KYOTO
Kyoto lets you experience the “spirit of Japan.” Dress in a traditional kimono while you explore the city’s ancient temples and shrines and taste the renowned, high quality Japanese-style cuisine.
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Cherry blossom sweets and goods to enjoy even after the cherry blossom season is over
Spring is the season of cherry blossoms. However, cherry blossom viewing under the cherry blossoms in full bloom can only be enjoyed during a short period from late March to early April. Here are some sweets and goods that allow you to enjoy the cherry blossoms even after the cherry blossom season is over. Why don’t you enjoy the cherry blossom season at home or on a trip? -INDEX- 1.Aroma of spring in one bite (comemari) 2.Spring Limited baumkuchen(Nenrin-ya) 3.Cherry blossom-themed sweets and cocktails(The Ritz-Carlton,Osaka) 4.Hanami Sweets(ANTENOR) 5.Spring and Summer Nail Colors(Ueba Esou) The “Sakura Mochi” flavor is now available at comemari, a brand of rice snacks sold at the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store! It tastes just like eating Kansai-style sakura mochi itself. The slightly gentle pink appearance is cute and reminiscent of cherry blossoms. It goes well with sencha green tea, so you may be pleased to give it as a set with tea as a Japanese spring-like souvenir. 【Sales period】Until early April 2024 【Store】Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store “Spring Limited baumkuchen” is a spring-only product baked by Nenrin-ya only during this time of year. Please enjoy the taste and aroma of cherry blossoms carefully baked layer by layer. 【Sales period】Until mid April 2024 【Store】Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store At The Lobby Lounge on the first floor, you can enjoy “Sakura Afternoon Tea” inspired by cherry blossoms. At The Ritz-Carlton Gourmet Shop, you can enjoy “Sakura Sweets” such as Sakura Cake, Sakura Eclair, and Sakura Anpan at home or on the go, and at The Bar on the fifth floor, you can enjoy “Sakura Cocktails” in a high-quality space. Pretty cherry blossom-colored sweets and finger sandwiches will decorate the interior of the restaurant. Please enjoy a special afternoon tea that will enhance the mood of cherry blossom viewing, while feeling the comfortable arrival of spring. There are also cherry blossom sweets to take home and enjoy at home. This year, eight new cherry blossom-themed, eye-catching and beautiful sweets will be available, along with a wide selection of popular bakery items such as Sakura Anpan and Sakura Bread. “The Bar” will be offering a limited-edition cocktail during the cherry blossom season. This seasonal cocktail is reminiscent of the beautiful and hopeful skies of spring, expressed in a beautiful gradation reminiscent of cherry blossoms. 【Sales period】Until April 15, 2024 The Ritz-Carlton,Osaka Kobe-based patisserie “ANTENOR” will be offering a variety of colorful and gorgeous tasting sweets under the theme of “Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) at its cake stores nationwide. These spring-like sweets include a cake combining cherry blossoms and black tea, a cherry blossom Mont Blanc, and a cake combining Nishio green tea and yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit). This new spring cake, which is designed to look like cherry petals, is made with cherry blossom-scented glazes and encases a refreshing peach mousse, a refreshingly sweet cherry sauce with peach pulp, and a black tea crème brûlée. Enjoy this Hanami sweet at home, or go out and enjoy the cherry blossoms while viewing them. 【Sales period】Until April 19,2024 【Store】Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store Gofun Nail Polish is a water-soluble nail polish that is gentle to the nails and is the brainchild of “Ueha Eso”. Gofun is an important white pigment in Japanese painting made from the fine powder of scallop shells, and Gofun nail polish incorporates this natural material. Gofun nail polish was conceived with the desire to add color to nails just as one would paint a picture. The lineup includes a variety of Japanese shades that can only be expressed by a paint shop with colors that have been handed down for approximately 270 years. As a total of three colors to make your spring and summer even more and nicer, we have introduced “Hana-Kasumi”, a dull pink-beige color that will clothe you in elegance, “Hagoromo”, a mellow light pink color with an unprecedented translucence when applied to nails, and “Hisui-iro”, a bright blue-green color that will give you the freshness of early summer. Why not wear pink or blue-green nails and go out to see cherry blossoms? 【Sales period】Until August 31,2024 Ueba Esou Even though the cherry blossom viewing season has passed, there are many sweets and goods that will make you feel the cherry blossoms. Enjoy spring to the fullest with the aroma of cherry blossoms, the taste of cherry blossoms, and cherry blossom motifs!
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7 cherry blossom illumination in Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo. Fantastic Japanese Spring Nights
Cherry blossoms are an essential part of the spring scenery in Japan. Many people choose the right time of year to visit Japan to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery. While it is nice to visit famous cherry blossom viewing spots during the daytime, the fantastic scenery of cherry blossoms illuminated at night is also very tasteful. This article introduces spots in Kyoto and Hyogo where cherry blossoms are illuminated at night. *Please note that the admission fees and charges for viewing cherry blossoms illuminated at night may differ from the regular admission fees and charges. *Please check the official website of each spot for details such as the time of the event. -INDEX- 【Kyoto】World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle/”NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Kodai-ji Zen Temple/Spring Night Special Entrance(illumination) 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in 【Kyoto・Okazaki】Heian Jingu Shrine/Sakuraotoyo2024 【Osaka】Expo’70 Commemorative Park/Cherry blossom trees along Higashioji Street illumination 【Hyogo・NIshinomiya】Shukugawa Park/Sakura Illumination Kurakuen 【Hyogo・Himeji】Himeji Castle/Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Dates: March 8, 2024(Friday) -April 7, 2024(Sunday) Nijo-jo Castle, a World Heritage Site, is home to approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties. Cherry blossoms are usually short-lived, but the blooming period of cherry trees at Nijo-jo Castle differs depending on the variety, allowing visitors to enjoy them for as long as one month. A nighttime event, “NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” will be held at the same time. Cherry blossom projection mapping at the Kara-mon Gate, an important cultural property, and digital artwork featuring the painted barriers inside the Ninomaru-goten Palace, a national treasure, will appear. In addition to enjoying an artistic hanami experience, there will be cherry blossom-themed alcohol, drinks, and sweets for sale. *Illumination viewing areas will be limited. Dates: March 15, 2024 (Friday) – May 6, 2024 (National Holiday) Higashiyama is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. Kodai-ji Zen Temple is one of the most popular temples. During this period, the entire temple grounds, including the hall, garden, and bamboo grove, will be illuminated. The cherry blossoms in the Hashin-tei garden in front of the Hojo (main building) are especially wonderful when illuminated. The pink cherry blossoms standing alone in the white sand garden of Karesansui (dry landscape garden) are showered down like a shower. The dignified appearance of the cherry blossoms in the spotlight is a sight to behold. Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – April 3, 2024 (Wednesday) Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in is especially famous for the cherry blossoms in front of its national treasure, Sanmon. The beauty of the pretty pink cherry blossoms against the massive and powerful Sanmon is nothing short of impressive. In addition to the approximately 200 cherry trees, the National Treasure Mieido and Daishoro, an important cultural property, are also illuminated, making it a must-see. From Chion-in to Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Zen Temple, famous for the “Gion-no- Yozakura” (cherry blossoms at night in Gion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it is recommended to visit all the famous night cherry blossoms in Higashiyama, Kyoto, at the same time Dates: April 3, 2024(Wednesday) -April 7, 2024(Sunday) The Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is a Japanese garden representative of the Meiji era. Of the vast grounds totaling approximately 33,000 square meters, the red weeping cherry trees in the south and east shrine gardens are famous, and are illuminated at night. One of the most popular nighttime cherry blossom viewing events unique to Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is the annual concert held at the Higashi-Jinen-Kihinkan. This elegant event allows visitors to enjoy the fantastic cherry blossoms while listening to live gagaku and classical music performed on the banks of Seiho Pond. *Additional fee is required to view the concert. Dates: March 25, 2024(Monday) -April 3, 2024(Wednesday) Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots. cherry blossoms start blooming around mid-March and the park is dyed in beautiful pink. From March 25 to April 3 (Wed.), the cherry trees along Higashioji Street will be illuminated. The rows of lustrous cherry blossoms lining both sides of the road are a sight to behold. During the daytime, there will be special openings of the “Pan-an and Banri-an” tearooms in the vast Japanese garden, and tea ceremonies at the “Pan-an” (for a fee). Why not experience a typical Japanese spring scene with cherry blossoms and tea? ▼Check out this article too▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – April 7, 2024 (Sunday) (subject to change depending on blooming conditions) About 10 minutes by Hankyu train from Kobe-Sannomiya station, and about 20 minutes by Hankyu train from Osaka-Umeda station. The rows of cherry trees along the riverside, which can be seen from the platform of Hankyu Shukugawa Station, are one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hyogo Prefecture, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan! Approximately 1,660 cherry trees and 1,520 pine trees are planted along the riverside avenue. In particular, the view of Mt.Kabuto and the cherry blossoms from the bridge just outside Hankyu Kurakuen-guchi Station is spectacular. At night, “Nishinomiya Tourism Association” and “Kurakuen Stores Meeting”, a shopping association around Kurakuen-guchi Station, sponsor a illumination event, which can be enjoyed free of charge. The cherry blossoms are reflected on the surface of the river like a mirror, creating a spectacular scene. The area around Kurakuen-guchi Station is a residential area, so there are many families and unique restaurants scattered around the area. This is a spot where you can fully enjoy the charm of cherry blossoms from the perspective of everyday Japanese people. Dates: March 29 (Friday) – April 7 (Sunday), 2024 Himeji Castle, designated as a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure, is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. A night cherry blossom viewing party will be held in Nishinomaru Garden. Himeji Castle is also called “Shirasagi-jo” (White Egret Castle) because it looks like a white egret with its wings spread. The collaboration of its majestic figure, which rises white in the darkness under the lights, and the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold. The cherry blossoms are illuminated only for a short period of time in spring! Enjoy the heart-stopping scenery and make it a precious memory of your trip.
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The latest in 2024 | 21 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo)
From famous cherry blossom viewing spots to hidden gems, here are some of the best places to view cherry blossoms by area for your reference in the spring of 2024. -INDEX- [KYOTO area] [KYOTO Arashiyama area] ・Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Arashiyama ・Randen (Keifuku Electric Railway) Cherry blossom Tunnel ・Tenryuji Temple, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms while overlooking the city of Kyoto ・Daikakuji Temple, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of water [KYOTO Higashiyama area] ・Keage Incline is popular for its rows of cherry trees in full bloom ・Kodaiji Temple, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot for its illumination ・Cherry Blossom Walk “Philosopher’s Walk” ・Heian Jingu Shrine, famous for weeping cherry blossoms [KYOTO Nishiyama area] ・Shobo-ji Temple to enjoy cherry blossoms at a temple called Ishi-no-tera ・Phantom Sengan Cherry Blossom, Oharano Shrine ・Commonly known as the Temple of Flowers, Shouji-ji Temple ・The entire mountain is dyed pink at Yoshimine Temple [OSAKA area] ・Japan Mint, Cherry Blossom Passage ・Osaka Castle Park with a spectacular view of the castle and cherry blossoms ・Osaka Sakura Cruise ・Ikeda Satsukiyama Ryokuchi, cherry blossom viewing spot for the whole family] [HYOGO area] ・The cherry blossoms along the river are magnificent at Shukugawa Park ・Oji Zoo where you can enjoy cherry blossoms even with small children ・Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park, where you can enjoy the view overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and cherry blossoms ・Takarazuka Hana no michi, a beautiful walking path to Takarazuka Grand Theater ・Kokoen Garden, a Japanese garden in Himeji for cherry blossom viewing There are many picturesque cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. You can never miss the famous spots! I want to go to a place where there are as few people as possible! Here are some cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto by area that will fulfill both of your wishes. Arashiyama is rich in seasonal changes. The clear Oigawa River and the graceful appearance of the Togetsu Bridge over it attract people’s hearts no matter what time of year they visit. In spring, the view of cherry blossoms, mountains, river, and bridge together is magnificent. The view of the Togetsukyo Bridge over the overflowing cherry blossoms and Arashiyama beyond is as beautiful as a picture scroll. ▼Click here for a model course that allows you to quickly capture Arashiyama sightseeing in half a day. Kyoto Arashiyama Sightseeing Half-day Model Course! Capture the bamboo forest, temples, nature, and major spots! A tunnel of cherry blossoms appears between Narutaki and Utano Stations on the Randen Kitano Line. Someiyoshino cherry trees line both sides of the line for about 200 meters. The retro trains that run through the cherry blossoms are also attractive. Tenryuji Temple was built by Ashikaga Takauji. It is a beautiful spot with cherry blossoms in the distance, such as weeping cherry trees blooming against the backdrop of Dahouden Hall and Mochikyo-no-oka overlooking Arashiyama in spring. Cherry trees are planted around Osawa Pond, the oldest man-made garden pond in Japan, and visitors can enjoy a 1-kilometer walk around the pond. The cherry blossoms reflected in the water mirror are also beautiful. Higashiyama is home to a concentration of Kyoto’s most famous sights. The area, which is easily accessible from downtown Kawaramachi, Kyoto, is dotted with cherry blossom viewing spots. Please enjoy the town of Higashiyama dyed in pink. A total of 582 meters of inclined railroad near Nanzenji Temple, and now visitors can freely walk on the rails. In spring, you can enjoy the romantic scenery amidst the rows of cherry trees that fill the area. This Zen temple was built by Nene to mourn the loss of Hideyoshi. In spring, weeping cherry trees in the Hojo Garden bloom beautifully, their bright pink color shining on the white sand of the garden. During the nighttime viewing, the Hojo front garden with weeping cherry trees will be illuminated. Friday, March 15, 2024 – Monday, May 6, 2024 (national holiday) 17:00 (light-up) – 22:00 (reception closes at 21:30) Wherever you go along the Philosopher’s Walk, there are cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms! The side trips to shrines and temples scattered along the way are also enjoyable and make you lose track of time. Most of the cherry trees that adorn Heian Shrine are red weeping cherry trees. As the name suggests, these cherry trees are bright red in color. The contrast with the vermilion shrine pavilions is magnificent. There’s even a spot away from the city center of Kyoto where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms! Enjoy the cherry blossoms in a relaxing atmosphere at this ancient shrine nestled in the nature of Nishiyama. ▼Kyoto Nishiyama is the next hot spot in Kyoto! For more information, please click here. Kyoto Nishiyama|An undiscovered sightseeing spot in Kyoto! The “Garden of Birds and Animals,” lined with stones that resemble animals and birds, is a beautiful spot where weeping cherry trees stand dignifiedly. The most notable cherry blossom on the grounds of Oharano Shrine is the “Sengan-zakura” (cherry blossom with a thousand eyes). It is said to be a phantom cherry blossom that blooms for only two or three days, and if you are lucky enough to see it, your wish will come true. At Shouji-ji Temple, commonly known as “Flower Temple,” about 100 cherry trees spread their branches spontaneously. The temple is famous for the “Saigyo Cherry Blossoms,” which are said to have been planted and loved by the monk Saigyo. Various varieties of cherry trees, including higanzakura (higan cherry), shidarezakura (weeping cherry), yamazakura (mountain cherry), and botanzakura (botan cherry), color the spring scenery in the precincts. The temple is also famous for its dynamic view. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots in the Osaka area, including cherry blossoms to be enjoyed in the city and in parks. Japan Mint Bureau is a regular spot that is often voted No. 1 in the ranking of Osaka’s cherry blossom viewing spots. Although the grounds are not accessible during the day, they are open for a limited time only during the “Cherry Blossom Passage,” which is held when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. *In 2023, online pre-registration (first-come, first-served) was required, but no information is yet available for 2024. Cherry blossoms at Japan Mint are mainly late-blooming yaezakura, and many types of cherry trees can be enjoyed while walking along the 560-meter promenade. Each cherry tree is planted with a different variety of cherry blossom, so find the one you like best! This lush green park stretches around Osaka Castle and offers a spectacular view of cherry blossoms with the castle tower in the background. The Nishinomaru Garden, surrounded by important cultural properties, is famous for its approximately 300 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino. The castle tower and the pink-colored cherry blossoms are a spectacular view unique to Japan. ▼Check this article for recommended castle spots other than Osaka Castle! 5 castles in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. From World Heritage Sites to the Newest Castles, Places to Visit for Sightseeing The “Naniwa Tanken Cruise with Rakugo Storytellers,” which offers sightseeing in Osaka City with the entertaining guidance of Rakugo storytellers, will be operated as the “Cherry Blossom Special Cruise” for a limited time in spring. This is a very popular cruise every year, where you can enjoy the rows of cherry blossom trees that are slightly tinted with spring colors from the surface of the river. The cruise takes about 120 minutes and you can see the cherry blossoms along the Okawa River. Satsukiyama Ryokuchi, located in Ikeda, Osaka, is a popular spot where you can enjoy a free zoo, hiking, barbecues, and playground equipment all day long. On weekends during the holiday season, the park is crowded with families with children and hikers. From the entrance of the park to the Hinomaru Observatory at the top of the mountain, Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees are in full bloom everywhere. There are many places famous for cherry blossoms in the Hyogo area. Kobe, Takarazuka, Himeji, etc., offer a different atmosphere from Osaka and Kyoto. Shukugawa Park has a beautiful view of the cherry blossoms reflected in the river. It has been selected as one of the “100 Best Places for Cherry Blossoms” and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The path lined with cherry blossom trees on both banks is a perfect walking course. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms from the nearest station, Hankyu Shukugawa Station. At Hankyu Shukugawa Station, there’s a cute bench with a cherry blossom motif! Opened in 1951, Oji Zoo is one of the best leisure spots in Kobe where parents and children can enjoy a full day of close observation of animals. Oji Zoo is also a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms. There are about 480 cherry trees in the park alone, and nearly 800 cherry trees in the entire Oji Park. The collaboration of animals and cherry blossoms, including giraffes and elephants, is fascinating. Please enjoy the warm weather and be healed by the animals. Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park is a popular amusement park for parents and children, where you can enjoy the view of the blue sky and the sea. You can get there by taking the Sumaura ropeway and gondola. You can see the collaboration of cherry blossoms with Osaka Bay and Akashi Strait. It is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in Kobe. The number of cherry trees in bloom here and there in the park is one of the largest in Kobe. The “Hana no michi” that leads from Hankyu Takarazuka Station to Takarazuka Grand Theatre is filled with cherry blossoms in spring. The tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom looks like a flower path on a stage. It is also popular among Takarazuka Revue fans. Kokoen Garden is a popular tourist spot when visiting Himeji. This is a Japanese garden with World Heritage “Himeji Castle” in the background. The garden area is large along the southwestern part of Himeji Castle. The gardens are approximately ten thousand tsubos (about 3.5 hectares). Those who come to visit Himeji Castle must not miss out to come and visit this garden. This garden consists of 9 separate strolling-style gardens of different sizes and landscaping themes in the style of the Edo Period. Various types of gardens such as hills and ponds, tea ceremony gardens, bamboo groves, or flower gardens are designed to allow us to enjoy the beauty of the four seasons in Japan. You can only enjoy the cherry blossom-colored scenery of Japan during the short spring period. Please check it out as soon as possible and use it as a reference for your travel plans.
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Why is Miyama-cho, Kyoto recommended for overseas tourists?
Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a “country town” where one can encounter good old Japanese scenery. Although the town is located close to the city center of Kyoto, it still retains a peaceful rural landscape and traditional old houses with kayabuki roofs. Here is a different kind of sightseeing in Kyoto, where you can be healed by the rich natural scenery and get in touch with local people! -INDEX- ・Miyama-cho, Kyoto, a town where you can experience traditional country life ・English is OK! Kyoto Miyama-cho welcomes foreign visitors! ・Enjoy the beauty of the four seasons in Miyama-cho, Kyoto, with seasonal events ・Miyama-cho, Kyoto, is rich in activities that allow visitors to experience traditional culture! ・How can I get to Miyama-cho, Kyoto? Miyama-cho, Nantan City, is famous as a nostalgic spot where approximately 250 houses with kayabuki roofs, once Japanese farm dwellings, still exist. It is located about an hour and a half to two hours drive from downtown Kyoto. Because of its proximity to the Sea of Japan, the area is cooler than urban areas, with abundant rainfall throughout the year and snowfall of around 1 meter every winter. Kayabuki roofing is a traditional Japanese building technique in which layers of the kaya plant are built on top of each other. Today, kayabuki roofs can be found only in a limited number of areas in Japan. Miyama-cho is a very rare place in the Kansai region where kayabuki roofs still remain. Blessed with clear streams such as the Yura River (Miyama River) and the Sakuno River, and surrounded by mountains at an altitude of about 800 meters, the people of this town live in harmony with nature. Time passes at a leisurely pace, and there are no crowds as in urban areas. This is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the traditional Japanese country life. The locals are always warm and welcoming to visitors, and you will feel at home as if you have returned to your hometown! Miyama-cho is easily accessible from the city center, and one of the reasons for its popularity is that it can be visited on a day trip. At the Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park Visitor Center, which serves as a general sightseeing window, you can learn about the best spots recommended by the locals, recommended tours, and other useful information. English speaking staff is available, so please feel free to consult with them about anything. About 90% of the Miyama-cho is covered with forests, making it a town rich in nature. If you are planning to visit Miyama, enjoy the seasonal scenery and events that only the “countryside” can offer! Cherry blossom viewing is one of the most popular springtime traditions. Ono Dam Park, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, is home to more than 1,000 cherry trees of various kinds in full bloom. The “Ono Dam Cherry Blossom Festival,” featuring sales of local specialties and stage events, is also a popular event every year! In May and December, water spurts out from everywhere in Miyama Kayabuki no Sato, a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, creating a unique sight. In fact, this is a traditional disaster drill held in Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato to check the hose system. Since it is not usually seen in the village, the powerful spray of water is sure to draw cheers from the crowd. Summer is the time to enjoy rafting on the Miyama River that runs through the town. The thrill of going down the rapids in a rubber boat and the exhilaration of splashing water will surely bring you back to your childhood! The water is so clear that fish can be seen with the naked eye, so be sure to keep your eyes on the surface of the river when you pass through calm watersheds along the course. Around September, a whole field of soba blooms with pretty white flowers in “Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato”. There are several soba restaurants in the town, so it is recommended to try and compare the famous soba. Autumn is also the season for autumnal foliage! Around November, the mountains turn red, orange, and yellow, and the fantastic scenery is definitely worth photographing. In winter, Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato is illuminated with lanterns and LED lanterns when the village is covered with snow, warmly illuminating the entire area. The changing scenery as the seasons change is something that can only be seen in the countryside surrounded by nature. Experience a different way of appreciating the four seasons than in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Throughout the year, there are many outdoor experiences to enjoy nature and tours to learn about traditional Japanese culture. Here are some of the most popular activities. If you are planning to visit Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato, take an English-speaking guided tour led by a local staff member. In addition to viewing the kayabuki roofs from the outside, you can actually see the attics and hearths at the “Miyama Folklore Museum”, which is a 200-year-old house that has been used as is. Visitors can get an easy-to-understand explanation of geography and history from the residents’ perspective, making them feel even closer to the lives of the local people. If you are interested in learning more about traditional Japanese architectural techniques and rural culture, this is a must-see! At the Miyama Nature & Culture Village Kajikaso, a popular plan is to experience the traditional Japanese culture of rice cake pounding. The glutinous rice (stickier than white rice) is placed in a container called a mortar and pounded into a paste with a large hammer-like instrument called a pestle. The rice cake is then rolled by hand and dipped in soybean flour. The freshly pounded rice cake is a delicacy! The Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato offers a winter-only “medicinal herb tea making experience” in which visitors can make their own herbal tea from a blend of six kinds of wild herbs, which have long been enjoyed as a healthy drink in this region. After making your own original medicinal herb tea by mixing your favorite wild herbs from the prepared herbs in any quantity you like, you can taste it with famous sweets on the spot. You can take the rest home as a memento of your trip. For those who want to experience country life in earnest, we recommend the “Half-day Home Visit Experience”. You can spend a heartwarming time with local people at their homes, cooking home-cooked meals together and having meals around a hearth… and experience the actual lifestyle. With few traffic lights and few ups and downs, Miyama Town is ideal for cycling. There are two bicycle rental stores in the town. If you want to use Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato as a base for sightseeing, you can rent bicycles at “Dokonato Cycle” located about 10 minutes by bicycle from the village. For those who want to enjoy long hours of cycling while visiting multiple sightseeing spots, there is “Rent-a-cycle E-bike”. Those who want to tour the town at their leisure should definitely take advantage of this service. There are also various other seasonal experiences and limited tours, so please check the Kyoto Tamba Plateau National Park Visitor Center or the Miyama-cho Tourist Information website. (1) By direct bus from JR Kyoto Station (about 140 minutes) From JR Kyoto Station, take the Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus “Kyoto Miyama Line” and get off at the “Kayabuki-no-Sato” stop. (2) By direct bus from JR Sonobe Station (about 60 minutes) From JR Sonobe Station, take the Sonobe-Miyama Shuttle Bus on the Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus and get off at the “Kayabuki-no-Sato” stop. *Both (1) and (2) will be in operation for 8 days only, from January 27 (Sat.) to February 3 (Sat.), 2024. For timetables and other details, please visit the official page. *Other direct buses operate for limited periods depending on the season. Please check the official page for details. *The “Kosoku Nagaokakyo” stop is directly connected to the Hankyu “Nishiyama-tennozan” station, so it is also possible to board the bus from this station. (3) By train and bus from JR Kyoto Station (about 120 minutes) From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR San-in Line (bound for Fukuchiyama), change at JR Hiyoshi Station to the Nantan City Bus (Miyama Sonobe Line) and get off at the “Kita (Kayabuki-no-Sato)” stop. *The “Miyama-Keihoku Bus Tabi Ticket,” which allows unlimited rides for two days on Nantan City buses and buses of two other companies, is also recommended. For details, please check the official page. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Miyama-cho offers a relaxing countryside living experience. People still live there and there are many private properties in the area. Please be sure to behave properly so as not to disturb the locals or destroy the local lifestyle and nature, and create enjoyable memories. ▼Click here to book activities▼ Miyama-cho Tourist Information Website
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February and March trip is plum blossom viewing! Best spots in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe
Plum blossoms bloom in February and March, when the weather remains cold, to herald the arrival of spring. The dainty appearance of ume flowers blooming while enduring the cold has captured the sensibility of the Japanese people since ancient times. Plum blossoms have the following characteristics. ・The flower has been popular in Japan since ancient times. ・They are pretty and resemble cherry blossoms in shape. ・The blooming period is longer than that of cherry blossoms. ・They come in many varieties, with a wide variety of shapes and colors. ・Plum garden is filled with the sweet and sour smell of plum blossoms. When sightseeing in the Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe areas during the cold season, it is hard to decide where to go. Why not visit some of the famous plum blossom viewing spots? -INDEX- 【OSAKA】 ・Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove , The castle tower and plum blossoms ・Osaka Temmangu Shrine, God of Learning and Entertainment ・Expo Park, famous for the Tower of the Sun 【KYOTO】 ・Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, God of Learning ・Umenomiya-taisha Shrine, the oldest plum blossom viewing spot in Kyoto ・Jonan-gu Shrine, weeping plum trees in full bloom 【KOBE】 ・Kitano Tenma Shrine, a shrine in the sky ・Okamoto Plum Blossom Park, overlooking the city of Kobe ・Kobe Suma Rikyu Park, many varieties of plum trees Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove is one of the most famous plum blossom viewing spots in Kansai. About 1,270 plum trees are planted in an area of about 1.7 hectares on the east side of the inner moat of Osaka Castle. Please take your time to enjoy the castle, the plum blossoms, and the scenic beauty. Osaka Temmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, and is popularly known as “Tenjin-san of Temma”. When the plum blossoms are at their best, the Plum Blossom Festival is held. Around the Hoshiai Pond on the north side of the temple grounds, there are about 100 white and red plum trees, which are very vivid. There are two plum gardens in the vast expanse of Expo Park. There are about 600 plum trees of 120 varieties in the Natural and Cultural Garden and about 80 plum trees of 40 varieties in the Japanese Garden. Enjoy the fragrance that spreads all over the area as you gaze at the Tower of the Sun floating in a sea of plum blossoms. All year round, students come to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, known as the god of learning, to pray for the success of their exams. When the plum blossoms are in full bloom, the plum garden associated with Michizane Sugawara is open. You can walk around among the plum trees and enjoy the fragrance of the plum blossoms. The symbol of Umenomiya-taisha Shrine, 450 ume trees of about 35 varieties are planted throughout the shrine grounds. It is recommended to visit the shrine when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the late blooming plum trees are in full bloom. Umenomiya-taisha Shrine is also famous for the cats that live in its precincts. This shrine is a must-see for cat lovers. During the plum blossom season, Jonan-gu Shrine is visited by many tourists because of the beautiful contrast between the plum trees that cover the overhead and the red camellia flowers that fall in dots. Founded in the south of Kyoto at the time of the Heian-kyo Capital transfer, it is worshiped as a major shrine that removes worries about moving, construction, and house construction. Kitano Tenma Shrine is located up the hill from the beautiful Kitano Ijinkan Street lined with foreign residences. The plum blossom garden on the hill behind the shrine is known as one of the best plum blossom spots in Kobe, and is decorated with many plum blossoms, especially white plum blossoms. From the observatory in the plum grove, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kobe and the Port of Kobe. *100 yen entrance fee required. There are about 130 plum trees of 21 species planted on a hill in Okamoto, with a great view. You can enjoy the plum blossoms while overlooking the city. This plum grove park is famous for its beautiful plum blossoms, so much so that it was once called “Okamoto for plum blossoms and Yoshino for cherry blossoms”. From the early-blooming varieties of Yaekankou and Gyokubotan to the late-blooming varieties of Bungo, 160 plum trees of about 25 varieties bloom one after another in a relay-like pattern for about a month. At the same time, daffodils and rape blossoms blooming at our feet add color to the scene.
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