Mimurotoji: The Hydrangea Temple
Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu, isn’t my favorite time of year. Starting in mid-June, its a long period of rainfall and humidity that lasts until mid-July (followed by the…
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A Stroll Through Kokoen
Just southwest of Himeji Castle, lies a beautiful Japanese garden that offers gorgeous views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kokoen is 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres) in size and consists…
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Meissen At Simose Art Museum
While browsing Google Maps one day, as my cartophilia has me do, a particular site in the area caught my eye. Mostly because I mistook it for my own name…
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Autumn on Miyajima
For someone who grew up with only two seasons (kak hot and a little chilly, respectively), autumn and spring are still a novelty for me. If I had to choose…
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Inside the Enchanting Sanzenin
Just an hour north of central Kyoto is a small village nestled in the mountains. Ohara is known for its gorgeous scenery, pickled cucumbers, and beautiful Buddhist temple.
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Cosmos in Kameoka
Cosmos, which bloom from early to mid October in Japan, always remind me of home. The flowers aren’t native to South Africa, but they might as well as be. Brought…
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The Great Wisteria Festival
About 80 km (49.7 mi) outside of Tokyo, there’s a 94,000 m² flower park, which is roughly the size of 17 American football fields. And inside the park, sits a…
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Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Just ten minutes away from Kobe by ropeway, Nunobiki Herb Gardens offers a spectacular view of the city. Comprising of 12 spacious gardens, visitors can enjoy 75,000 herbs and 200…
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Plum Blossoms at Hiroshima Castle
The original Hiroshima Castle, built in the 1590s, was older than the city itself. But like most buildings, it was largely destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. The castle…
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Plum Blossoms at Shukkeien
As some of the first flowers to open each year in Japan, plum blossoms signal the start of spring. They may not be as popular as cherry blossoms, but they’re…
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Heian Shrine and Gardens
On the 1,110th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto, which was once known as Heian, a shrine was built to mark the occasion. Heian Shrine is dedicated to the spirits…
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