If you are looking for somewhere slightly off the beaten track for your momiji-viewing pleasure, how about heading out to Kougenji in Aogaki, Tamba.
Access – maps and other information available on the temple’s website http://kougenji-tanba.or.jp/ (Japanese only)
Photos by Clint Denison, Sasayama-shi, 2007-2012
Ise may be a small town, but it is home to Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine, Ise jingu.
Ise jingu (shrine) dates from the third century. The shrines are rebuilt every 20 years on adjacent sites using ancient techniques where the wood interlocks rather being nailed together. The Sengu No Gi festival is when the God is transferred from the old shrine to the new one…
So why does anyone come to Japan? To be reborn into the manga world? To experience how high tech it is (then realise they still use fax machines)? To dress up in a kimono and call yourself a geisha? None of the above. They come to meet Hello Kitty of course! OK so I’m now…
When it comes to the winter vacation period, in my mind there are three options:stay in Japan and indulge in champagne powder skiing (did that last year), head home for creature comforts (this year’s plan) or jet off somewhere exotic where the idea of needing a kotatsu would make locals guffaw. If you fall into…
Shirahama is situated in Wakayama-ken, a prefecture full of amazing coastlines, beaches, and onsens – the perfect summer getaway. Since it is a popular place to visit in summer, be prepared for crowds, or visit slightly off season. Shirahama beach is a beautiful ‘Australian’ white sand beach with palm frond shelters and clear, blue water….
ç ¥å³°é«˜åŽŸ(Tonomine Highlands, Kamikawa, Hyogo) So I went to the Tonomine highlands (where the movie Norwegian Wood was filmed, based on Murakami Haruki’s famous book) for a moon viewing party. There was dancing, and taiko (two of the performers were JETs) food, etc. Good times basically! Here are a few pictures. There is also a spring festival held on…
For undulating sand dunes straight out of Arabian Nights look no further than Japan’s least populated prefecture, our very near neighbour, Tottori. That’s right, just to our north west you can live out your Ali Baba fantasies, complete with camels and hundreds of other tourists. The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan’s only dune system, and…