowned tourist location. The temple was actually the retirement house of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. [...]
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Kisami Ohama beach is a gorgeous little stretch of sand and blue water located south of Izu peninsula in Shimoda. While 20 years ago Kisami Ohama beach was rather unknown, outside of locals and some Japanese people living in Tokyo [...]
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The Gora Kadan Ryokan is located in the heart of Hakone, one of Japan's most famous onsen and resort areas near Tokyo. Here you will find the former retreat of the Kanin-no-miya Imperial family. Open to all this “Relais & Chateaux” ryokan is the pride and joy of Hakone [...]
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Thanks to its unique architecture and original wooden structure, Matsue Castle is famous for being one of Japan's last authentic castles. Completed in 1611, Matsue Castle is a wonder that everyone has to see at least once in their life. [...]
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The Dangyokei Gorge of Ochi-gun in Shimane prefecture was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1935. Later turned into a park, the 4km long and 100m deep ravine has the Gonokawa River at its bottom. While for safety reasons it is prohibited to swim […]
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Located in Karakawa Town in Shimane prefecture, Karakama-jinja Shrine, is an ancient shrine known for being mentioned in both the Engishiki, a Japanese book about laws and customs from 927, as well as Izumo no Kuni Fudoki which are ancient reports on provincial culture, geography, and oral tradition. [...]
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Located in the lovely city of Izumo in Shimane prefecture, Izumo Taisha is actually one of Japan’s most important shrines. While we have no clear date when Izumo Taisha was erected, we find some mention of Izumo Taisha in the early 700s in Japan’s oldest chronicles. [...]
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Ohnan town and district is not what one can call a true tourist hot-spot when compared to many other locations within Shimane prefecture. Honestly, this is exactly why we love Ohnan town and district so much! [...]
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Located deep in a mountainous district of Shimane in the village of Omori, you will find Iwami Ginzan, a historic silver mine now turned museum/attraction that was designated as a World Heritage Site in July 2007. Small in size compared to today’s standard, it is said that the […]
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Iwami Ginzan Village who’s official name is Omori Town, is located in the Oda mountain of Shimane, a beautiful mountain village famous for its silver. While most silver in the surrounding mines have been extracted, Iwami Ginzan Village is still thriving thanks to its many temples and of course […]
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The terraced rice fields of San-nouji, are the pride and joy of Shimane residents and are considered some of Japan’s best. With about 200 rice paddies stretched out over a hillside landscape 300 meters above sea level, San-nouji terraced rice fields are also a place for people […]
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