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Seven famous places for wisteria flowers in Kansai. Spots with purple spring flowers.
Spring in Japan is the season of flowers! Many people may think of cherry blossoms when they think of spring flowers in Japan, but wisteria flowers is a spring flower that is familiar to Japanese people and has even been written about in waka poems. The best time to see isteria flowers is after the cherry blossoms have fallen. Even after the cherry blossoms are over, there are still some Japanese landscapes that we would like visitors to see! *Admission and worship fees are required to view some spots. For details, please check the official website of each spot. -INDEX- [Osaka, Fukushima-ku] Shimofukushima Park, etc. [Osaka, Higashisumiyoshi] Nagai botanical garden [Tamba-shi, Hyogo] Byakugou-ji Temple [Takarazuka-shi, Hyogo] Nakayamadera Temple [Kyoto,Uji] Byodoin Temple [Kyoto, Fushimi] Jounangu [Nara] Kasuga Taisha Shrine Wisteria flowers can be seen even in urban centers. The Fukushima-ku and Noda area, near the Umeda area of Osaka, has been known as a famous place for Fuji trees for about 600 years. This is also where the standard Japanese name for the wisteria flowers(Fuji) is “nodafuji”. Noda’s wisteria flowers were almost completely wiped out in an air raid during World War II, but have now been restored thanks to the efforts of local residents. The flowers bloom every year at 29 locations in the ward, including parks and public facilities. In particular, Shimofukushima Park has the largest number of wisteria trellises in the ward and is worth seeing. The plaza in front of Hanshin Noda Station is also picturesque, with its fantastic contrast between the purple hues of the wisteria flowers and the urban landscape. Usual viewing time: mid-April The collaboration of blue and light purple flowers at “Nagai Botanical Garden” looks great in photographs. Nemophila, a popular spring flower in Japan in recent years, blooms all over the Life Garden, which covers an area of about 2,000 square meters. Next to it, in mid-April, nodafuji (wisteria flower) blooms with light purple flowers, making this a spot where visitors can see all the popular flowers at once. The Nagai Botanical Garden is only one subway train ride away from Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba. It is easily accessible from the center of the city, and visitors can encounter a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers throughout the year. The permanent nighttime outdoor museum “Team Lab Botanical Garden Osaka” is also popular! ▼For more information, click here.▼ Highlights and things to do at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Usual viewing time: mid-April (Nemophila: mid-April to early May) There is no one who is not moved by the sight of the wisteria at Byakugou-ji Temple! It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Osaka Station to Byakugou-ji Temple by train and cab, but the scenery is so spectacular that it will leave you speechless. The previous chief priest planted this variety of wisteria flowers about 30 years ago, and the flower clusters are over 1 meter long. The volume of the wisteria trellises is overwhelming, as they are set up in an L-shape over a vast area of 120 meters. The wisteria flowers pour down from overhead like a shower. At night, the area is illuminated. The illuminated wisteria flowers is like an aurora borealis trailing in the sky. Usual viewing time: early to mid May Nakayama-dera Temple is famous for its fertility and safe delivery. It is located in Takarazuka, where hot springs spring water gushes out. There is an 80-meter-long wisteria trellis in “Hoshi no Hiroba” in the precincts of the temple, and from mid to late April, the wisteria flowers are in full bloom. Purple wisteria are most commonly seen in Japan, but Nakayama-dera Temple is characterized by its white wisteria. If you visit on a sunny day, they look like clouds floating in a blue sky! The sweet fragrance of the wisteria flowers also wafts through the air. Usual viewing time: mid to late April Byodoin Phoenix Hall, built in 1053, is a famous landmark depicted on the 10-yen coin, and is a must-see spot if you are visiting Kyoto as a tourist. Byodoin Garden, with its seasonal flowers, together with the Phoenix Hall built on the middle of the pond and the view of the mountains on the other side of the pond, is an image of the Paradise that people envisioned when the temple was built. In spring, the pond is filled with blooming wisteria flowers, which harmonize beautifully with the gorgeous Phoenix Hall. This is truly a paradise-like setting with an elegant Japanese flavor that should not be missed. Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Jonangu is a place where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers. There are five gardens within the precincts of the temple, and every year the hues of wisteria flowers in the “Muromachi no Niwa” garden, a garden with a circular garden with a pond. In spring, there is much to see, as not only the wisteria flowers but also the Yamabuki and azalea trees on the grounds bloom around the same time. In addition, there is a “wisteria miko kagura” performance (free admission) in which a shrine maiden holding a wisteria branch in her hand and crowned with a cluster of wisteria flowers performs a kagura dance, and if you receive a “wisteria flower charm,” the shrine maiden will purify you with a kagura bell (1,000 yen per charm). This is a spot where visitors can not only admire the flowers, but also enjoy the “experience. Usual viewing time: Late April Wisteria Miko Kagura: twice a day at 10:00 and 15:00 on May 1-6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2024 Kasuga-taisha Shrine is one of Nara’s major tourist attractions with its beautiful shrine pavilions painted in bright vermilion, and is designated as a World Heritage Site. The wisteria flowers is an important flower for Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and is even used in the shrine’s crest. The wisteria flowers grow wild throughout the shrine grounds, and the “Wisteria of Sunazuri” at the Main Sanctuary is known as a famous tree. In addition, about 300 varieties of flowers and plants related to Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, Manyoshu, are planted in the Manyoshu Botanical Garden, where about 200 wisteria flowers of 20 varieties are grown, allowing visitors to learn about the differences in shape, size, and color of the flowers depending on the variety. Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Since ancient times, Japanese people have been sensitive to the changing of the seasons. Don’t you think that the graceful and dignified impression of the wisteria flowers is linked to the Japanese image of harmony? Please visit a spot where you can see the Japanese-style scenery of the wisteria flowers.
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The 8 best winter illuminations in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara!
Are you wondering where to go sightseeing in Kansai in winter? In Japan, major illumination events will be held in various locations. Starting with Umeda, Osaka, the center of Kansai, historic buildings and symbols in Kyoto and Nara will be decorated with gorgeous colors for a limited period of time. This year, Kobe’s traditional festival, which is filled with the prayers and hopes of the citizens of Kobe, will also make a comeback. Please be sure to include it in your travel plans. ※All photos are for illustrative purposes only. <Osaka>Festival of the lights in OSAKA 2023 <Osaka・Umeda>UMEDA SKYBUILDING Christmas 2023 <Osaka>OSAKA CASTLE ILLUMINAGE <Osaka・Umeda>GRAND FRONT OSAKA「GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2023~Joyful Winter~」 <Osaka・Umeda>Also recommended! Umeda’s Winter Event “UMEDA MEETS HEART 2023” <Hyogo>Kobe Luminarie <Kyoto>NAKED YORU MO-DE 2023 Heian Jingu Shrine <Nara>Tenpei Water Symphony 「Midosuji Ilumination2023」~2023/12/31 「OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2023」2023/12/14~2023/12/25 「Illuminaight Bampaku」~2023/12/30(Friday, Saturday and Sunday only),2023/12/28 “Festival of the lights in OSAKA 2023” is a major winter event that takes place in various locations throughout Osaka Prefecture! “Midosuji Ilumination2023” will illuminate Midosuji, the symbolic street connecting Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba, for a total length of 4 kilometers. At the Umeda Suction Tower, the starting point of Midosuji, Japan’s first landmark laser will pierce the sky! “OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2023”, the Osaka City Central Public Hall, an important cultural asset located in Nakanoshima, will be decorated with projection mapping using overwhelming visual beauty, sound effects, and the latest technology. The symbolic Tower of the Sun at the “Illuminaight Bampaku” in Expo’70 Commemorative Park will be decorated with luster and color. Venues: Midosuji area, Osaka Central Public Hall, Expo’70 Commemorative Park, etc. Date:~2023/12/25 Umeda Sky Building, a tourist spot in Umeda, is also holding an illumination event, with an LED mapping tree using the latest digital technology welcoming visitors to the plaza on the first floor. The tree is 25 meters high, making it a very impressive sight! At the Kuchu Teien Observatory, the indoor observation floor on the 40th floor will be transformed into a forest of white trees! The space is enveloped in blue light, as if it were covered with snow. Don’t forget to take a commemorative photo at the photo spot that resembles a snow globe! Venue: Umeda Sky Building Date:~2024/2/25 An illuminated space appears with Osaka Castle, one of Osaka’s tourist attractions! The history of Osaka, from the Warring States Period to the present day, will be represented with approximately 3.5 million illuminated bulbs on the vast waterfront of light. In addition to the fun Osaka-style programs, unique illuminations, and LED neon lights, there will also be participatory illuminations such as a gimmick in which the lights move along with the movements of the participants and a glowing seesaw. The night is sure to be full of attractions and vividly illuminated scenography. Venue: Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden Date:~2023/12/25(Christmas illumination) ~2024/2/29(Winter illumination) The tree at Grand Front Osaka entertains visitors with surprising tricks every year. This year, a 12-meter high tree with a merry-go-round motif will make its debut. The gorgeous sound and light lighting show is also a must-see! This year’s event is also a collaboration with the world-famous LEGO (R) brand. A rally in which you can complete your own LEGO (R) mini-figure is being held. Outside the facility, the Umekita Plaza and the Yaki-no-Namiki trees will be decorated with gorgeous champagne gold, adult-like illumination, creating a fantastic winter mood. Venue: Grand Front Osaka Date:~2023/12/25 The town of Umeda will be decorated and illuminated in the shape of hearts. Messages of dreams and hopes from children will be displayed as giant artworks, stamp collecting will be held to make walking around the town fun, and the whole town will be filled with heartwarming hearts. From December 15 to 17, a Marche (at Nishi-Umeda Park) with hot drinks and gourmet kitch Venue: Umeda area Date:2024/1/19~2024/1/28 Kobe Luminarie, a winter festival held in the heart of Sannomiya, has been held as a symbol of hope for the citizens of Kobe, who suffered great damage in the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. This year, the event will be held for the first time in four years, and the venue has been expanded. Under the theme of “Kobe, Shining Light for the Future,” giant works of light will appear, including the 39-meter-wide, 19-meter-high “Spalliera” light wall hanging (Kobe East Park venue) and a 70-meter-long corridor of light (Meriken Park venue). Venue: Kobe East Park, Former Foreign Settlement, Meriken Park Date:~2023/12/25 The shrine pavilions of Heian Jingu Shrine are transformed into a different world with light and sound effects! This is a new type of event in which important cultural properties and the Japanese garden are decorated with art such as projection mapping and lantern lighting. Of particular note is the interactive art “Corridor of Light”. Lanterns illuminate the long corridor of Daigoku-den Hall, an Important Cultural Property, which is normally off-limits to visitors. If you place the lanterns in the right places, the projection mapping will change! At “Chozuya of Light” visitors can also experience the magical experience of having colorful lights projected in the palm of their hands as they purify their hands and mouths before praying. Venue: Heian Jingu Shrine Date:~2023/12/28 A limited-time water projection is now being held at the Heijo-kyo(Nara Palace Site Historical Park), the capital of Japan that flourished some 1,300 years ago and is registered as a World Heritage site! The huge water screen, 15 meters wide and 5 meters high, will be projected on a winter evening with a variety of visuals and effects. The water projection reproduces the world of the Tenpyo Period with motifs such as the origins of Heijo-kyo, the concept of the five colors handed down in Buddhism, and world heritage sites around the world. Enjoy the fantastic space of shimmering water and colors! Venue: Heijo-kyo(Nara Palace Site Historical Park), Suzakumon Hiroba Illuminations that warm the heart are a special treat on a cold winter night. We hope it will be a memorable part of your trip to Japan!
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〈2023〉Best 14 Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan (Kyoto, Osaka and More)!
Japan in autumn colors. Here are some of the best places in Kansai to see the autumn leaves, by area, from once-in-a-lifetime viewing spots to hidden gems. Please refer to the fall tourism in 2023. -INDEX- 【KYOTO】 〇Higashiyama Area Famous place:Eikando Little known good spot:Anrakuji 〇Arashiyama Area Famous place:Daikaku-ji Temple Famous place:Jojakko-ji Little known good spot:Takenotera-Jizoin 〇Other Area Famous place:Rurikoin Little known good spot:Komyo-ji 【OSAKA】 Famous place:Minoh Waterfall Little known good spot:Katsuo-ji 【KOBE】 Famous place:Sorakuen Garden Famous place:Kobe Municipal Arboretum Little known good spot:Rokko-Arima Ropeway 【Other Area】 Himeji:KOKO-EN Nara:Hasedera temple Eikando is the best place in Higashiyama to view the autumn leaves. About 3,000 maple trees cover the entire precincts of the temple. The sight of the tallest pagoda, Dabotou, enveloped by the autumn leaves is a fantastic sight. Japanese maples are planted around the Housho Pond, and the reflection of the Japanese maples and the Gokuraku Bridge in the water is a must-see. Normally closed to the public, this special temple is open to the public only during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Within walking distance is the Philosopher’s Path, which is tinted in autumn, so a walk along this path is recommended. Highlights include the scattered autumn leaves that turn the stone steps of the temple gate bright red and the beautiful garden with Nyoigatake in the background. The combination of the beautiful colors of the pagoda and the fiery maple leaves is gorgeous. Osawa Pond to the east is also a popular spot for viewing autumn leaves. The reflection of the autumn scenery on the surface of the water is fantastic. This temple is located on Mt. Ogura, known for the Ogura Hyakunin Isshitsu. In autumn, the approach from the entrance gate to the Niomon Gate is covered in autumn leaves, creating a tunnel of foliage. The autumn leaves surrounding the 12-meter tall Dabotou (pagoda), which is located at the top of the stone steps, is a must-see. The precincts of the temple and the area around the pagoda also offer a panoramic view of Kyoto City. It is a well-known autumn foliage viewing spot for those in the know. The trees change color later than other places in Kyoto, and the autumn leaves can be enjoyed until mid-December. Surrounded by lush bamboo groves, the contrast between the green of the bamboo and the changing colors of the autumn leaves is magnificent. The heart-shaped window, Inome-mado, in the Hojo is also open to the public. The autumn leaves cut by the window are breathtakingly beautiful. Ruriko-in Temple is a popular spot in Rakuhoku Yase, and the spectacular view of the autumn leaves reflecting on the lacquered desk on the second floor is a sight to behold. Anyone can take pictures of this spectacular view by holding up a camera at the desk. It is open to the public only twice a year, in spring and fall. Please enjoy the wide-open view of the autumn leaves as they spread across your field of vision. Sohonzan Komyoji Temple is located at the foot of Nishiyama in Nagaokakyo City. Visitors can see the rich expression of nature in each of the four seasons. Every year from mid-November to early December, a special entrance to the temple is held for the autumn foliage. The maple approach to the temple, with its impressive lineup of about 250 old maple trees, is a superb photo spot. Minoh Great Falls is one of the best places in Osaka to view the autumn leaves. The contrast between the waterfall and the autumn leaves in the vast Minoh Park is spectacular. You can enjoy the autumn leaves everywhere along the 2.6 km route from Hankyu Minoh Station to the falls. If you come to Minoh, you must try the famous “Momiji no Tempura” (maple leaf tempura). It is a slightly sweet and crunchy snack made by carefully frying real maple leaves one by one. You can buy it at a store on Takimichi. Known since ancient times as a temple of good fortune, the precincts of Minoh’s Katsuo-ji Temple are decorated with brilliant autumn leaves in November. The tunnel of autumn leaves covering the approach to the temple is especially spectacular. The contrast between the green mountains in the background and the autumn leaves is like a painting. Katsuo-ji Temple is also known as the temple of “Kachi-Dharma”. Small Dharma dolls are laid everywhere, including on the stairs and stone walls. Please enjoy the adorable Dharma and beautiful nature. Sorakuen Garden is the only Japanese garden in Kobe City’s urban parks. It is a kaiyu-style garden with a pond, with stepping stones and stone bridges across which visitors can view streams and waterfalls. The garden is famous for azaleas in spring, and in autumn the garden is decorated with autumn leaves. Important cultural properties such as the boathouse and the former Hassam residence, which were relocated for preservation, are also highlights. Why not enjoy an authentic Japanese garden and fall foliage viewing in the city of Kobe? The park is divided into different regions of the world, such as North America and Europe, and different types of trees, so that visitors can learn about the diverse beauty of autumn leaves. The area around Hase Pond is a particularly beautiful spot for viewing the autumn colors in a water mirror. Let’s take a stroll through the vast park and enjoy the world tour of autumn leaves! The Rokko-Arima Ropeway connects the top of Mt. Rokko and Arima Onsen in about 12 minutes. Visitors can enjoy the changing autumn leaves depending on the elevation. The view of the autumn foliage from the gondola’s large foot-high windows is spectacular. There are nine gardens of different styles with Himeji Castle, which is registered as a World Heritage site, in the background. Because of the atmosphere of the Edo period, the gardens are often used for filming movies and TV dramas. In the fall, the Autumn Foliage Festival is held from mid-November to early December. (November 18 – December 4, 2022) The best time to visit is during the “Momiji-kai” (autumn foliage viewing), when the leaves are illuminated for a fantastic view. You can enjoy a fantastic view that is different from that of daytime. Hasedera Temple, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is known as the “Temple of Flowers”. The temple is open twice a year, in spring and fall, for a limited time for special visits. A must-see spot is the floor of the hall of worship. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the “Yuka-momiji” (floor maple leaves) that turn bright red. The view of the autumn leaves from the stage in front of the main hall is not to be missed. The five-story pagoda surrounded by autumn leaves is a magnificent sight. Be sure to visit Hasedera Temple, where the entire mountain is decorated with autumn leaves. Autumn in Japan is very vivid. There are so many places to see the autumn leaves that it is impossible to visit them all at once. Please find your favorite spot and enjoy the autumn foliage as you wish.
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9 Best Fall Flower Spots in Japan|Rose, Dalia, Cosmos And Kochia
From the end of the hot summer to the beginning of the fall foliage, pretty flowers bloom beautifully under the fresh blue sky. There are many colorful and beautiful sights unique to this season. In addition to introducing typical autumn flowers and plants, we will also introduce autumn flower spots in the Kansai region. The best time to see the flowers is only a guide, so please check the web before you go. 【Cosmos】 Best time to visit: early October to early November (NARA)HANNYAJI (HYOGO・AMAGASAKI)Mukogawa Hige no watashi cosmos garden (OSAKA)Toyono Cosmos-no-sato 【Kochia】 Best time to visit: Early October to late October (OSAKA)Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (SHIGA)Biwako Hakodateyama 【Dahlia】 Best time to visit: early October to early November (HYOGO・TAKARAZUKA)Takarazuka Dahlia Garden (HYOGO・KAWANISHI)Kurokawa Dariya Garden 【Rose】 Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November (HYOGO・ITAMI)Aramaki Rose Park (OSAKA)Nakanoshima Rose Garden The cosmos is a typical Japanese autumnal flower. Blooming in the autumn sky, swaying gently in the wind, cosmos make a magnificent sight when planted in clusters. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. Hannya-ji Temple is known as a temple where flowers bloom from season to season. It is especially famous for its cosmos in autumn and is nicknamed “Cosmos Temple”. About 150,000 cosmos trees of 30 different varieties are planted, and when they are in full bloom, the cosmos flowers look as if they are enveloping the old hall and stone Buddha, creating a charming atmosphere. Glittering glass cubes of cosmos are placed here and there in the precincts of the temple. These glass squares are decorated with cosmos flowers floating in water, looking like jewels. The Mukogawa Hige no watashi cosmos garden was established in 2003. The riverbed, which was once in disrepair, has been transformed into a magnificent cosmos garden through the efforts of local residents. It has now become a well-known cosmos garden, attracting many visitors every year. From mid-October to mid-November, when the cosmos are in full bloom, a carpet of approximately 5.5 million brightly colored cosmos will spread over the riverbed. The park is scheduled to open on October 21, 2023. The cosmos garden was started by flower enthusiasts about 30 years ago, and is a popular cosmos viewing spot that attracts many tourists and photographers from within and outside of the prefecture. The handmade, warm space and atmosphere are also attractive. About one million cosmos bloom all over the approximately 1 hectare park. Visitors can take pictures of themselves completely enveloped by the tall cosmos, which are about the height of an adult. Kochia is a unique and lovely plant with a fluffy appearance that multiplies very well. At first it is green, but in autumn its leaves turn red, a very vivid and beautiful red. The kochia at the National Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture is a popular sightseeing spot in autumn. The kochia trees growing in clusters over a large area are a spectacular sight. Since 2022, about 4,000 kochia plants have been planted in Osaka’s Expo ’70 Commemorative Park on the hill of flowers, and as of the end of September, they are gradually changing color. This fall, the “Cosmos Kochia Festa” will be held from October 1 to October 30, where visitors can enjoy autumn flowers. We are looking forward to seeing the kochia that have grown so well over the summer turn bright red when autumn arrives. There are three cute little brothers and sisters hiding among the kochia in Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. The largest kochia field in the Kansai region is sure to become a new landmark! Biwako Hakodateyama in Shiga can be enjoyed as a ski resort in winter. In summer and fall, numerous seasonal flowers delight visitors. Hakodateyama Kochia Park has 6,000 kochia trees planted along its slopes. Not only kochia but also colorful flowers are in full bloom and the park is filled with flowers. Hakodateyama is reached by gondola with a view of Lake Biwa. From the terrace with chairs on the observation deck, where a large panorama spreads out, you can see Lake Biwa and the flower garden below. Dahlias have great presence and power! Their large, bright flowers make their surroundings pop with color. They are popular not only for bouquets and arrangements, but also for gardening. The flowers come in a great variety of blooming styles, colors, and shapes. At Takarazuka Dahlia Garden, about 20,000 dahlias of 50 varieties are grown, and visitors can appreciate the colorful red, yellow, pink, and other flowers. The northern part of Takarazuka City is one of the largest dahlia bulb-producing areas in Japan, and the dahlia has been recognized as Takarazuka’s city flower. Dahlias bloom twice a year, in summer and fall. Takarazuka Dahlia Garden will be open for a limited time from mid-July to early August in summer and from early October to early November in fall. (Scheduled for October 1 – November 3, 2022. No closed days during the period) Kurokawa, Kawanishi City is located in the northernmost part of Kawanishi City and has been selected as one of the “100 best Nihon-no-sato” areas. The Kurokawa Dariya Garden is located at the foot of a nature-rich satoyama. It is operated by a local farmer. The Dariya Garden is adjacent to the Chimei Lake Campground. Approximately 1,000 dahlias of about 300 varieties are planted near the campground. The cool morning and evening temperatures make the flowers even more beautiful. Why don’t you come and see the gorgeous flowers blooming in the peaceful satoyama? The number of rose varieties is very large, ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 and even more. These flowers bloom twice a year, in spring and fall, and delight us with their many varieties and colors, including white, red, pink, yellow, and blue. About 250 varieties of roses from around the world, 10,000 of them, bloom and fragrance the entire 1.7 hectare area of the garden. The “Amatsu Otome” and “Madame Viollet,” both born in Itami, are world-famous. The antique brick masonry plantings, columns, and white walls give the building a Southern European atmosphere and enhance the beauty of the roses. Located between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River, this is one of the best places in Osaka for roses. The “Rose Path” along the river and the rose garden are filled with 3,700 roses of about 310 varieties, including modern roses and English roses. Located one stop from Osaka Umeda Station, the park is surrounded by buildings and colorful roses. You can buy a box lunch and eat it in the park, or there is a café with terrace seating on the opposite side of the rose garden where you can overlook the entire rose garden. Nearby are “Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest,” an architecture by Tadao Ando, and “Osaka City Central Public Hall,” popular for its retro architecture, making it possible to enjoy the surrounding spots along with sightseeing in the Nakanoshima Rose Garden. How was it? Autumn in Japan is the season of colored leaves, but there are many other places where you can enjoy autumn flowers and plants. Autumn is the perfect season to go out. Enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery that can only be seen at this time of year!
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This is the place to go! An overwhelmingly beautiful architectural spot that harmonizes with the nature of Awaji Island!
Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture is one of the best tourist spots in Kansai, surrounded by sea and greenery. The island is easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe, and visitors can enjoy a variety of nature, including the sea and mountains. Awaji Island is an attractive place where nature and tourist spots are blended together. In this issue, we will introduce some spots where you can enjoy architecture in harmony with nature. -INDEX- 1.Awaji Yumebutai・Awaji Greenhouse 2.Honpuku-ji Temple & Water Temple (Mizumido) 3.TOTO Seawind Awaji Awaji Yumebutai, a vast complex of resort facilities, was created on the slopes of the mountain with the idea of restoring greenery to the mountains where humans have chipped away at them. Architect Tadao Ando designed this large-scale facility based on the concept of “symbiosis between people and nature,” with the idea of “how much visitors can experience aspects of nature that are often overlooked in everyday life, such as water, wind, light, shade, sky, mountains, and the sea.” Hyakudanen, a garden with 100 flowerbeds arranged in a staircase pattern along the slope of the mountain. The four blocks are A (Africa, Central and South America, Oceania), B (Eurasia, North America), C (Asia, Japan), and D (Theme), each with seasonal flowers in full bloom in accordance with its concept. Looking out into the distance, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of Osaka Bay! The vivid contrast between the sparkling blue sea and the colorful flowers and plants will surely enchant you. The “Round Forum” is located in the center of Awaji Yumebutai. It is a circular space with a diameter of approximately 32 meters and a height of approximately 11 meters, and is most impressive for its beautiful curves. Visitors can look up at the sky cut out in a circular shape, walk along the slope along the wall, or enjoy the view from the observation space at the top. The Elliptical Forum is a huge space, approximately 50 meters in diameter and 17 meters high. A unique sundial is installed on the concrete wall. The two long corridors flanking the Elliptical Forum are characterized by the opposing spatial beauty of light and shade. Located on the ocean side, “Sea Corridor” is an open space with a panoramic view of Osaka Bay. The “Mountain Corridor,” located on the mountain side, is a colonnade covered with frosted glass, while the “Sea Corridor” is a colonnade covered with glass. The “Soraniwa” (Sky Garden) stands out among the “Hyakudanen” and the “Mountain Corridor”. The staircase symmetrically intersecting the central pillar is overwhelming, and the shadows on the concrete wall and the sky seen through the walls and pillars are different from what we see in everyday life, giving it a somewhat mysterious beauty. The “Open-air Theater,” with seating arranged in a mortar shape overlooking Osaka Bay, is reminiscent of an ancient Greek amphitheater. The power of nature is directly conveyed through the simplicity of the architecture. Enjoy a moment to feel nature, which is usually neglected, at the magnificent Awaji Yumebutai. The Awaji Greenhouse, located on the grounds of Awaji Yumebutai, is one of the largest greenhouse botanical gardens in Japan, with an innovative appearance that resembles two crossed rectangles. The 20-meter-high, all-glass building is flooded with natural light, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness. There are approximately 3,000 rare and colorful plants from around the world that can be seen in the museum. The museum is composed of five main exhibition halls, each with a different presentation that can be enjoyed in a circular fashion. “Midori no Choukoku (Green Sculpture)” grows and exhibits cacti and succulents that grow in arid regions. “Garden of Four Seasons” exhibits colorful plants that grow in the tropics and subtropics. “Kurashi no Midori (Greenery in Daily Life)” exhibits familiar plants that can be seen in daily life. “Shinka no Niwa (Garden of Evolution)” is based on the theme of the time when there were dinosaurs. Visitors can also see the Jurassic Tree, which was discovered approximately 200 million years ago and is considered a “living fossil”. “Nigiwai no Niwa (Lively Garden),” a garden of flowers and greenery that can be enjoyed by parents and children, is staged to bring plants closer to visitors. The “Garden Castle,” which grows to a height of approximately 8 meters, is the symbol of the facility. In the central garden, there is a kid’s space for children to play. After browsing the plant exhibits on the first floor, go to the terrace on the second floor. Okinawan plants and tropical fruit trees are on display, as well as picture books, illustrated books, and gardening books about plants. There are tables where you can sit and relax, admiring the greenery or reading a book. Please enjoy the extraordinary experience of being healed by a wide variety of greenery in a varied space. Honpuku-ji Temple is an old temple said to have been founded in the Heian period (794-1185), and its main hall, called “Mizumido,” was newly built in 1991, designed by Tadao Ando. A modern concrete wall stands at the far end of the temple grounds. Passing through the gate and proceeding along the curving concrete wall, a huge oval pond appears. In early summer, lotus flowers bloom, creating a fantastic view. A lotus pond with greenery in the distance. In the center of the lotus pond, there is a stairway leading to the Mizumido, which cuts through the surface of the lake. The name “Mizumido” comes from the fact that the lotus pond serves as the roof. As you descend the stairs, stop and look back to see the sky cut out of the concrete wall. The shades of light, which change depending on the weather, create a unique atmosphere. Descending to the basement, you will find a world painted in vermilion. Light softly shines through the latticework, creating a somewhat dreamlike space. After proceeding through a narrow corridor, the vermilion-lacquered main hall appears. The main image seated in the center is a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, an important cultural property designated by Awaji City. In the evening, the sun shines in the west and a red light floods from behind the main image, like a halo. This chic presentation, which is based on the image of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, was inspired by the national treasure “Jodo-do Hall of Jodoji Temple” in Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture. Honpuku-ji Temple is different from ordinary temples. You will be captivated by the seemingly contradictory combination of “ancient temple and modern” at first glance. TOTO Seawind Awaji, a resort hotel designed by architect Tadao Ando, stands on a mountain slope in the eastern part of Awaji Island. The hotel was built with an awareness of the harmony between people and nature, and visitors can enjoy the sea, greenery, and architectural beauty to their heart’s content. Entering through the main entrance, visitors are greeted by unique artwork by a sculptor from Awaji Island. The lobby is located at the end of the grand staircase, and the beautiful Osaka Bay cut out by the huge windows is a sight to behold. The walls are lined with bookshelves full of architecture-related books, so it is wonderful to sit on the sofa and enjoy reading time while looking out at the ocean. Looking at the front of the building from the outside, it looks like a work of art. The crossing corridor leading to the elevator building for the exclusive use of guest rooms is also a spectacular point from which you can view the panorama of the sea and the sky! Why don’t you stop once and let the beautiful horizon burn into your eyes? There are three types of rooms: Western-style rooms, Japanese-style rooms, and maisonettes. All rooms have large-opening windows, so they receive excellent sunlight. You can spend a pleasant time while being healed by the greenery seen from the windows. The restaurant, based on the color blue, has an ocean view! The restaurant’s terrace seats offer the luxury of taking a relaxing break while feeling the refreshing ocean breeze…. The summer-only pool is a popular spot at the facility. Please take a photogenic picture with the blue sea in the background. The verdant sea and lush greenery. The harmony of Awaji Island’s magnificent nature and architecture is a kind of art. Enjoy a different kind of hotel stay. Awaji Island has many architectural structures that show the harmony between people and nature, which will make your sightseeing more enjoyable. When you visit the Kansai region, be sure to make a trip to Awaji Island!
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