A new year, a fresh start! 2023 is the time to start preparing for the new year’s travel plans ~ the so-called rest is to take a longer road, travel abroad can not only slow down but also be a journey to heal the soul. The first time you go abroad will not do a travel strategy, and do not know where to choose as your destination, choose the most can not go wrong with Japan!
Compared to the bustling Tokyo, today I choose to recommend the more widely known suburbs of Osaka in the central city of Osaka Prefecture, Japan! If you want to visit Osaka, bookmark this guide, it’s full of goodies, just follow it and you’ll have a great trip!
1)Kyoto – Historic Site / Cultural Town / Kiyomizu Temple
Beautiful Kyoto was once the capital of Japan. There are countless historical sites here: the famous Buddhist temples, solemn and sacred shrines and imperial palaces, and the simple old traditional Japanese wooden houses called “Machiya”. In addition to historical sites, you can also come here to explore more Japanese culture in depth, from art to architecture, traditional Japanese food to human living culture, all of which have been well preserved. In addition, you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, and a photo in kimono under such beautiful scenery is a worthwhile trip.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
The first secret sanctuary I would recommend is Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, which is located on Mount Onyu. What is so special about this place, you may not believe it, but this traditional Japanese temple is built with six layers of torchwood wooden platform, and the point is, this temple is built without using any nails to strengthen it does sound very amazing. In addition, the picturesque scenery here in all seasons, the scenery in the temple compound of Shimizu is definitely a beautiful sight you will not forget! The temple is also dedicated to a thousand-handed Goddess of Mercy, well worth a visit!
Also, don’t forget to go to the bottom of the main hall of the temple to get spring water to drink. The water here is also called “golden water” or “life-extending water” by the locals. There are three springs, each with a different meaning, and they help to purify the six roots and fulfill wishes.
Jishu-Jinja Shrine
If you are still single, you can go to Jishu-Jinja Shrine after visiting Kiyomizu Temple to pray for marriage! Jishu-Jinja Shrine is a very famous place to pray for marriage in Japan, so if you want to get married, you must go here to pray to the gods for love and luck! Kiyomizu Temple, it’s only a short minute’s walk away.
Kyoto must-eat traditional Japanese food: Kaiseki cuisine!
In addition to the atmosphere of the thousand-year-old capital, the traditional Kaiseki cuisine that Kyoto is so famous for is not to be missed. The kaiseki cuisine is a work of art with three dishes in one sauce, and it has been serving guests from far and wide, as well as generations of geisha and maiko who have honed their skills here for centuries.
2)Nara Nara – Kasuga Taisha/Wakakusayama/Kojika
Nara is also an ancient capital that remains to this day. There are many places to explore in Nara, and Nara Park is the most worth exploring! Most of the must-see sightseeing spots in Nara are located in Nara Park, such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji Temple, Wakakusayama and Nara Museum, and the historic Nara Park is also designated as a natural monument.
Nara Park
If you are lucky enough to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom, Nara Park is like stepping into a dreamlike wonderland. The most eye-catching and adorable part of Nara Park is the interaction with the deer. There are about thousands of deer in Nara Park, and the deer are like elves in the forest, taking a leisurely rest or asking for food, full of romance, nature, and harmony.
If you want to experience the experience of being surrounded by deer, you can buy some deer scallops from the roadside vendors, and then feed the deer and enjoy their lovely appearance when eating! It’s worth mentioning that the deer are completely unrecognizable and will actively grab the deer scallops in your hand, so it’s recommended that you don’t try to keep the scallops or pull them when feeding them!
Kasuga-taisha (Kasuga-taisha)
Another must-see attraction in Nara Park is Kasuga Taisha. Kasuga Taisha is one of Nara’s most important cultural assets and is one of the old buildings listed as a World Heritage Site.
The vermillion buildings and the large number of stone lanterns in Kasuga Grand Shrine make the atmosphere more sacred and solemn. Kasuga Grand Shrine also holds regular events such as festivals and marriage ceremonies, making it an important place in the hearts of local residents.
Mount Wakakusa
For those who want to take more photos, you can visit Mount Wakakakusa, a small hill nestled in Nara Park. Although the climb up the slopes of Mount Wakakusa may be a little tiring, the moment you get to look down on the entire city of Nara from the top of the hill is definitely worth the price of admission. Every year, on the fourth Saturday of January, the “Yakuyama Festival” is held at Mt.
3)Kanazawa
Kanazawa has been one of the most important cultural and artistic centers in Japan since the Edo period. Today, it still holds an important place in the hearts of art lovers. There are many museums and workshops, and many traditional Japanese cultures such as gold leaf and samurai culture can be found here.
Myouryu-ji Temple
Myouryu-ji Temple, also known as Ninja Temple, is a must-see if you love adventure. It is said to have been created as a secretly armed stronghold in the early days to circumvent the ban on military fortifications issued by the Shogunate. The temple is full of traps, secret tunnels, hidden doors, and underground tunnels, so it is no wonder that it attracts a lot of tourists!
On the outside, Myoritsuji Temple looks like a two-story building, but in fact, the interior of the temple can be divided into seven floors, with 23 rooms and 29 staircases, and there is even a watchtower hidden inside, which is really super interesting! Come here, you can experience it like a Japanese ninja in the temple’s organs shuttle feeling! It’s worth mentioning that you need to make a reservation in advance to come here, and the temple has a guidebook in 11 languages, so you can still find the temple’s organs even if the explanations are only in Japanese!
Higashichayagai: Japanese traditional geisha performance
Another must-see spot in Kanazawa is Higashichaya Street, which is full of traditional Japanese culture. Two of Japan’s major cultural heritages and traditional performing arts are hidden here – the traditional Japanese geisha performance and the art of making gold leaf. Strolling through the narrow alleys of Higashi Chaya Street and looking at the traditional and vintage Japanese architecture is another experience! You can also visit teahouses that are open to the public, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir stores that have been converted from teahouses.
One of the largest geisha districts in Kanazawa is the Higashi Street Teahouse, where geisha houses have a history of over 200 years. In addition, the architecture of this place is such that the second floor has beautiful lattice windows on the outside, and the second floor is usually a guest room with matching rainproof windows on the outside to entertain guests.
Japanese traditional craft: gold leaf experience
When you come to Kanazawa, you must experience a handcrafted experience with gold foil that is unique to you~ Gold foil is a traditional art that has been passed down in Kanazawa for over 400 years, and the thickness of the finished gold foil is only 1/10,000 mm! It is said that 99% of the gold leaf used in Japan comes from Kanazawa, and this traditional Japanese craft is not a simple one, as it takes at least 20 steps to complete.
The gold leaf craft museum in Yasue, Kanazawa City, is a great place to explore, with the collection of famous gold leaf craftsman Takamine Yasue on display, including gold leaf-making tools, screens, Noh theater costumes, and Kutani-yaki porcelain. There are also many gold leaf galleries in Kanazawa where you can try your hand at decorating wooden chopsticks, wooden boxes, or star pieces! You can also have a little luxury and eat gold leaf ice cream here!
Kenroku-en (one of the three most famous gardens in Japan)
Kanerikuen was once the private garden of the famous Maeda family, who lived in Kanazawa Castle at the time, notifying the Kaga clan. The garden was built in 1676 and officially opened to the public in 1874, and it took three centuries before it evolved into the landscape it is today. Not to mention the history of Kanazawa witnessed by Kanroku-en, the scenery here is so pleasant that you can really see different scenery when you come here all year round! Cherry blossoms in spring, water lilies in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snow-capped scenery in winter, depending on what time of year you choose to visit.
In addition, a very special sight in Kanroku-en is that before winter, some of the older trees are tied to the lower branches with ropes, forming an umbrella-like cover. This is also called “snow hanging” and is mainly used to support the branches to prevent them from breaking due to the heavy pressure of the accumulated snow cover in winter. Snow hangers are usually put up on November 1 and taken down until March 15.
Omi-machi Market
In addition to cultural exploration, food exploration is not to be left behind! Experience the most authentic Japanese customs in Kanazawa’s Omi-machi Market and enjoy a variety of fresh and delicious food!
The Omi-machi Market sells fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, cooked dishes, and sake dishes delivered directly from major markets.
4)Kobe – Authentic Kobe Beef / Rokko Mountain
Kobe, where even the air is filled with romance, is definitely a beautiful scenery that everyone would not want to miss in their lifetime. The land is full of an exotic atmosphere and there are many famous sights such as Nankinmachi, Ikuta Shrine, Mount Rokko, and Kobe Bujin Herb Garden, etc. You will definitely come back for more!
Rokko Mountain
If you want to enjoy the beautiful night scenery, Rokko Mountain is the place to be! Rokko Mountain has been selected as one of Japan’s most beautiful night heritage sites, so you can see how beautiful it really is! At night, with the lights of all the houses lit up, the night view of the mountain will make you forget to breathe! In addition to the beautiful night view of Kobe from the Rokko Sky Court, there are also various facilities around the area where visitors can experience a wide variety of outdoor activities, and it is recommended for couples to make romantic memories here!
In addition, there are many attractions on Rokko Mountain that are worth exploring with your loved ones, such as the Rokko Music Box Museum, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Rokko Mountain Ranch, and Rokko Mountain Snow Park, so you can enjoy your date time in a variety of ways! In addition, you can also experience the rare “mountain cafe” in Malaysia! In addition, you can also experience Malaysia’s rare “mountain café” in the mountains, which is one of the best things in life.
For more information about Japan, please visit the official JNTO website
A must-try food in Kobe: Kobe beef!
When you come to Kobe, why not try some authentic Kobe beef for yourself? Kobe beef is the most expensive Wagyu beef in the world, and its melt-in-your-mouth taste is unforgettable, made even more precious by the fact that it is produced in limited quantities and not available for sale!
To get more and better Japan travel tips, you can also visit the official JNTO website for more travel information!
