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Mizuya Chaya // Nara Park’s Hidden Teahouse Where Deers Join You For Lunch
Discover Mizuya Chaya (水谷茶屋), a hidden thatched roof teahouse in Nara Park, Japan where sika deers roam freely and join you for lunch at outdoor tables. Tucked off the main tourist trail between Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, this lunch spot has been serving udon since 1948. In autumn, blazing Japanese maple leaves frame the moss-covered teahouse in an atmospheric scene. Beyond the...
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5 Ways to Experience Toji Temple After Dark // Kyoto’s Breathtaking Autumn Night Illumination
Toji Temple Kyoto’s autumn night illumination transforms Japan’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site each fall — where the reflection of the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan shimmers across an illuminated pond, Japanese maple leaves blaze red and gold overhead, and centuries of heritage glow quietly in the night.
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11 Must-See Sights at Himeji Castle in Spring // Cherry Blossom Sakura Season in Japan
Arriving early morning, Himeji Castle 姫路城 rises above its brilliant walls framed by cherry blossoms in full bloom. This is the White Heron Castle in spring — where hanami culture, history, and Japan’s iconic sakura scenery converge into one unforgettable experience. Before the crowds arrive and the petals begin to fall, here are the 11 sights you won’t want to miss.
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7 Things to Do at Nanzen-ji // Kyoto’s Roman-Style Aqueduct Temple
Steeped in history and culture, Nanzenji Temple 南禅寺 is one of the 5 great Zen temples in Kyoto and occupies a huge piece of land. It offers many attractions that will enchant travelers: a rare Roman-style aqueduct, the largest temple gate in Japan, Zen rock gardens, and stunning autumn colors.
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Jojakko-ji // Where Moss and Maple Leaves Meet in Kyoto Arashimaya
Nestled in the quieter part of the renowned Arashiyama district is Jojakko-ji 常寂光寺. A charming temple hidden away at the base of Mount Ogura, its unassuming rustic beauty is often underrated. During autumn, it's a place where Japanese maple leaves, ginkgo trees, and moss meet in an explosion of colors.
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8 Things to do at Kiyomizu-dera // Kyoto’s Nailless Hillside Temple
Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺 is Kyoto's most famous temple. Almost every traveler who passes through Kyoto would have made a trip to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built on the hillside of Higashiyama, with its nailless main hall and especially during its autumn peak.