Kyoto is one of the honourable historical places to visit in Japan. However, have you explored all the hidden Momiji (autumn foliage) spots mentioned in this blog yet? They are located some distance from the city centre and offer a journey that allows you to experience Kyoto in a way you may not have known. You will enjoy your own autumn leaves tour while getting away from your everyday life. By the end of this blog, you will have discovered red and yellow coloured hidden gems in Kyoto that only a few people know about. 

You can also see the location of them from here.

• Beautiful Stone Garden with Red Insert

• A Hidden Garden Revealed for a Limited Time

• Breath Taking View of Red Leaves Reflected on the Floor

• Green Bamboos and Red Maple Leaves Contrasts

• Brilliant Leaves Tunnel and Carpet for you

• Temple gardens famous monk spent his last years

• Tidbit- Momiji Tempura in Osaka

Komyo-in, a subtemple of Tofuku-ji Temple

It is famous for its elegant Karesansui garden, which consists of beautiful rocks, moss, and white stones. The stones are shaped like waves to represent the ocean. The calm shaded moss colour enhances the solemnity of the garden, giving the temple the beautiful second name, “Temple with Rainbow Moss.” In autumn, the red maple leaves enhance its beauty even more. 

Note: Although many of Kyoto’s main temples are already well-known, its subtemples still provide a serene and delightful experience, with far fewer tourists.

Taiho-in, a subtemple of Myoshin-ji Temple

This subtemple is usually closed to the public but opens only during the fresh green season (around April to mid-May) and the autumn leaves season (typically in November). It is located in the inner part of Myoshin-ji, allowing you to enjoy the tranquil and lush nature. During the autumn leaves season, visitors can enjoy the garden view while having matcha (Japanese green tea) and a tea treat in a traditional Japanese-style room called Shoin-Dsukuri. This hidden and peaceful moment is a limited-term offer!  

Jisso-in Temple

This is an honourable temple that was maintained among ancient royal family relatives. Visitors can enjoy two different gardens; one is centred around a pond while the other is a Karesansui garden consisting of stones arranged to represent the flow of water. Both gardens change beautifully with the seasons. The most remarkable feature is “Yuka-momiji,” which refers to the reflection of leaves on the polished floor. You may not have seen such breathtaking colours before. 

Jizo-in Temple

It is known as “Take-no-tera,” which refers to bamboos and a temple since it is surrounded by verdant bamboo. The highlight of its scenery in autumn is the beautiful contrast of green bamboo and the yellow and red leaves. It is also famous for its unique prayer method. After paying a visit to Bishamonten (Vaiśravaṇa), visitors can play the piano to dedicate music to the guardian. The combination of birds’ chirps, the rustling of leaves, and the piano sound provides an experience as if you are not in the real world. 

Komyo-ji Temple

The approach to the temple transforms into autumn colours. Holding beautiful coloured leaves, the branches of the trees on both sides of the path create a tunnel, and the fallen leaves also form a gorgeous carpet for visitors. This approach is called “Momiji-Sando,” which literally means “Approach with Autumn Leaves to the Temple.” The temple is not only beautiful but also has significant historical value. It was the first place where Honen-Shonin, the founder of the Jodo sect, initially propagated the Buddhist message.

Note: It looks the most beautiful at the dusk!

Shuon-an, Ikkyu-ji Temple

Ikkyu, the Japanese monk famous for his quick-witted ideas, spent his last years here. The temple has three gardens located in the eastern, western, and southern parts. Each garden has an independent concept, so every garden will take you on a different journey. The autumn leaves are, of course, beautiful, but noteworthy is the combination of the leaves and the valuable historical buildings. The building called Kokyu-an, which has an elegant cypress bark roof, is where Ikkyu lived in his final years.

Note: Visitors can observe this as a limited-term exhibit during a few days in November to December. The main buildings, treasury houses, and Ikkyu’s statue are all important cultural assets.

Momiji Tempura in Osaka

Conclusion

Through exploring these spots, you will find Wabi-sabi, which is the Japanese cultural sense of finding beauty in quiet simplicity. Kyoto is already a world-famous tourist destination, but there are some hidden gems quietly waiting for you to discover. Once you open the door, you will find a Kyoto you have not yet known. If you are interested in this article and would like to visit, please Contact Us.

Resources: 

京都フリー写真素材 – https://photo53.com/

Plan your journey?

November 2024 Autumn Leaves, Avoid Crouwds, Hidden Gems, Kyoto, Temples and Shrines

Yamagata, one of the prefectures of Tohoku, is becoming increasingly popular for provincial town trips. You will enjoy a calm and warm cultural experience established in the cold northern regions.

Highlights

• Stylish ironware with historical background

• Flowers turn to red dye

• A solemn temple nestled in the mountains

• Nightlife vibes in Yamagata

Yamagata Imono (Yamagata cast metal)

Yamagata cast metal is famous for the “thin-walled beauty” of its body. The surface has a lustrous lacquer finish and is much lighter than any other cast metal products. There is an interesting history behind Yamagata becoming a centre for casting. The area was rich in river sand, which was suitable for making moulds. Additionally, people needed to conserve iron because it was a rare material at that time. This is how the traditional slim-body style was initially established. With its fineness and simple design, it fits seamlessly into every kitchen. As you use and care for it, its colour deepens, reflecting the users’ lifestyle. This is not just ironware but a cultural product that integrates into your daily life.

Mogami Safflower (Benibana)

Would you imagine that this bright yellow flower produces vivid red dyes? Mogami safflower is known for its excellent quality and accounts for almost all domestic output. The Mogami River, which flows to the trading area, also aided transportation. The beautiful red colour made from the yellow flower has fascinated people for approximately 500 years. Surprisingly, the red pigment is extracted at only 1% from each petal of the flower. It has been used to dye fabrics and make lip stains as organic products. The lovely tint depends on how much you dissolve the dye in water. Thus, safflower dye contributes to the growth of both cultural and trade areas in Yamagata. The expression “Safflower dye is worth its weight in gold” aptly illustrates how treasured it was in history. The lip stain products and dyed fabrics made from this natural material enjoy strong popularity and demand as luxury items.

Risshakuji-temple (Yamadera)

Risshakuji Temple is also known by the name “Yamadera,” which means a temple located in the mountains. It is literally situated midway up a steep path, with over a thousand stone steps leading to breathtaking views. The path to the temple is known as a training route to cleanse your mind. It is said that you can wash away worldly desires the higher you climb the stone steps in your mind. Basho Matsuo, the haiku poet of the Edo period, wrote a poem about Risshakuji Temple. His renowned expression, “The silence that the voice of cicadas seeps into the rock,” is famous. The contrast of noise and tranquillity accurately describes its solemnity and mystique. You will see some historical landmarks, such as the statues of Basho and his disciple Sora. This was not only a place for Buddhist practices but also supported the safflower industry by providing agricultural land.

Bar-Hopping (Snack)

One type of Japanese bar is called “Snack,” as it was initially established as a place to enjoy small portions. There are female owners, known as “Mama,” who run these establishments. The atmosphere is casual and homely, allowing guests to enjoy conversations with Mama, the female staff, and other guests while drinking and having light meals. Additionally, an interesting feature is that you can sing karaoke there. It is a place where you will feel more like you are spending time merrily with your family or friends rather than in a formal setting. You will enjoy different company at each Snack, making it worthwhile to hop from one to another! The neon-lit signage at night paints the town, creating a unique nightlife atmosphere. Snack culture started with several important roles, such as providing opportunities for women to take active roles, bringing local people together, and facilitating interaction with people from foreign areas. These roles are still relevant today, as Snacks continue to help preserve local food culture.reas. These roles are still relevant today, as Snacks continue to help preserve local food culture.

Conclusion

You may already have some lovely ideas for souvenirs and how to enjoy a provincial town in Japan. As part of its name, “Yama” means mountains; the region is surrounded by abundant nature, yet the city centre is quite urban. If you would like to enjoy both nature and city experiences, Yamagata is absolutely for you.

If you are interested in this article and would like to visit, please Contact Us.

Resources:

やまがたへの旅 – 山形県公式観光サイト- https://yamagatakanko.com/
「山寺と紅花」推進協議会事務局（山形県観光文化スポーツ部 県民文化芸術振興課 日本遺産担当) – https://yamadera-benibana.jp/
Hidden Japan –  https://thehiddenjapan.com/yamagata-bar-hopping/
長文堂 – https://www.chobundo.jp/index.html
Japan National Tourism Organization – https://www.japan.travel/en/

October 2024 Hidden Gems, Japanese Bar, Natural Dye, Senior Trip, Temples and Shrines, Things to do, Tohoku, Yamagata

Shikoku tour – explore modern art and  building in four regions

Kagawa, Naoshima

Benesse House Museum (GoogleMap 4.3 Trip Advisor 4.0, 438reviews)

Benesse House Museum is an art museum and hotel in one facility. The theme of the museum is “A harmonious integration of nature, architecture, and art”. Being both the architecture of the building and exhibitions mordern, it is like a treasure box outside and inside. Architect is Tadao Ando, who is the strength of geometrical designing and blending lighting expression to architecture. Unique display areas which based on the concept of the sea and valley locate both inside and outside.  Even the sunlight and ocean view surrounding the museum are spice to make new impression of the exhibitions. There are also some exclusives for night over guests.  Benesse house, the hotel provides  exhibitions displayed only for the guests and night time art touring.  

Tokushima

Secondly, you will explore a unique vine bridge in Tokushima.

Iya Kazura bashi, Tokushima (Actinidia arguta vine bridge)

Kouchi

Niyodo river

Chinka bashi

Niyodo river has six bridges that have narrow bodies and simple structures. The name means “bridge which sinks bottom” in Japanese came from the bridge literally sinks under the water when it rained heavily.  One of the bridges, Asao chinka bridge is famous for taking place for popular dramas and films. Enjoying the beautiful view of the river, exploring every six Chinkabashi following flow of the river is good idea to create a travell memory.

Ehime

Frou-an, Garyu Sanso

Machiya and Castle stay experience in Ozu

There are some famous town revitalisation projects using beautiful historical buildings such as Machiya and Ozu castle.Machiya is a traditional building style which was for citizen houses in the past. Because of the depopulation for maintain and succeeding, some of Machiya were abandoned despite being a highly valuable cultural material. After revitalisation project started, some of the traditional machiya-buildings were renovated to a hotel, restaurant and small wedding hall remaining the traditional architecture. Town has totally  come back to life and visitors! Another effort to improve the city was Castle stay which was the  very  first attempt in Japan. Ozu castle is loved as a town symbol by local people and opened for visitors in day times. Surprisingly, guests can make reservation to stay the castle tower as a hotel! Spending time calling mind of ancient history staying a night inside of important cultural property is essential experience. You will enjoy the breath of the architecture by your five senses. Silence inside of robust wooden building, The fragrance of cypress, artistic design of traditional rooms…everything will satisfy you.

Conclusion

Shikoku is treasure island of the nature, art and  traditional architectures. It is the best choice for visitors who like to go around some unique landmarks in short stay because it does not take time to tour all four regions. After exploring hidden gems in four regions, you will be as satisfied as when you found the four stars of Southern Cross in the clear night sky!

Resources: 

Benesse Art Site Naoshima — https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/

三好市公式観光サイト 大歩危祖谷ナビ MIYOSHI CITY TOURISM OBOKE IYA NAVI — https://miyoshi-tourism.jp/

SHIKOKU TOURS — https://shikokutours.com

NIPPONIA HOTEL — https://www.ozucastle.com 

大洲市観光まちづくり戦略会議「大洲市観光総合サイトVisit Ozu」— https://jp.visitozu.com

September 2024

 Just a note to say thank you for all your assistance with our Japan holiday. It was a fabulous trip. We all really enjoyed the tours, the variety of activities, the order of the itinerary (finishing in Tokyo was a great idea – a really fun way to end the trip) and the accommodation. It all worked out very well.

Thank you for your excellent organisation and also your quick responses to us while away!

I hope you have had a good break over Christmas and New Year.

We will be in touch about our next holiday! Kind regards, D.

January 2024

We loved the trip to Kamikochi, with steep hills and valley and beautiful rivers – it was absolutely marvellous.

Seeing monkeys was a bonus, and there were lots of signs of bears, but we didn’t see any. It all really reminded me of the Rocky Mountains in Canada or the European Alps, but with less people, huts and cows.

The contrast of the landscape with bamboo groves, rivers and snow-capped mountains was amazing, and the village was really cute to visit.

We were the only westerners at the hotel, which was an amazing traditional experience. The staff were so welcoming and went out of their way to help both with our stay and our travels.

The pond is a must see!

July 2023 Customer Service, Hotel, Kamikochi, Mountains, Nature

We had an absolute dream time in Japan, cherry blossoms arrived two weeks earlier this year and not only we did not miss it but were right in the middle of it everywhere we went. From our pocket WiFi to trains, hotels to excursions, all went extremely well.

Also, weather was unusually kind to us, most days we were under the full sun, including the day we went to Mt Fuji!!! Not a single piece of cloud (apparently a very rare thing).

Kind people, excellent food, we were so happy, while still in Japan we were talking about our next Japan trip.

Thought you enjoy hearing all the positive marks from our wonderful Japan holiday.

Thanks again, have a nice day.

May 2023

Hi Miyuki,

I just want to let you know I am back in Australia.  My wife and I had a fantastic trip and enjoyed the tour you have organised through Europamundo.  Everything worked according to plan and we had no issues at all.

Many thanks for your expertise and help in making this trip a memorable one!  ????  All the best!

April 2023 Europamundo

Thank you Miyuki (from JTB). You are wonderful. 

March 2023

Hi Chris,
They loved everything about what you organized, the hotel, tour etc.
Thanks again.

Hotel, Tour

Hi Clement ,

The party of four passengers have returned from their trip with the following feedback : They were amazed at the value of their JTB package holiday. They were impressed by the standard, location and quality of the accommodation. Their holiday was seamless – they felt that the arrangements were comprehensive and efficient. They could not fault one detail of the trip and could not stop singing praises.  I don’t mind telling you I was happy to take all of the credit ? Clement – this is my way of saying THANKYOU. You are working incredibly hard, it is a time of unprecedented pressure, yet your work remains immaculate. I cannot thank you enough for your professionalism and attentiveness.  I am so grateful that you weathered the storm and have remained at JTB.  I look forward to continuing to work with you.  Happy Friday. Well Done.  Please tell me you are going to get some time off this weekend. ?

February 2023 JTB package holiday

Good morning Blake

Thank you so much for all your orgainsing and booking; we had a fantastic trip. Everything was awesome and the Japan rail passes were amazing; we caught the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka and returned and caught the Narita airport express. The One Piece show was great too. Our fast passes for Universal Studio were fantastic; and our two day pass to Disneyland and DisneySea. It was great because everything was all organised in Australia before we left and we appreciate all your assistance and constant communication with our booking. The SUICA cards were a lifesaver with the Tokyo metro and the Disneyland monorail.

Thank you again.

Warm Regards

Dannielle

July 2019

Dear Chris

Better late than never!!!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for organising such a great trip in Japan from 15 May – 04 June 2019.  We love Naomi and are so grateful that she put us in contact with you.

The most amazing thing for people our age, was the detailed instructions that came with our journey throughout Japan. We also appreciated the choice of tours and places to stay.

All of our tour guides were great, but we would like to mention two in particular. Kenta who took us on the Salary Man’s tour inn Shimbashi.  His knowledge was very comprehensive and as we were the only 2 on this tour, we had an extended night of enjoyment.

Secondly – Kao in Fukuoka, where we went to Dazaifu and Yanagawa. Her knowledge and grasp of English was excellent, and she had to answer some curly questions for us, but the knowledge she has of facts for the future of Japan was totally outstanding.

We can totally recommend your services.

Pat and Robyn

My pleasure, Chris san!

You have been an amazing help with such efficient service and you always go above and beyond to help me create the best itinerary!

Thank YOU always!  Have a lovely weekend J

Koyomi

July 2019

Hey Clement, 

I wanted to give you my glowing feedback for Anait! She is an absolute gem and I have been working exclusively with her for the last 12 months. I can’t speak highly enough of her. Her attention to detail is so amazing, I love that she goes above and beyond to give me the ‘walking distances to and from hotels/stations’ and she always makes suggestions of great tours. I am appreciative that I am able to email her my quote/booking requests and she will without fail action them within 24 hours (even sooner when I sometimes put her under pressure).

Our conversion rate together is pretty high, I recon we convert 9 out of 10 quotes which is amazing!!  

She is a huge asset to your company and I wanted to make sure everyone knows that I think she is THE BEST IN THE BIZ!

Feel free to share my feedback with her and anyone who wants to hear!!

Thanks for listening, have a great day!

Natalie

June 2019

Hi Miyuki

Just letting you know that our trip to Japan was amazing. Thank you for your assistance.

Everything was so well organised. In particular thank you for your suggestion of staying in Ueno for our final couple of days when we returned to Tokyo. It is a lovely area and we probably wouldn’t have discovered it on our own.

Susan