Mount Misen

Mount Misen

While in Miyajima we made the trip up to the peak of Mount Misen where we were treated to some gorgeous views of the nearby sea and islands. The mountain itself is part of the World Heritage site of the Itsukushima Shrine. Founded by Kukai, one of Japan’s most famous monks, it is home to the Daisho-in temple and a flame that has been burning for over 1200 years. It is a popular tourist spot for locals, and from the top of the mountain there are breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Read More

Watanabe Inn

Watanabe Inn

During our time at Miyajima we stayed at the Watanabe Inn. Once we arrived at the island we decided to walk to our ryokan rathan than call and have them pick us up. Since we walked, we had to traverse through the main part of the town full of restaurants and stores. We left the main touristy areas to find our ryokan, which is nestled in the midst of the Japanese houses on the island, right next to a bubbling brook and near a shrine and a Buddhist temple. The Watanabe Inn is a ryokan housed in a traditional Japanese building and is run by the Watanabe family. It only has 3 rooms, and it is lovely and intimate!

Read More

Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls

Lake Chuzenji’s only outlet is the Daiya River which begins at the eastern end of the lake. Shortly after the start of the river it drops down a cliff of the Akechidaira Plateau and forms the gorgeous Kegon Falls as the river makes its way towards the valley below. Kegon Falls is considered one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. With the waterfall being only 5 minutes from our ryokan, we made sure to stop by.

Read More

Hippari-Dako

Hippari-Dako

After a long morning of exploring the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, we wanted to get some lunch. So we walked back towards the train station and found Hippari-Dako. Located just a few minutes walk from the Shinkyo Bridge, Hippari-Dako is a small yakitori shop with some fantastic food. Their menu features a variety of items beyond yakitori, including ramen, yakisoba, yuba (tofu skin), sashimi, curry rice, tonkotsu, tempura soba, and much more.

Read More

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

On the western end of Nikko lies the massive complex that is collectively known as the Shrines and Temples of Nikko. The complex is comprised of the Futarasan Shrine, Tosho-gu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, and Taiyu-in Temple. This very culturally significant site is further enhanced by the gorgeous forest surrounding it.

Read More

Okunoin

Okunoin

The main reason we came to Koyasan, besides staying at a shukubo, was to visit Okunoin. Okunoin (pronounced: Oku-no-in) is the largest graveyard in Japan, with over 200,000 tombstones, and is the holiest place in all of Koya. It is here that the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, rests. It is believed that he, instead of dying, is awaiting the return of the future Buddha: Maitreya.

Read More

Fudouin

Fudouin

Koyasan is on Mount Koya and is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. We were fortunate enough to be able to stay at Fudou-in, a Buddhist temple, in the town. Koyasan is located in the mountains just a two-hour train ride south of Osaka. Getting to Koyasan required a ride on a rural train with a few change-overs. Eventually we got to Gokurakubashi Station and took a cable car up the mountain to our final stop. From the station we took a cab through Koyasan to our lodgings at Fudou-in.

Read More

Nishimuraya Honkan

Nishimuraya Honkan

During our time in Kinosaki Onsen we stayed at the exquisite Nishimuraya Honkan. This ryokan has numerous awards and recently was added to the Relais & Châteaux group of hotels and restaurants. The wood structure of this ryokan dates back over 150 years and the latest addition was added in 1960 by the prominent architect Masaya Hirata. From its walled exterior the ryokan doesn’t look like anything special, but once we entered into it, we realized this was an experience we would never forget.

Read More

Kinosaki

Kinosaki

Kinosaki is a hot springs town on the western shore of the main island of Japan. As in Tamatskuri, the last hot springs town we stayed in, a small river wound its way through the center of this town, crisscrossed many times with sturdy stone bridges and lined with small willowy green trees. The roads are narrow and crowded with storefronts, restaurants, and hotels clustered together. The architecture of these buildings is pleasant and traditional.

Read More

Tamatsukuri

Tamatsukuri

During our time in Matsue we stayed in the small town of Tamatsukurionsen. It is just one train stop west from the start of Matsue and is a quiet little getaway from the city. Like many small towns, it clings along the banks of a creek with a few side streets springing from along the banks. It’s a quiet little town with very little traffic from either vehicles or pedestrians. Tamatsukurionsen lies within the Izumo region and is known for its hot springs. The waters of the onsen here are known to promote healing and thus, the town is lined with many ryokan.

Read More

Kinkaku-ji Temple: The Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji Temple: The Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji Temple, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion, is the most famous temple in Japan. Kinkaku-ji Temple is located in northwestern Kyoto and is easily reached by bus or taxi. It is a short 5 minute bus ride or 20 minute walk from Ryoan-Ji Temple to the west. We arrived at the temple on a rainy day just before lunch time. Even the inclement weather did not stop crowds of tourists from visiting one of the most popular temples in the country.

Read More