Japan Travel Guide

Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto | Beautiful landscape gardens and decorations

Kodaiji Temple is located in Higashiyama. It was founded in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro as a memorial to her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was one of the most important men of his time.
Heian Jingu, Kyoto | Travel back in time to the Heian Period

The Heian Jingu shrine was instituted in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100-year anniversary of the return of the capital to Heian, which is today’s Kyoto. Its architecture is impressive.
Sanjusangendo, Kyoto | Thousand golden-colored statues of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

The Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto was established by the powerful warrior-politician Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1164, and it is especially famous for its 1001 statues.
Gion | Travel back in time to the Edo period

Gion is the place where the famous geisha, the cultural symbol of Japan, are still doing their work every night. Geisha literally means ‘artist’, although in Kyoto they are called ‘geiko’ which means ‘woman of art’.
Chionin Temple, Kyoto | The largest wooden gate in Japan

The Chion-in temple in Kyoto is a Buddhist temple and is the home of Jo-do Buddhism. It was founded in the 12th century, and besides its historical significance, there are a few other reasons why this is an interesting temple to visit!
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto | Experience the beautiful seasonal precincts and the god of learning

The shrine of Kitano Tenmangu was built in the 10th century by the emperor of the time in honor of a scholar and politician. Now, it is especially known for its popular flea market.
Machiya, Kyoto | Beautiful old-fashioned architecture with natural materials

A ‘machiya’ is a traditional wooden house that is especially typical of Kyoto city. It was the artisans and merchants of the cities who lived in machiya.
Beautiful Nishiki Market supports Kyoto’s food culture

The best way to learn about everyday Japanese life and what people like to cook at home is to visit one of its many food markets. Nishiki Market is in the center of Kyoto, and a popular market to visit for tourists.
Ryoanji Temple,Kyoto | Beautiful stone garden and a temple where a dragon sleeps

Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple located in Kyoto which was built by a minister of the Ashikaga Shogunate in 1450. The temple is especially famous for its stone landscape garden.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto | The most beautiful thousand torii gates in the world

Known worldwide for its more than 10,000 torii gates in a row, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine attracts around 3 million visitors the first three days of the year alone and is one of the most famous attractions of Kyoto.
Toji Temple, Kyoto | Five-story pagoda and beautiful scenery

Toji means Eastern Temple, and this temple in Kyoto has a very long history. The religious foundations of Kyoto were laid here, and Buddha has protected the city from where Kukai founded the temple since 796.
Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto | Beautiful gardens and rustic beauty

Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) was constructed by a shogun from the 15th century. You can still see his quest for beauty in the Ginkakuji, even after 500 years.
Kyoto City, Kyoto | A city full of beautiful nature and Japanese history

Kyoto is often called “the heart of Japan” and it is said that it would be impossible to get to know the country without visiting this wonderful city.
Enoshima | A beautiful island where dragons sleep

Enoshima is a small island right next to Kamakura, which makes it a popular additional destination for those visiting Kamakura. It is lively from spring to fall, and in the wintertime, you will find the island peaceful and quiet.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine – A Fun Path to Good Fortune

The Kumano Shrine in popular tourist destination Kawagoe has three activities that aim to bring the visitor closer to the gods. The activities are a bit physical and even quite fun.
Tokyo Mitama Matsuri | Various fun events and beautiful decorations

For the spectacular Mitama Festival, the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is decorated with more than 30,000 traditional Japanese lanterns, running all the way from the great torii gate to the main gate of the sanctuary.
Rikugien Gardens – Tranquil Beauty in the Heart of Tokyo

For those who love Japanese-style landscape gardens, Tokyo is a paradise. Having been the country’s political capital during the Edo period, Tokyo isn’t lacking in beautiful gardens that once belonged to feudal lords.
Asakusa Sensoji Temple | Quaint history and beautiful scenery

Sensoji temple is one of the top tourist spots in Tokyo, which is no wonder as the temple has a long and interesting history and wonderful traditional architecture.
Oirase and Lake Towada, Aomori | Japan’s beautiful wilderness

Along with Lake Towada, the Oirase river has been designated as a special scenic spot and a natural monument of Aomori. This area is a paradise for nature lovers.
Hirosaki City, Aomori | A town that lives together with beautiful nature in every season

Hirosaki is known as a cherry blossom city, and you can enjoy beautiful sakura around Hirosaki Castle between late April – early May. You will also find a samurai district and the Neputa festival theme park in Hirosaki.