Saiho-ji Temple, commonly known as Koke-dera in the Arashiyama area offers a stunning Japanese garden. It’s hard to believe that moss can be a reason to visit.
Saiho-ji Temple/ Kyoto
Hoshida-Enchi Park/ Osaka
A national park with the largest wooden foot bridge in Japan, to look out a panoramic view, is located in the east side of Osaka for a day hike or a picnic.
Mt. Hiei 1day highlight trip
Mt. Hiei, Kyoto’s eastern mountain range is known for Enryaku-ji. It’s a decent 1day trip out of Kyoto to enjoy gardens, temples and shrines, and hiking trails.
Former Chikurin-in Temple/ Shiga
Former Chikurin-in Temple, located at the foot of Mt. Hiei in Shiga, originally a villa of Enryaku-ji monks, is famous for its huge and beautiful garden.
Kyoto Uji 1day highlight trip
Uji is a suburb of Kyoto well known as the capital of Japanese green tea, located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River. It’s a decent 1day trip out of Kyoto.
Gion Matsuri, Kyoto/ Japan’s three best festivals「日本三大祭り」
The highlight of Gion Matsuri festival is the “Yamaboko Junko” parade. Massive floats are pulled through the narrow, winding streets of Kyoto. See the schedule.
Yoshino-Jingu Shrine 「吉野神宮」/ Nara
Yoshino-Jingu, located on Mt. Yoshino, the highest sanctity, a tribute from one emperor to another, to offer a taste of Japanese history and a commanding view.
Kamo-gawa Delta/ Kyoto
The Kamo-gawa Delta is home to Tadasu no mori, the famous woods of Shimogamo Shrine. A triangular shaped delta by Kyoto’s iconic Kamo-gawa River, to chill out.
Zuishin-in Temple/ Kyoto
Zuishin-in Temple, located in Yamashina, Kyoto is connected to the famous beauty and poet Ono no Komachi. The temple is also famous for its plum garden.
Kaju-ji Temple/ Kyoto
Kaju-ji Temple, located in Yamashina, is famous for its garden, to offer a peaceful getaway for those looking for a quiet retreat and the beauties of nature.
Shosei-en Garden「渉成園」/ Kyoto
A traditional strolling style Japanese garden, hidden behind large walls in the urban Kyoto area is located just 12-minute from Kyoto station.