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Miyama Kayabuki no Sato

Located in Miyama-cho, Nantan City, "Kayabuki no Sato" is a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings with many traditional thatched-roof houses (Kayabuki). Surrounded by high mountains and clear streams, this hamlet offers an original Japanese landscape as if strayed into a fairy tale world. In this place where people still live, you can experience the wisdom of coexisting with nature and beautiful rural landscapes in each season. Especially during the "Yukitourou" (Snow Lantern Festival) in winter, illuminated thatched-roof houses emerge mystically, attracting many tourists from overseas. It is the ultimate healing spot where you can feel the...

Kyoto
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Kyoto

Sonobe, Nantan City

Sonobe in Nantan City, located in central Kyoto Prefecture, is a castle town that developed around "Sonobe Castle" built in the Edo period. Sonobe Castle Ruins are known as the last castle fortification completed in Japan, with gates and turrets still remaining on school grounds, conveying a historical atmosphere. Additionally, the surrounding area features nature-rich parks and beautiful satoyama landscapes. Its charm lies in being able to enjoy a calm stroll away from the bustle of the city while having good access from Kyoto City. With roadside stations selling local specialties and historic temples and shrines dotted about, it is...

Kyoto
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Kyoto

Kyoto Gokagai

"Kyoto Gokagai" (Five Districts) is a collective term for the five areas: Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, Pontocho, Kamishichiken, and Gion Higashi. Each has its own history and customs, continuing to pass on traditional Japanese arts such as dance, Shamisen, and tea ceremony. These districts where Geiko and Maiko are active can be called "living museums" where Japanese aesthetic sense is concentrated, from architectural styles to traditional crafts. Dance performances held in each district in spring and autumn are precious opportunities to appreciate traditional Japanese beauty all at once. By visiting the five districts, you can enjoy the subtle differences in atmosphere...

Kyoto
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Kyoto

Pontocho

Running north-south between the Kamo River and Kiyamachi Street, "Pontocho" is a narrow, atmospheric street representing Kyoto. Along the alley only a few meters wide, traditional teahouses, stylish restaurants converted from Machiya townhouses, and bars are densely packed. Especially during the summer "Noryo-yuka" season, you can enjoy the luxury of dining on decks overlooking the Kamo River with a cool breeze. At night, lanterns are lit, enveloping the street in an even more mystical atmosphere. Fusing its aspect as a traditional Hanamachi with its side as a modern gourmet spot, it is a place representing Kyoto's night that every traveler...

Kyoto
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Kyoto

Kamishichiken

Known as the oldest Hanamachi in Kyoto, "Kamishichiken" is located near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. It is said to have started in the Muromachi period when seven teahouses were built using leftover materials from the reconstruction of Kitano Tenmangu, and it has a calm, mature atmosphere. The "Kitano Odori" in spring and the "Beer Garden" in summer, where Maiko entertain guests in the garden of the Kaburenjo theater, are internationally popular as places to experience traditional culture casually. In a quiet, dignified atmosphere distinct from other districts, you can touch the depth of arts backed by history and the spirit of...

Kyoto
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Kyoto

Miyagawacho

Located on the east side of the Kamo River, "Miyagawacho" is an emotionally rich Hanamachi with a history closely related to Kabuki performances since ancient times. The rows of teahouse buildings and lanterns hanging from the eaves featuring the emblem of three overlapping rings create a unique and beautiful landscape. The spring dance performance "Kyo Odori" is renowned for its vibrant direction and attracts many overseas fans. Often less crowded than Gion, it is a recommended area for photography enthusiasts to leisurely stroll through the stone-paved alleys and fully appreciate traditional Japanese architectural beauty and refined Hanamachi culture.

Kyoto
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Kyoto

Gion Higashi

Located in the northeast of Gion, "Gion Higashi" is a Hanamachi characterized by a cozy and warm atmosphere, compared to the prestigious Gion Kobu. The "Gion Odori," held every autumn, is known as the only dance performance among the five districts held in autumn, and its seasonal stages are highly appreciated by overseas travelers. There are many teahouses with a calm appearance facing narrow alleys, preserving traditions while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. Step inside this area from the busy main streets, and you can feel the depth of Kyoto's Hanamachi culture and the quiet, living traditions more closely.

Kyoto
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Kyoto

Gion Kobu

"Gion Kobu" is the largest and most prestigious Hanamachi (geisha district) in Kyoto. Conveying traditions from the Edo period, its landscape of stone-paved streets and lattice-doored teahouses symbolizes traditional Japanese beauty. Here, Geiko and Maiko, who have undergone rigorous training, carry on traditional Japanese performing arts like dance and music. In spring, "Miyako Odori" is held, and its brilliant stage never ceases to fascinate overseas tourists. If you are lucky, you may spot Maiko walking through the city at dusk, but the real thrill is savoring the quiet and elegant atmosphere while respecting their daily lives and traditions.

Kyoto
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Kyoto

Kyoto Otokuni

Located southwest of Kyoto City, the "Otokuni" area consists of Muko City, Nagaokakyo City, and Oyamazaki Town, and is known as the "Home of Bamboo" where history and nature harmonize. In particular, "Takenomichi" (Bamboo Path) is gaining attention from overseas as a quiet, hidden gem compared to the bamboo groves in Kyoto City. It is also famous for the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, a must-visit for travelers who want to experience Japanese whisky culture. With a history of once being the capital of Japan, it has many hidden famous temples like Komyoji and Yokokuji where you can enjoy beautiful flowers and...

Kyoto
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Nature
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Kyoto

Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Prefecture has been the center of history and culture, flourishing as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years. It has diverse charms in each area: not only the city center with many UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines, but also "Kyoto by the Sea" featuring Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views; "Kyoto by the Forest" with beautiful misty landscapes; and "Kyoto of Tea" which produces the highest quality Uji tea. With the beauty of seasonal nature, traditional crafts, and a wide range of gourmet food from refined Kaiseki to local dishes, it is a dream...

Kyoto
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Shiga

Kurokabe Square

"Kurokabe Square" in Nagahama City is a popular, representative tourist area of Shiga Prefecture that utilizes old streetscapes from the Edo to Meiji periods. Centered on the iconic "Kurokabe Glass Shop," global glass crafts, workshops, stylish cafes, and galleries line the streets, allowing for a stroll where modern and retro merge. You can observe artisan skills up close or try glass-making experiences, and the time spent creating your own original work is highly popular with international travelers. This place, which continues to transmit new art and culture while carefully preserving historical buildings, is a most attractive street corner where you...

Shiga
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Shiga

Lake Biwa Canal

The "Lake Biwa Canal" (Biwako Sosui) is a magnificent canal constructed during the Meiji era to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, serving as a symbol of Japan's modernization. The area around the intake in Otsu City features historic brick structures that harmonize beautifully with the surrounding nature, becoming a spectacular spot especially in spring when cherry blossoms bloom along the canal. In recent years, the "Biwako Sosui Boat" sightseeing vessel has been in operation, allowing visitors to enjoy a historical cruise while leisurely descending the waterway, thinking of the passion of past engineers. It is a unique tourist...

Shiga
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Shiga

Zensui-ji Temple

"Zensui-ji Temple" in Konan City is one of the ancient temples constituting the Konan Sanzan, a sacred site where legends of "sacred water that heals illness" remain, as its name suggests. Inside the National Treasure main hall, more than 30 Buddhist statues crafted from the Heian to Kamakura periods are enshrined, overwhelming visitors with their power and high level of artistry. Within the precincts surrounded by deep mountains, pure water still springs forth, allowing visitors to touch the origins of Japan's spiritual culture within the dignified air. Particularly, the opportunity to view Important Cultural Property statues up close is highly...

Shiga
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Shiga

Choju-ji Temple

"Choju-ji Temple," one of the Konan Sanzan, is a historic temple established by Emperor Shomu during the Nara period. The main hall, designated as a National Treasure, radiates a simple yet heavy beauty, conveying the appearance of early Japanese Buddhist architecture to the present. Various flowers bloom throughout the seasons along the approach, earning it the nickname "Temple of Flowers," especially enchanting visitors with tunnels of cherry blossoms in spring and vivid red maples in autumn. It is also known for granting blessings for childbirth and longevity, allowing visitors to feel Japan's traditional culture of prayer closely. The space where...

Shiga
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Shiga

Joraku-ji Temple

"Joraku-ji Temple" in Konan City is an ancient Tendai sect temple counted as one of the Konan Sanzan. The main hall and three-storied pagoda, rebuilt during the Nanboku-cho period, are both designated as "National Treasures," showcasing the essence of traditional Japanese wooden architecture with no compromise. Especially, the temple buildings arranged utilizing the mountain slope harmonize beautifully with the surrounding rich nature; among seasonal landscapes, the sight dyed in autumn leaves is overwhelming. Spending time facing National Treasure architecture in precincts enveloped in silence, away from the hustle of tourism, is a very luxurious spiritual experience that lets you feel...

Shiga
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Shiga

Junibo Onsen Yurara

"Junibo Onsen Yurara," located at the foot of Mt. Junibo (Mt. Iwane) in Konan City, is a comprehensive resort facility where you can enjoy day-trip hot springs and auto-camping surrounded by rich nature. The natural hot spring features open-air baths and saunas, ideal for healing fatigue after hiking or cycling. Furthermore, the attached campsite is well-equipped, allowing visitors to experience the globally popular "Empty-handed Camping" in the Japanese mountains. Popular with families and travelers wanting to fully enjoy modern Japanese outdoor life while appreciating Shiga's rich nature with all five senses, such as gathering around a campfire under a starry...

Shiga
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Shiga

Shigaraki Kohgen Railway

The "Shigaraki Kohgen Railway," connecting JR Kibukawa Station with the pottery home of Shigaraki, is a local railway running leisurely through peaceful Shiga satoyama landscapes. From the train window, you can view rich nature changing with the seasons, tea plantations unique to Shigaraki, and historic brick chimneys, making the railway journey itself an attraction. The sight of the train running through autumn leaves or winter snowscapes is deeply emotional, healing the hearts of rail fans and others alike. At the terminus, Shigaraki Station, giant tanuki figurines welcome you, making you feel the excitement of a craft town from the moment...

Shiga
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Shiga

Konsho-ji Temple

"Konsho-ji Temple," nestled deep in the mountains of Mt. Konze in Ritto City, is a historic ancient temple opened by Emperor Shomu's imperial decree during the Nara period. It once flourished as a base for mountain Buddhism, and the precincts house heavy wooden Buddhist statues crafted during the Heian period. The surrounding deep forest and mossy stone steps offer visitors a dignified, sacred air, conveying a unique worldview merging Japan's natural worship and Buddhism. Nearby hiking courses through dynamic rocky areas provide a perfect sanctuary for active travelers wishing to enjoy both refreshment in nature and exploration of Japan's ancient...

Shiga
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Shiga

Gokasho Kondo

"Gokasho Kondo" in Higashiomi City is a beautiful home base of Omi Merchants, designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The townscape featuring carp swimming in moats, white-walled storehouses, and magnificent stone walls is a precious landscape conveying the "lives of successful merchants" in Japan. By touring the interiors of the former wealthy merchants' mansions, you can deeply learn the "Sanpo-yoshi" (Benefit for three sides) spirit of Omi Merchants, who valued frugality and social contribution. This place, where sophisticated traditional Japanese architectural styles and rural scenery with a quiet flow of time merge, will deeply...

Shiga
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Shiga

Ogoto Onsen

"Ogoto Onsen," located on the west bank of Lake Biwa in Otsu City, is a historic hot spring village opened by Saicho about 1,200 years ago. Situated in a sacred location at the foot of Mt. Hiei, its highly alkaline, soft water is highly rated by international travelers as "hot water for beautiful skin." Many ryokans offer open-air baths with panoramic views of Lake Biwa, and bathing while watching the sunrise over the lake is a blissful moment of deep physical and mental relaxation. Boasting excellent access just 20 minutes by train from Kyoto, it is chosen globally as a...

Shiga
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Shiga

Lake Biwa Great Fireworks

The "Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival," held every August in Otsu City, is one of Japan's leading light festivals set against the backdrop of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. The sight of approximately 10,000 fireworks being launched successively from the lake, vividly coloring the night sky and the water surface, is of overwhelming beauty. In particular, the "Underwater Star Mine" that spreads like a fan across the lake surface fascinates tourists worldwide as a dynamic performance unique to Lake Biwa. Watching fireworks while cooling off by the lakeside wearing "Yukata," a Japanese summer tradition, is an emotional event that one...

Shiga
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Shiga

Taga Town

Taga Town, spreading at the foot of the mountains in eastern Shiga, is a temple town that has flourished around "Taga Taisha," Shiga's premier grand shrine affectionately known as "O-Taga-san." This sacred site, enshrining the parent deities of Ise Jingu, attracts many worshippers from all over Japan seeking blessings for longevity and matchmaking. The approach is lined with shops selling the specialty "Ito-kiri Mochi" and retro eateries, allowing you to experience traditional Japanese temple town culture. The town also houses "Kawachi-no-kazaana," one of Japan's leading limestone caves, for mystical underground exploration. It is an area filled with spiritual richness where...

Shiga
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Shiga

Kora Town

Located in eastern Shiga, Kora Town is a quiet and beautiful town dotted with rich spring water and historic temples. Especially "Saimyo-ji Temple," a candidate for World Heritage, is known for its National Treasure main hall, three-storied pagoda, and "Fudan-zakura" cherry blossoms that bloom simultaneously with autumn leaves, spreading a landscape condensing traditional Japanese beauty. It is also the birthplace of the legendary carpenter Kora Bungo-no-kami Munehiro, who was involved in the construction of Nikko Toshogu, and the town takes pride in sophisticated wooden architecture skills. It's a hidden gem ideal for travelers wanting to quietly savor the harmony of...

Shiga
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Shiga

Toyosato Town

Toyosato Town, the smallest town by area in Shiga, is a cultural town known for the "Former Toyosato Elementary School Buildings" designed by the world-famous architect William Merrell Vories. The beautiful white wooden schoolhouse, once praised as the "Greatest Elementary School in the East," is now famous as a model for a popular anime and attracts fans from all over the world. The bronze statues of the tortoise and the hare on the staircase and the retro auditorium convey the passion and aesthetic sense Japan invested in education at that time. It's a unique spot where you can enjoy both...

Shiga
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Nature
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