Situated in northwestern Kyoto, this UNESCO Heritage Site has a long and turbulent history dating back to 1397 and has been rebuilt numerous times, most recently in 1955.
Widely considered the most famous temple in Japan and visited by a large number of both Japanese and international tourists year-round, it is easy to access and just a 40-minute bus ride from Kyoto station.
Kyoto’s Kyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most celebrated of Japan’s numerous temples and shrines. The meaning of its name is literally translated “Pure Water Temple”. This name is derived from the pristine waters of the Otowa Waterfall, on which site the temple was built. It is also famous for its large wooden terrace.
The Kyomizu-dera was founded in 780. Its present structures were erected in 1633. It was originally associated with one of the oldest schools of Japanese Buddhism, the Hosso sect. Since 1965, it has hosted its own Kita Hosso sect.
Mickey Mouse is popular the world over and JR have taken note with the revealing of a new themed series 800 bullet train service inspired by the Disney mascot. The new Go! Waku Waku Trip with Mickey is a Mickey Mouse Shinkansen bullet train experience which is coming to JR this spring from May 17th and is sure to be a big hit with mouse fans.
As part of Mickey’s 90th-anniversary celebrations, Disney and JR have teamed up to create a specially decorated 6 carriage Shinkansen train which will run on the Island of Kyushu between May and November (although the end date may change). This new service will carry on the tradition of previous JR campaigns featuring beloved animation characters like the Hello Kitty Shinkansen and Pikachu train.
Okinawa Prefecture consists of more than 150 distinct islands, all of which lie 400 miles from mainland Japan. This sets Okinawa apart as a world unto itself.
In Okinawa, you can explore deserted beaches, swim with sea turtles, or snorkel in crystal clear waters. One hundred and eleven of Okinawa’s islands are uninhabited, pristine and untouched, making them prime real estate for adventure. Okinawa is home to rare creatures, such as the Iriomote wild cat, and cuisine unique and different from the rest of Japan.
Mount Fuji is a breathtaking destination which is right at the top of many visitors’ bucket lists. It offers sensational views which have inspired Japanese art for centuries but, at over 3,500 meters above sea level, it has not been the easiest place to get to!
The implementation of the Fuji Excursion train has made it much easier. It connects Shinjuku Station (Tokyo) directly to Mt Fuji which saves travelers a great deal of time as well as the hassle of making multiple changes.
Woodland birds call to one another as you ascend the mountain trail – flat stones like cobblestones in the rich earth. Trees that appear too narrow to uphold their own great height mingle with verdant green undergrowth.
This is just one of the peaceful scenes that the Nakasendo Trail has to offer. Other portions pass alongside the fields and homes of local residents, intersecting with modern roads. Each end of the trail is capped with a charming historic village. Use this handy travel guide to begin planning your adventure today.
