Known as “Heaven’s Grass”, the islands of Amakusa combine splendid natural beauty with a deeply-woven religious history that certainly does their name justice.
For the full article, please refer to ANA Experience Japan.
Did you know Japan had its very own “Wild West”? Well, it is more like “Wild North” as the area I am referring to is actually in Japan’s beautiful northernmost island of Hokkaido.
Most readers will know Nara for its countless bowing deer, ancient temples and picturesque traditional streets. But did you also know Nara is famous for its local cuisine, in particular sake and some unique rice-based dishes? Well, let’s get acquainted with this side of Nara on a “culinary tour”!
The small former merchant district of Naramachi does its best to preserve its Edo-period atmosphere and charm to this day. When I first walked along the main streets in Nara, it seemed that not much remained of its past—apart from its temples—as most residential buildings had been torn down to make room for today’s modern concrete multi-story buildings. That was until I accidentally stumbled into Naramachi.
For its sophisticated arts and crafts as well as beautifully preserved traditional neighbourhood, Kanazawa is often described as “little Kyoto”.
For the full article, please refer to ANA Experience Japan.
Rising above Mt. Torafusu lies the architectural beauty Wakayama Castle. Travel southeast and cherry blossoms engulf Kimiidera, a temple overlooking the sea on one side and the town on the other. All of this one hour away from Osaka, making Wakayama the perfect spring day trip.
Buddhist temples in Japan always tend to leave quite an impression. They house some of the finest traditional art and architecture in the world and are maintained with the greatest care. Yet there is a catch for us cheapos: they tend to always ask for an admission fee. But what if I told you you can visit Japan’s most important Buddhist temples for free?
Retreating into the mountains, surrounded by nature, and solely devoting yourself to meditation and self-reflection. Sounds like a dream? Well, a temple stay offers you just that, plus a taste of traditional Japan.
The city of Uji, located between the two ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, is blessed with the quality of soil and surroundings needed for one of Japan’s most famous products, matcha (green tea).
As the largest Imperial villa in Kyoto, Shugakuin has an excellent view over Kyoto throughout the year. Designed in the mid-17th century by Emperor Go-Mizunoo himself working together with some of the finest architects and artisans to build a tranquil home to retire.