Miyakojima City Botanical garden is located east of Hirara city, Miyakojima. The garden, which covers 120’000m², is dedicated to tropical plants. There are walking paths criss-crossing the well kept garden, and mapped walking courses which even extend outside the garden area. Inside the botanical garden, the Miyakojima traditional crafts village (Miyakojima Taiken Craft Village) is …
Shimajiri Mangrove forest is a unique mangrove eco-system in Miyakojima. The area is rich on plant and animal life. From the installed walkways it is possible to see birds, crabs, mudskippers and much more. It is a great place for nature lovers and children. About mangroves: A mangrove is technically a type of tree which …
Eikan-do temple, formally named Zenrin-ji, is a Pure Land buddhist temple located in Kyoto. The temple is widely famous for it’s amazing fall foliage, which attracts huge crowds of locals and tourists in November. The nick-name of “Eikan” is derived from the name (Yōkan) of one of the former head priests of the temple. Eikan-do …
Nanzen-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. It is the head temple of the Nanzen-ji Rinzai sect and is known especially for it’s beautiful stone garden. The temple grounds host several other temples and a huge Meiji-era aqueduct. The area is accessible free of charge, but there are fees to enter …
Shimogamo-jinja is one of Japans oldest shinto shrines. The shrine stands as a perfect picture of the classic Japanese shrine, with vermilion colored torii gates and buildings, paper lanterns, beautifully kept premises and overall peacefulness and tranquility. Shimogamo-jinja is postcard worthy, so if you only visit one shrine in Kyoto, you should definitely make it …
Until 1868, Kyoto Imperial Palace was the seat and home of the ruling Emperor of Japan. The palace is located in Kyoto Gyoen, a park complex which encompasses the Imperial Palace and Sento Imperial Palace. The park and outdoor area of the palaces are open to the public at no charge. Visitors can apply for …
Kyoto Railway Museum is a modern train museum where visitors can learn about the development of the train network in Japan, and how it contributed to the country’s modernization. Kyoto Railway Museum opened in 2016 right in the middle of the historic city of Kyoto. With 53 full-size trains on display, train lovers will need …
Ginkaku-ji, meaning “silver pavilion temple“, is a buddhist temple in the northern part of Kyoto. Despite being named “silver pavilion” it isn’t actually decorated with silver. For many tourists it sounds like a perfect combination to visit both the Golden Pavilion Temple and the Silver Pavilion Temple. And it sure is a great combination, but …
Kiyomizudera temple is located on a hill side on the eastern side of Kyoto. This Buddhist temple, which was founded in 778, is well known for it’s waterfall and unique terrace which sticks out over the hill side. Kiyomizudera Main Hall Just a 10 minute walk south of the famous Gion District are the well-preserved …
Kyotos Gion District is one of Japans most well-known “Geisha districts”. Visitors travel to Gion for a chance to catch a glimpse of a Geisha (or Geiko as they are called here), enjoy the well preserved, historic entertainment area and to learn about traditional arts and crafts. In this centuries old district of Kyoto, old …
