6 Must-Try Breads in Japan & Kansai

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, and traditional sweets often steal the spotlight. However, Japan is also home to a distinctive and highly evolved bread culture, offering flavors and ideas you won’t find anywhere else. In this article, we introduce three breads said to have originated in Japan, along with three regional bread specialties from the Kansai area that are easy to find at supermarkets and train stations. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual traveler, this guide will make choosing bread in Japan even more fun and rewarding.   -INDEX- 1. A Brief History of Bread in Japan 2. Three Must-Try Breads When Visiting Japan 1) Melon Pan 2) Curry Pan 3) Yakisoba Pan 3. Kansai Local Breads You Can Buy at Supermarkets & Stations 1) Shizuya (Kyoto): Karne 2) Bakery Kotobuki (Himeji): Kotobuki Grape Bread 3) Tsuruyapan (Shiga): Salad Pan Bread is said to have been introduced to Japan from Portugal in the 16th century during the Sengoku period. It did not become commonly eaten until the Meiji era, after which uniquely Japanese breads such as sweet red bean bun and cream pan began to emerge one after another and gradually took root in Japanese food culture. In Japan, bread has traditionally been enjoyed not as a staple food but as a snack or light meal, and this has helped foster the wide variety of creative and distinctive breads found today. Here are three iconic Japanese breads loved by generations, each with its own unique charm.   Melon pan is a sweet bread made by baking a layer of crisp cookie dough over soft bread dough. Its signature appeal lies in the contrast between the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior. Despite the name, it doesn’t taste like melon—the bread was named for its melon-like appearance.   Recommended spot: World’s Second Best Freshly Baked Melon Pan Ice Cream – Amerikamura in Shinsaibashi, Osaka This popular shop serves warm, freshly baked melon pan sandwiched with cold ice cream. The hot-and-cold combination creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s truly addictive—and well worth the wait in line. Curry pan is a uniquely Japanese savory bread: curry wrapped in dough, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. Crispy on the outside and rich and creamy inside, it perfectly blends two beloved foods—bread and curry—into one satisfying bite.   Recommended spot: Sunny Side Bakery (Osaka & Hyogo areas) One of their signature items, the “Melty Homemade Beef Curry Pan,” is packed with chunky beef and flavorful curry roux. The Sunny Side Osaka Naniwa no Niwa branch, which opened in March 2025 inside Naniwa Palace Ruins Park, is especially convenient for travelers. Enjoy your curry pan on the open terrace or grassy lawn for an even better experience. Yakisoba pan features stir-fried noodles stuffed generously into a soft, elongated bread roll. Loved by both kids and adults, this carb-on-carb combination may sound unusual—but it works surprisingly well. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s so popular.   Recommended spot: Tansei (Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture) A bakery reborn from the famed Osaka-Umeda shop ROUTE271, Tansei is known for its thoughtful ingredient pairings and meticulous preparation. Their legendary Thai-style yakisoba pan, once a best-seller at ROUTE271, still appears occasionally—so keep an eye out if you’re lucky enough to visit on the right day! In Japan, you’ll find regional “local breads” (gotōchi pan) sold at neighborhood supermarkets and station kiosks, each reflecting local tastes and food culture. Why not make it part of your journey and enjoy these easy-to-find Kansai soul foods while you travel? At the popular Kyoto bakery Shizuya, the signature item “Karune” can sell thousands of pieces a day. This simple sandwich features a round French roll filled with butter, boneless ham, and crisp sliced onions. Its simplicity highlights the quality of the ingredients, resulting in a nostalgic yet addictive flavor.   Shizuya shops can be found at major Kyoto locations such as JR Kyoto Station, Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, and Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line. At Bakery Kotobuki in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, this raisin bread—packed generously with raisins throughout the loaf—has been loved by locals for generations. It features a nostalgic flavor, gentle sweetness, and a satisfyingly hearty texture.   While the main shop is a bit out of the way, you can conveniently purchase it at the 7-Eleven in front of the Shinkansen ticket gates at Himeji Station. Salad Bread (Sarada Pan) is a famous local specialty made and sold by Tsuruyapan in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture—and it often pops up in the media. This soft, slender bread is filled with a surprising ingredient: shredded pickled daikon (takuan) mixed with mayonnaise! It may sound unexpected, but the sweetness of the bread and the salty crunch of the pickles are perfectly balanced, creating an addictive flavor. It’s a true Shiga soul food.   If you’d like to sample a wide variety of recommended breads and uniquely Japanese creations all at once, head to Hanshin Umeda Main Store in Osaka’s Umeda area. On the first floor, you’ll often find rotating bread pop-up events featuring popular bakeries from Kansai and across Japan—perfect for bread lovers on the go.   ▼Check this article▼ Hanshin Umeda Main Store: A Foodie Paradise with Tax-Free Shopping and Exclusive Finds   How did you like our selection? Beyond the breads introduced here, Japan is full of unique and delicious breads that have evolved in their own distinctive ways. Be sure to look for your own favorite as you travel around the country!  

Enjoy Ume blossoms bloom in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe

The plum blossom is called “ume” and is one of Japan’s representative flowers. 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. Enjoy the seasonal plum blossoms at places that embody the essence of Japan, such as shrines, temples, and castles.   -INDEX- 【OSAKA】 ・Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove , The castle tower and plum blossoms ・Osaka Temmangu Shrine, God of Learning and Entertainment ・Expo ’70 Commemorative 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.   ▼For those who want to learn more about the castle▼ 5 castles in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. From World Heritage Sites to the Newest Castles, Places to Visit for Sightseeing 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 ’70 Commemorative 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.   ▼For more information about Expo ’70 Commemorative Park▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! 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 plum garden opens to the public depending on the blooming status, but it is typically in early February. 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.   ▼Here’s a recommended itinerary for visiting Arashiyama along with Matsuo Taisha Shrine▼ Kyoto Arashiyama Sightseeing Half-day Model Course! Capture the bamboo forest, temples, nature, and major spots 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. 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.   ▼For detailed information on Suma▼ Kobe・Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park｜Retro Rides, Stunning Seto Inland Sea Views, and Spectacular Cherry Blossoms

8 Must-Eat Sweets and Cafe in Arashiyama, Kyoto

Kyoto Arashiyama is a popular tourist spot that you must visit when you come to Kyoto. You can walk around many temples, shrines, and Buddhist temples, as well as natural spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove paths. If you plan to spend a day sightseeing in Arashiyama, you should not miss the delicious sweets. Here are our picks for the BEST 8 Arashiyama sweets.   -INDEX- １．HATOYA RYOYOUSHA  ２．Arashiyama Kotoimo honpo ３．Bread, Espresso & ４．MALEBRANCHE ５．MAMEMONO & TAIYAKI ６．KUMONOCHA CAFE ARASHIYAMA SHOP ７．kyocafe chacha Arashiyama ８．Arashiyama Cannele This Japanese tea stand mainly offers teas and matcha from Kyoto Prefecture. The owner is so particular about tea that he visits tea growers every year to harvest tea. The store has only a counter, and one of the store’s attractions is that matcha is prepared and served right in front of customers. Matcha latte, matcha ice cream, matcha pudding, and other popular menu items are available for matcha fans not to be missed. This Japanese sweets shop is located at the entrance to the bamboo grove path. In Arashiyama, it is popular to eat a little bit of various sweets. Particularly popular at the store is the “Aburi Mitarashi” (roasted mochi dumpling). These dumplings are larger in size and have a chunky, stretchy texture compared to typical Mitarashi dumplings. It is irresistible to eat them intertwined with the mitarashi bean paste that is poured generously into the container.   Seasonal menus are also available, with gourmet sweet potato dishes recommended during the sweet potato season. These gourmet items include fried sweet potatoes with sweet honey, thin, crispy, and savory sweet potato chips, and other delicacies that allow you to taste the true flavor of sweet potatoes. The “Bread, Espresso & Fukuda Art Museum” is located within the museum. The café was created to provide the most beautiful view of the Wataratsuki Bridge, the symbol of Arashiyama. The museum café is open only to visitors of the Fukuda Art Museum, so you can spend a relaxing time without getting caught up in the crowds. After enjoying the art, enjoy a luxurious tea time while admiring the beautiful Arashiyama scenery. We also recommend “Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden,” located a 3-minute walk from Fukuda Art Museum. Here you can enjoy sweets, light meals, and aromatic coffee in a renovated old private house. The popular fruit sandwiches feature milky cream and seasonally changing fruit. Enjoy seasonal ingredients such as strawberries in spring and two kinds of melons in summer. Kyoto’s famous confectionery store “MALEBRANCHE” brings you western-style confections that resonate with the senses, utilizing Kyoto’s seasonal aesthetic sensibilities. If you visit the store, be sure to try the “Chachabo” matcha ice cream eclair, a takeout sweet available only at the Arashiyama store. The rich matcha soft serve, made with plenty of Uji matcha green tea, goes well with the savory cookie eclair.   For souvenirs, we recommend “Cha no Ka,” a confection using rich matcha green tea that is representative of MALEBRANCHE and can only be purchased in Kyoto. This confectionary consists of a melt-in-your-mouth dark tea langue de chat sandwiched between white chocolate with a rich milkiness. The packaging, exclusive to the Arashiyama store, is very cute. Mamemono & Taiyaki is located on the first floor of the Arashiyama Shoryuen complex across from Randen Arashiyama Station. Shoryuen is a complex where Kyoto’s representative long-established stores are gathered together to offer gourmet lunches, cafes, and traditional craft stores.   They insist on using local ingredients: red bean paste made from azuki beans, soy milk squeezed from soybeans, and coffee beans, all of which are purchased from a long-established shop in Kyoto. There are three types of taiyaki: tsubu-an, custard, and an-butter. We recommend the an-butter, which has a shelf life of only one minute before the butter melts. Enjoy the salty-sweet flavor of the butter in the sweet red bean paste. This is the Arashiyama store of the popular Kyoto brand “Kumono-cha”. The interior of the store was thoughtfully designed to match Arashiyama, using bamboo native to Kyoto, with “green” as the theme color, white for clouds, and black for Arashiyama. In particular, the second floor uses bamboo to recreate the “Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Road”. Recommended sweets are the Kumono Set. The Kumono Set includes Kumono Mousse and Kumono Matcha Latte. The matcha latte is made from carefully selected Uji matcha and has a luxurious taste of mildly bitter matcha and rich special milk. The fluffy and cute cloud-shaped latte artwork (HOT only) is Insta-worthy. This is a “Kyo Waffle” store that not only looks cute, but is of course particular about the taste and volume when eaten, and each waffle is handmade one by one. We are particular about every single piece of tableware and interior design so that you can enjoy not only eating the sweets but also spending time there.   The chocolate-dipped waffles are also available for takeout, so it is wonderful to take out and take pictures with the Arashiyama scenery. A new canelé and tea specialty shop opened in November 2024 inside 98PARK, a park just a short walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station.   Their canelés are baked to perfection—crispy and slightly caramelized on the outside, yet soft and moist inside. The tea selection features flavored teas from CHA YUAN, a renowned tea house based in Lyon, France.   From the shop, it’s only about a 7-minute walk to Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama’s most famous landmarks. On a sunny day, grab a freshly baked canelé and enjoy it on a bench near the bridge for a relaxing treat! There are various kinds of stores from take-out sweets to cafes. Enjoying delicious sweets along with sightseeing spots will surely make your sightseeing in Arashiyama even more enjoyable. It is also fun to take pictures of the cute looking sweets and the scenery of Arashiyama. We hope you will visit the stores we have introduced.   We also have a video showing the stores we introduced! Please take a look!

How to Get to Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A Complete Access Guide & Essential Tips for Travelers

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sightseeing spots. Famous for its wooden main hall, the temple offers breathtaking views that change beautifully with each season, captivating travelers from around the world. However, Kyoto’s transportation system may be confusing for first-time visitors, especially the city buses. To help travellers understand the best route, this guide explains the best ways to reach Kiyomizu-dera from Osaka and shares useful tips and local rules to make your journey stress-free and enjoyable.   -INDEX- 1. Where Is Kiyomizu-dera Temple Located? 2. How to Get to Kiyomizu-dera from Osaka Umeda & Namba (1) Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and get off at Umeda Station (M16) (2) Transfer from Umeda Station (M16) to the Hankyu Kyoto Line (3) Travel from Osaka-umeda Station to Karasuma Station (4) Take a Kyoto City Bus from Shijo-Karasuma Station to Kiyomizu-dera 3. How to Ride the Kyoto City Bus 4. Getting to Kiyomizu-dera by Taxi from Karasuma Station 5. One-Day Itinerary: Exploring Kiyomizu-dera and the Surrounding Area Kiyomizu-dera is located east of Kyoto City. The nearest train station is Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Line, but it takes about 25 minutes by walk from the station—and the route includes steep uphill roads. For this reason, most visitors choose to use city buses or taxis instead of walking. There are several ways to reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple from Osaka Umeda or Namba, but the most recommended route is to take the Hankyu Kyoto Line and get off at Karasuma Station, then transfer to a city bus.   Why Karasuma Station instead of the more famous Kyoto-kawaramachi Station? The key reason is avoiding crowded buses. Kyoto-kawaramachi is the terminal station of the Hankyu Kyoto Line, and buses departing from this area are often already extremely crowded, making it difficult to board. By getting on the bus one stop earlier at Shijo-Karasuma Bus Stop, you can avoid peak congestion, face shorter waiting lines, and enjoy a much smoother journey to Kiyomizu-dera. This guide explains in detail how to travel from Namba and Shinsaibashi, two of Osaka’s most popular downtown areas, to Umeda Station.   For getting around Osaka, Osaka Metro (subway) is the most convenient option. When traveling from Namba or Shinsaibashi to Umeda, take the Midosuji Line, the city’s main subway line. The Midosuji Line is easy to identify by its red line color on station maps. Ride the train directly to Umeda Station (M16)—no transfers required. After arriving at Umeda Station (Osaka Metro), go up the stairs or escalator to the ticket gate level and head for the North Gate. After exiting the North Gate, turn right. Follow the signs through the underground passage and walk straight toward the Hankyu Railway ticket gates. After walking about 50 meters, you will see a large staircase and an escalator on the left. Go up. You will then come to another staircase/escalator—go up again. Straight ahead, you will see the Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, 2nd Floor Central Ticket Gate. Once you pass through the ticket gates, head to Platforms 1–3, where the Hankyu Kyoto Line departs, and board a train bound for Kyoto-kawaramachi. The Limited Express is recommended—it’s the fastest option and does not require any additional fee. If you have an IC card or credit card, simply tap it at the ticket gate to enter and ride. The reserved-seat service on Hankyu Kyoto Line “PRiVACE” lets you enjoy a more comfortable journey. By paying an additional 500 yen on top of the regular fare, you are guaranteed a seat and can travel in a relaxed, spacious environment.   ▼For more information▼ A Guide to Hankyu Railway’s Reserved Seat Service “PRiVACE”| Make Your Journey Comfortable between Osaka and Kyoto!     On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, the sightseeing limited express “Kyo-Train Garaku” runs with a beautifully designed Japanese-modern interior. Best of all, you can ride it with just the regular fare, making it a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy a special Kyoto-style experience on the way.   ▼For more information▼ Kyo-Train Garaku | Feel Kyoto, From the Moment You Step On Board – Specially Designed Train   After getting off at Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, exit through the West Gate and walk straight through the underground passage toward Exit 24. Follow the signs and turn right, then go up to street level at Exit 24. Once outside, walk about 20 meters to the right and you will see the Kyoto City Bus “Shijo-Karasuma” bus stop (Platform F). From Platform F, take Bus No. 207 bound for Gion / Kiyomizu-dera. Get off at the 7th stop, “Gojo-zaka”, then walk about 10 minutes to reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple. ・Time required: Approx. 15–20 minutes (may vary depending on traffic) ・Frequency: About 6–8 buses per hour (daytime) ・Fare: 230 yen for adults (flat fare) Kyoto City buses are easy to use once you know the basic rules. Follow these steps for a smooth ride: ① Board from the rear door Enter the bus through the back door. This is the standard boarding method in Kyoto.   ② Pay your fare when getting off (pay-on-exit system) Fares are paid when you leave the bus, not when you board. ■Paying with cash Put the exact fare into the fare box when getting off. The machine can give change for coins and ¥1,000 bills, so no need to prepare exact change. *¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 bills are not accepted, so please exchange them before boarding.   ■Paying with an IC card (ICOCA, Suica, etc.) Touch your IC card to the card reader when getting off. IC cards cannot be recharged on the bus, so make sure you have enough balance. If your balance is insufficient, you will need to pay the difference in cash. It’s best to recharge your card in advance at a station or convenience store.   ③ Exit from the front door   [Important Note About Luggage] Bringing large suitcases onto Kyoto city buses can cause congestion and may inconvenience other passengers. In busy areas, it can also be unsafe. For a more comfortable trip, consider using coin lockers at train stations or sending luggage to your hotel via a luggage delivery service. Traveling hands-free will make sightseeing in Kyoto much more enjoyable, especially in popular areas like Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.   ▶[Kyoto-kawaramachi & Karasuma] Convenient Baggage Delivery & Storage at the Hankyu Kyoto Tourist Information Center! If the buses are too crowded or you want to save time, taking a taxi is a convenient option. You can catch one at the Shijo Karasuma Taxi Stand, located just a short walk from Shijo Karasuma Station. ・Travel time: Approx. 10–15 minutes ・Fare: Around ¥1,300–¥1,800   Please note that traffic congestion is common in Kyoto, so it’s best to allow some extra time in your schedule. Also, taxis are usually not allowed to stop directly in front of Kiyomizu-dera; you may be dropped off near access points such as Gojo-zaka, from where you’ll walk to the temple entrance. A typical visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple takes about 1 hour if you plan to focus only on sightseeing and prayer. If you’d like to explore the surrounding areas such as Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, famous for souvenir shopping and street food, allow 2 to 3 hours in total. During peak seasons, especially cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage season, the temple can become extremely crowded, and you may need to wait up to an hour just to enter the grounds.   Good news for early risers: Kiyomizu-dera opens from 6:00 a.m. Visiting early in the morning means fewer crowds, crisp and refreshing air, and excellent conditions for photography—perfect for travelers who want a more peaceful experience.   For more detailed highlights and local food recommendations around Kiyomizu-dera, be sure to check out the related articles below!   ▼Check these articles▼ Must-visit! 12 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto [2025] 7 Best Breakfasts in Kyoto | Near JR Kyoto Station and Popular Tourist Attractions

Let’s go to shrines and temples in Kansai for New Year’s “Hatsumode”!

“Hatsumode” refers to the first shrine or temple visit of the year, the purpose is to present thanks for the last year and pray for good fortune for the year ahead. Each shrine or temple offers its own blessings. This article introduces popular New Year’s shrine visit spots in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara, categorized by their blessings. It also includes information about convenient train tickets for your visit. Come and experience this unique Japanese tradition!   -INDEX- Hankyu Hanshin New Year Ticket 【OSAKA/Luck at winning】Katsuo-ji temple 【KYOTO/Eradication of diseases 】Yasaka Shrine 【KYOTO/Marriage】Shimogamo Shrine 【KYOTO/God of Beauty】Kawai shrine 【KOBE/Good match】Ikuta Shrine 【Nishinomiya/Prosperity in business】Nishinomiya Shrine 【Nishinomiya/Warding off evil】Mondo Yakujin Toukouji 【Takarazuka/Prayer for a safe birth】Nakayamadera Temple 【NARA/Be cured of a disease】Yakushiji Temple “Hankyu Hanshin New Year Ticket” offers unlimited one-day rides, which is perfect for your New Year’s shrine visits. This is a special New Year’s Ticket offering unlimited rides for one day on all lines of Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, and Kobe Kosoku Railway (includes a commemorative gift voucher).   Usage Conditions: ・Only 1,200 yen for unlimited one-day travel on all Hankyu and Hanshin lines! ・Receive a commemorative gift at participating shrines and temples by exchanging your digital voucher. ・valid Jan 1–11 Please see this page (Slutto QRtto FAQs) for how to use it.   Sales Period: December 20, 2025（Sat.）~ January 11, 2026（Sun.）   Valid Period: January 1, 2026 (Thursday, holiday) ~ January 11, 2026（Sun.）   Price: [Basic version] 1,200 yen (adults only) [Nose edition] 1,600 yen (adults only)   Sales Locations: You can purchase it on the Surutto QRtto web page. Daruma is popular as a good luck charm because it gets up after falling. Famous as a temple of luck, Katsuoji Temple has Daruma statues placed all over the temple grounds. Use the Daruma fortune to tell your fortune in various areas such as entrance exams, love, and sports. The shrine has been in existence since before 794, and is known as “Gion-san”. The headquarters of Yasaka Shrine and other shrines dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto throughout Japan. In addition to the main shrine, which is designated as a national treasure, there are many other deities enshrined within the precincts, including the Pestilence Shrine, which is dedicated to dispelling plague and evil. Shimogamo Shrine is known as a power spot for love knot. Here, you can draw a kimono-shaped fortune, called “Enmimusubi-mikuji. You will receive instructions on how to fall in love based on a waka poem from the Tale of Genji. The “Himemamori,” with its gorgeous chirimen fabric, is also gorgeous. If you want to be beautiful, go to Kawai Shrine! This is a small shrine inside Shimogamo Shrine, where the god who protects women is enshrined. Kawai Shrine offers a special ema (votive picture tablet) to pray for beauty. Use the cosmetics you normally use to apply beautiful makeup to your ema and make a wish. You will definitely become more beautiful, not only on the outside but also on the inside. Ikuta Shrine is located in the middle of the city of Kobe. The red and divine main shrine is fantastic, and the solemn atmosphere will cleanse your body and soul. Behind the main shrine is the Ikuta Forest, where you can do “water divination for marriage”. Also, the ema (votive tablet) at Ikuta Shrine is in the shape of a very cute heart. Say a prayer for a good match! Nishinomiya Shrine is the headquarters of all the Ebisu Shrines in Japan, which worship the god of good fortune, Ebisu-sama, and is known locally as “Ebessan of Nishinomiya. It is famous as the god of prosperity in business. The “Tai-mikuji”, which is given only during the New Year period, is very popular. In a long life, there are milestones at key points, and breaks due to various physical and social changes. In order to prepare for this milestone, the old people came up with the tradition of “bad luck years”. Yakujin Myoo is said to ward off all kinds of evil. Mondo Yakujin Tokoji Temple is one of the three Yakujin Myoo in Japan. Let’s pray for good luck to ward off bad luck so that we can have a peaceful new year. Nakayamadera Temple, the first Kannon sacred site in Japan, was founded by Prince Shotoku. Many pregnant women from all over Japan visit this temple, which is known as the “Temple of Safe Childbirth”. Nakayama Temple has an escalator so that pregnant women do not have to climb up the stone steps. This is a kind gesture that only a temple dedicated to praying for safe childbirth can make. Don’t miss the five-story pagoda, which was rebuilt in 2017 for the first time in about 400 years. The deep blue color is very impressive. Yakushiji Temple, a World Heritage Site, was built in 680 by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the healing of his empress’ illness. The main deity of the temple, Yakushiji Nyorai, is the Buddha of medicine. He removes people’s illnesses and misfortunes and gives them health and happiness. It is said to have the blessing of removing not only physical illnesses but also people’s grumbling hearts. Let’s visit a temple in ancient Nara and get power from it. I hope that the new year will be a good one for you.

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