walking – Super Cheap Japan

Kinjo District

Kinjo District (金城町石畳) has a beautiful stone-paved path running through it, lined with old-fashioned houses with red-tiled roofs and stone walls. How to get there It’s a 15 minute walk from Shurijo Castle park. Map

Minoo Park

Minoo Park (箕面公園) is a popular day trip from Osaka, a great place to go hiking or enjoy some local food and buy some souvenirs. It is what Mount Takao is to Tokyo, a very accessible and inexpensive to access hiking area, with all sorts of hiking routes for all sorts of difficulty. Most people takeContinue reading “Minoo Park”

Mount Oyama

Along with Mount Takao, Mount Oyama (大山) is one of the best, and cheapest mountains to access near Tokyo. There are multiple routes available, so this would suit any kind of hiker. There is also a cable car for those who just want to get to the top and check out the views. Trails takeContinue reading “Mount Oyama”

Japan’s most beautiful temple – Chuson-ji, Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi really does have a lot to offer. After becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011, Hiraizumi has gone from strength to strength, full of seasonal events and well maintained, interesting shrines. There are plenty of free ones around, but the main ones are definitely worth the entrance fee. In the north part of Hiraizumi is Chuson-ji, which is part ofContinue reading “Japan’s most beautiful temple – Chuson-ji, Hiraizumi”

Hiraizumi

While Japan’s other World Heritage sites get more attention, Hiraizumi (平泉) is the one to see if you want to do something a little different. Most famous is its golden hall in Chuson-ji Temple, but the town is full of mini-temples, plus some impressive gardens and lakes. Top Tips Pick up a free map from theContinue reading “Hiraizumi”