Buses and trains are the two most commonly used short-distance transportation methods for travelers in Japan.Generally, you will have more opportunities to use buses in regional cities and trains (including subways) in major cities. Since fares vary depending on the area, route, and distance traveled, we often see tourists confused in front of fare charts …
There are thousands of temples in Kyoto so this tiny Kyoto hidden gem is easy to miss! Located in Higashiyama area in Kyoto, the colorful Yasaka Koshindo (八坂庚申堂, official name: Daikoku-san Kongo-ji Koshin-do) temple or “pom pom temple” should definitely be added to your bucket list, especially if you are looking for a unique place …
Visit the Colorful Yasaka Koshindo Temple -Kyoto- Read More »
Have you heard of Akame 48 Falls, one of the greatest hiking trails in Japan? The valley is located in Akame, Nabari City, Mie Prefecture. The trail is an easy 4km-long hike along the river where you can really enjoy the beauty of the Japanese forest while reaching for numerous waterfalls. What I love about this place …
In February 2023, Team JD traveled to Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, guided by the Tourism Division of the Aizuwakamatsu City Hall! We were completely enchanted by the cityscape with a sense of Japanese history, delicious local cuisine, and the warmth of the local people. Let us share the charms of Aizuwakamatsu City, which we enjoyed …
Aizu Wakamatsu – A City to Feel the History of the Samurai Period Read More »
Oyakuen Garden is a representative Japanese garden of Aizu Wakamatsu and used to be the garden of successive lords of the Aizu Domain. The name “Oyakuen” translates literally as “Garden of Medicine.” This is derived from the villa built by Morihisa Ashina in 1432 and later in 1670 by Masatsune Hoshina, the second lord of …
Based on the residence built by Naomori Ashina in 1384, Ujisato Gamo built the first full-scale castle tower in eastern Japan in 1593 and named it “Tsurugajo” (Tsurugajo Castle). The castle features red roof tiles (“kawara”) with iron-rich glaze to withstand the low temperatures and snowfall of the snowy region and is currently the only …