Mount Kongo, Kansai’s Snowy Escape
On the border of Osaka and Nara is the 1125m tall Mount Kongo [金剛山]. Mount Kongo is one of the most popular mountains in the Kansai, especially in winter when people from all over the Kansai region come to enjoy
Tag: Hiking
Mt. Atago and Atago Shrine: Day Hike!
Just a little bit away from the bustle of tourist heavy Arashiyama is Mount Atago. The mountain is a very popular day hike for the residents of Kyoto and the surrounding areas. This 924m high mountain offers hikers and nature
Minoo Waterfall, Osaka’s Best Spot for Fall Leaves!
When it comes to fall foliage, or koyo [紅葉] in Japanese, Kyoto always comes to people’s minds. For this reason, during the fall in Kyoto there are often larger than normal crowds. In extreme case, you have to wait for
The Choishi Michi: The Sacred Pilgrimage to Koyasan
Koyasan is one of the most famous tourist place in Kansai region. While today getting there is pretty easy as most people just take the Nankai Line, and then the cable car to the temple complex, for many centuries, people
Yamanobe no Michi Trail: Japan’s Oldest Road
Hiking in Japan is both really easy and very fun. With many mountains and well maintained trails, everyone from young to the old can enjoy an invigorating hike. One of the most famous and popular hiking trails in Nara is
Hiking Kasugayama Primeval Forest
Nara City is home to literally dozens of World Heritage sites, many of which are Japanese temples and shrines. However, there are several places recognized as World Heritage sites that are neither. One example is Kasugayama Primeval Forest. Just a
Osaka’s Hidden Autumn Beauty, Hoshi no Buranko
There are many nice spots throughout in Osaka where you can enjoy the koyo, or autumn colors. One such place is Hoshi no Buranko [星のブランコ] in Hoshida Prefectural Park. Hoshi no Buranko is a long suspension bridge that connects two small