The head temple of the Shinshu Otani sect of Buddhism is located within walking distance from Kyoto Station. The local residents refer to it affectionately as ”Ohigashi-san.”
Check out an Ageya (elegant-restaurant) of the red-light district from the Edo period
Japan's oldest convent was a gift from Prince Shotoku to his mother
One of Japan's famous ancient temples, quietly nestled in Ikaruga
A famous spot for cherry blossoms which line a path along the Okawa River
Every Tuesday is free ladies' day this season!
The only existing merchant house in Kobe Former Foreign Settlement
A famous winter event in Kyu-Kyoryuchi
This famous shrine blossoms in full glory from season to season with its flowers
It has good access and takes only about 2 hours from Osaka. Slopes are compact but you never get tired with the course designs.
The Western Paradise of the Buddha Amida’s dazzling dream, a gold space that reflects upon a pond
This footbath was constructed when JR Ogoto Station was renamed as Ogoto-onsen Station on March 15, 2008. Tradition says that Ogoto-onsen was discovered by Denkyo Daishi Saicho, the founder of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei. The building is designed to recall a hexagonal hall located in Hayao Jizoson, where stone jizo statues (guardian deities of children) allegedly made by Saicho, are enshrined.
Towering about 700 meters high, Mt. Maya lies in the central part of Rokko mountain range. The night view of Kobe seen from Kikuseidai near the mountaintop is famous as one of new three best night views in Japan. Legend has it that the name comes from the fact that Kobo-Daishi enshrined the statue of Shaka’s mother, Maya, on the mountain.
This is the home theater of the Takarazuka Revue, which enthralls its audiences with fantastic stage performances. These spectacular theatrical plays and shows are conducted in turn by one of the five troupes: Flower, Moon, Snow, Star, and Cosmos; each troupe has a top star called otoko yaku (a male role). The plays performed range widely from original plays to overseas musicals to revues. This grand theater is exclusive to the Takarazuka Revue and comes with a history stretching back over 100 years. The live orchestra accompanying performances is one of the big attractions of these shows in the grand theater.
Built in 1933, this large museum is the second old municipal art museum in Japan. The collection extends to about 3,300 pieces centered on Kyoto artists from the modern to contemporary period. The museum holds art exhibitions such as Nitten (the largest competition art exhibition in Japan) as well as events organized by fine art associations.
This attraction features a half-size replica of a Viking ship and exhibits related to the children's book author Hans Christian Andersen. Delightful goods made in Denmark are also for sale.
Located just north of Hokke-do in the Todai-ji Temple complex, Nigatsu-do is known as a place where Shuni-e (Omizu-tori or Sacred Water-drawing Festival) takes place every March. Nigatsu-do was named so since Shuni-e was held in February (nigatsu in Japanese) in the old calendar. Fire destroyed it in 1667, but two years later the current building was reconstructed exactly as it was before the fire. The building's design features a cascading style of architecture, and provides a commanding view of the roof of the Great Buddha Hall and Nara city. The principal image is the Juichimen Kannon, which is never shown to the public.