Kansai

Kansai

Hannya-ji Temple Dreamlike
Autumn

Hannya-ji: The Cosmos Temple

Nara is very pretty with plenty of hidden corners to visit that I’ll try to help you discover. One of my autumn favourites is Hannya-ji Temple.

Cosmos Bloom
JFMAMJJASOND
Eerie ruins of Nara Dreamland at sunset, a haunting reminder of impermanence. Haunting
Nara

Nara Dreamland: The End of a Dream

Nara Dreamland was an abandoned amusement park. I've just spent a year in Nara (2015-2016), a kilometre from the park, so it's time for me to write a little epilogue.

Difficulty
Risk
Exploring Fushimi Inaris Enchanting Torii Gates in Kyoto, Japan. Some hiking
Kansai

Fushimi Inari Shrine at Night

When the moon slowly rises... And the lights begin to reverberate with the rhythm of a poem...

Some crowds
2–4 hours (longer if you loop the full mountain trail or explore side paths)
Yoshinoyama Vibrant
Japan

Yoshinoyama, The Cherry-blossom Mountain

Mount Yoshino is the most famous sakura site in Japan. With more than 30,000 cherry trees covering the whole mountain, the very idea seems fantastic. But is this really the best site? To get off to a good start, here’s my favourite scene of the day.

Cherry Blossom Peak
JFMAMJJASOND
Eternal Union: Meoto Iwa, Japans iconic coastal landmark symbolizing eternal unity. Mysterious
Japan

Meoto Iwa: The Wedded Rocks

These two rocks connected by a thick rope and the little torii on top is one of these mysterious images that inevitably draw visitors to Japan. But if you actually go to see them won’t that strip them of their mystique forever?

Solstice Sunrise
JFMAMJJASOND
Takeda Castle in Japan, shrouded in mist, against a backdrop of lush greenery. Ethereal
Autumn

Takeda, the Castle in the Sky

On l'appelle le Château dans le Ciel ou encore le Machu Picchu du Japon. Rien que ça ;)

Sea Of Clouds
JFMAMJJASOND
Awe-inspiring Amanohashidate sandbar with lush surroundings and majestic mountains in Japan. Easy walk
Autumn

Amanohashidate

According to a Japanese philosopher, Amanohashidate is one of the three most famous views of Japan ... along with Matsushima and Miyajima.

Some crowds
Half day (longer if visiting both viewpoints and walking part/all of the 3.4 km sandbar)
Discover the eerie beauty of the abandoned Maya Hotel in Kobe, Japan. Haunting
Hyogo

Maya Hotel: The Most Famous Abandoned Hotel

Does that ever feel strange to you to think that the only way to the hotel is through the cable car?

Difficulty
Risk
Eerie night view of abandoned Nara Dreamland Roller Coaster in Japan. Haunting
Nara

Nara Dreamland: The Abandoned Rollercoasters

Nara Dreamland - the last big abandoned attraction park in Japan - is still standing 2 years later after my first visit !

Difficulty
Risk