Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Kyoto is historical, cultural, and the most popular city to visit within Japan after Tokyo. But what makes Kyoto so popular amongst the tourists both within and beyond Japan? Is it the food? The nature? Or the temples and historical buildings such as Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. My guess is the latter. This cultural capital has many hidden and lesser known temples that are tucked away in neighborhoods, located in mountainous areas, or in places that are more difficult to get to. These 5 lesser known temples in Kyoto offer visitors a chance to escape the busy crowds at some of the more popular temples in Kyoto and offer a more authentic Kyoto experience.  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Lesser-known Temples in Kyoto Worth Visiting I’ve been to Kyoto twice now and mainly seek out the temples I missed from the time before. I’ve seen hundreds of temples throughout Japan yet visiting them never gets old. There are over 2000 temples and shrines found in and around Kyoto. There are the popular ones like Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Higashiyama Jisho-ji. I’ve visited these temples on my first trip to Kyoto. These temples are spectacular and a must visit when in Kyoto. But we’ve discovered temples in Kyoto that are fascinating and blew us away that aren’t mentioned in your traditional guidebooks. Here are 5 lesser-known temples in Kyoto that don’t get as much attention but definitely should be included on everyone’s Kyoto itinerary.  1. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji A short walk from Arashiyama is Adashino Nembutsu-ji⛩. Adashino Nembutsu-ji was one of the more surprising lesser known temples in Kyoto and one temple I highly recommend visiting in Kyoto, especially if in the Arashiyama area.  The name Adashino comes from the name of the place the temple is located at. In Ancient Kyoto, the dead were buried in the Adashino area by a Buddhist monk named Kukai. Because of the burials that took place at the temple, the site became a sacred center of learning and teaching for a sect of Buddhism known as Amida Buddha.  There are two features that belong to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji that make this temple a hidden gem in Kyoto.  First is the 8,000 Buddha statues at the temple. These Buddha statues were originally placed at the temple as grave stones for people from the Heian period until the Edo period (793-1868). Most of these Buddha statues are placed in a center location that is walled with a tall pagoda statue. Visitors can walk inside the wall area but photography is prohibited.  The next surprising feature at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is the bamboo forest associated with the temple leading to a cemetery at the top of a hill. I feel the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama is overrated simply because it’s small and packed with tourists. I mean you can’t get a photo here without a hundred people in your photo. I did get lucky and visited the bamboo forest during the Covid-19 pandemic and had the forest to myself, but that is in the past and it remains one of Kyoto’s most popular sites. As an alternative, the bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is almost identical to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. We were blown away by the similarities of the bamboo forests and curious as to why the bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji had so little visitors. We weren’t complaining.  Because of the 8,000 Buddha statues and bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, this temple might be my #1 recommended lesser known temple in Kyoto.  Admission and Hours Admission Adults – ¥500  Hours March – November 9:00 – 16:30 December – February 9:00 – 15:30 2. Chion-in Chion-in ⛩  is a massive temple complex in the heart of Kyoto. I feel like this is one of Kyoto’s hidden gems but it shouldn’t be. Chion-in is right by Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park. Yet, I never see Chion-in in any guide books or mentions of it. In fact, the first time I went to Tokyo, I rode my bike right past this temple without even noticing it. It wasn’t until our last trip to Kyoto walking to Nanzen-ji where Jill and I decided to check out Chion-in. Since 1523, Chion-in has been the head temple of the Jodo Shu or Pure Land Sect of Buddhism. The founder of Jodo Shu, Honen was a religious reformer and spread teachings of Jodo Shu at the site of Chion-in. He died in the year 1212 at the temple. For more information on the history of Chion-in, I recommend visiting the  Chion-in website.  Saying this temple complex is huge is an understatement. Visitors can literally spend a half day at Chion-in alone. In all honesty, this temple complex deserves several hours to explore.  When visiting Chion-in, you can’t help but notice the Sanmon (Main Gate). The Sanmon is a masterpiece and a behemoth of a structure. This gate was constructed in 1621 and is considered one of the largest double gates in the country of Japan. Mieido, is another stunning building within the Chion-in complex. Mieido is considered the main hall of Jodo Shu and is home to the sacred image of the founder, Honen. The inside of Mieido is gorgeous but one of the more interesting features of this hall is the Wasuregasa “Forgotten Umbrella.”  Unaware of what I was looking for, I suddenly felt someone poke me on the stomach, followed by another poke. There was a group of elderly Japanese women that kept poking me and trying to point out the Wasuregasa. After several attempts of trying to locate it with the help of the sweet ladies, I finally saw the umbrella stuck under the roof of the front of Mieido. I still don’t really know the history or anything about the umbrella, but it’s a fun aspect of the temple, so when visiting the Mieido at Chion-in, don’t forget to look up!  Don’t forget to check out the Daishoro or Great Bell Tower. It is one of Japan’s 3 great bells and weighs around 70 tons!  At the time we visited Chion-in around the holidays, there was an illumination going on during the evening and night hours. On a whim, we decided to come back the following day at night to see the illumination and it was fun to see Chion-in lit up with festive lights.  Admission and Hours Admission Free of Charge to visit the Temple Complex. There is a fee to visit Hojo and Yuzen Gardens.  Adults – Yuzen Garden ¥300, Hojo Garden ¥400, Both Gardens ¥500 Children – Yuzen Garden ¥150, Hojo Garden ¥200, Both Gardens ¥250 Hours 9:00 – 15:50, Gates close at 16:30. 3. Nanzen-ji Nanzen-ji is a temple in Kyoto I actually had marked for a future visit. Honestly, this temple complex was pretty busy mainly with native Japanese during the autumn season. Even though Nanzen-ji was busy, I’ve never seen photos or heard of it. Nanzen-ji doesn’t get nowhere near as much recognition as other temples like Kinkaku-ji or Fushimi Inari Taisha.  Nanzen-ji is farther out from Kyoto’s center. It is located in the Higashiyama area. This Buddhist temple is a massive complex with an impressive Sanmon (main gate), aqueduct, and Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters).  The aqueduct at the temple is something I haven’t seen before in Japan. It was constructed at the site during the Meiji Period to transport water from nearby Lake Biwa to Kyoto.  One of our favorite parts of Nanzen-ji was Tenju-an Temple and its gardens. The gardens here especially during the fall season are some of the prettiest we’ve seen while traveling around Japan. The gardens were beautiful and the fall foliage was brilliant. There is a pond here with magnificent views.  Admission and Hours Admission ¥500 to access Hojo and enter Sanmon. ¥500 to visit Tenju-an Temple and the gardens Hours March – November 8:40 – 17:00 December – February 8:40 – 16:30 4. Ninna-ji Ninna-ji ⛩ is considered one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it isn’t far from the famous Kinkaku-ji, Golden Temple.  Ninna-ji was founded in the year 888 AD. According to information read at the site, Ninna-ji is the headquarters of the Omuro School for the Buddhism sect of Shingon.  When first visiting Ninna-ji visitors will notice the Nio-mon Gate and the Five-Storied Pagoda. One of my favorite buildings at Ninna-ji is Miei-do. When we visited this temple, flowers were in full bloom, it was just beautiful.  The grounds of the temple complex are free to roam. Visitors can walk through Nio -mon Gate, see the Five-Storied Pagoda for free.  There is one section of Ninna-ji that does charge an admission fee. At ¥800, I found it to be a bit pricey but glad I paid the admission and visited the Goten Palace and Gardens. Entrance fee includes the Entry Hall, Imperial Gate, Shiro-shoin, Shinden Dantei and Hokutei Gardens, Shinden, Kuro-shoin, and Reimeiden.  Admission and Hours Admission ¥800 for Adults Hours 9:00 – 17:00 (March – November) and 9:00 – 16:30 (December – February) 5. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji If you are looking for a unique thing to do in Kyoto and want to visit a hidden gem, I recommend a visit to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji might be one of the more unique Buddhist temples in Kyoto.  This site has a long history with the first temple being built here in the year 766. Unfortunately, the original temple was a victim of a major flood. About 150-200 years later, a new temple was constructed at the site of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. Due to a series of unfortunate events such as civil war, typhoons, and other natural disasters, this temple was wiped out again and again. After being rebuilt several times throughout history, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji stands today and can be enjoyed by all.  What makes this temple truly unique compared to other temples around Kyoto are the 1,200 rakan stone statues. Rakan are followers of Buddha that have been created by people taking a pilgrimage to learn the proper carving techniques of these statues taught by Kocho Nishimura, who was a sculpture. Each rakan is different, some are serious while others are comical in ways.  Admission and Hours Admission ¥300 for Adults Hours 8:00 – 16:30 Conclusion: Exploring Kyoto’s Lesser-Known Temples With thousands of temples and shrines in and around Kyoto, it can be a daunting task trying to pick and choose which ones to visit. There are the main temples and shrines like Heian, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha that are on everyone’s Kyoto bucket list and they are well worth a visit. But Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, Chion-in, Nanzen-ji, Ninna-ji, and OTagi Nenbutsu-ji are just as impressive and I feel are highly underrater temples in Kyoto. Maybe it is best that these hidden gems in Kyoto stay just that, hidden or else they will be overrun by tourists which can take from the atmosphere.  Obviously, there are probably many more temples that can be added to this list. But I have yet to see and experience every temple and shrine in Kyoto and honestly will probably never get a chance to. Not because I don’t want to but there are simply to many. Toji is another Buddhist temple that I have not been to. Toji has the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. I have yet to visit Reneoin Sanjusagen-do which has 1,000 life size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Reneoin Sanjusagen-do could quite possibly be added to this list in the future. Regardless, of the temple or shrine, they are all unique and beautiful.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area is a name given to Japan’s first World Cultural Heritage Site. These sites were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area consists of several temples and sites at Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji in the town of Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture. Some of the buildings and structures at Horyu-ji are considered to be the world’s oldest wooden structures and are more then 1,300 years old.  Getting to Hoyryu-ji and Hokki-ji Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji are not exactly well known tourist attractions in Japan. It does take a little bit of planning to visit these temples. The Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area are located in the town of Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture. The most well known city in Nara Prefecture is the city of Nara. You can read more about my trip to Nara, titled Travel to Nara, Japan – Deer, Temples, & A Giant Buddha.  Visitors can take the Yamatoji Line from Nara, travel time is about 12-15 minutes. From the station it is about a 20 minute walk. There are buses that run from the station directly to the temple site.  Jill and I drove a car from Kansai International Airport. If renting a car there is a large parking lot about a 5 minute walk away. The parking fee was ¥500.  Guide to Buddhism in Japan Buddhism arrived in Japan over 1,500 years ago. Today, there are about 84 million people in Japan that practice Buddhism. It is the second most practiced religion in Japan after Shintoism which is a religion unique to Japan. In Japan, most people don’t practice one or the other, in fact many people practice both Buddhism and Shintoism.  Buddhism arrived in Japan after making its way through the countries of China and South Korea.  The image of Buddha in Japan changed overtime based on Japanese depictions. Buddha statues from South Korea had a long and slender face but overtime the Japanese made statues depicting Buddha with more of a round face and this can be seen in religious Buddhist monuments throughout Japan.  There are around 75,000 Buddhist temples in Japan. When visiting a temple in Japan, it is considered etiquette by placing your palms together and bowing in front of a Buddhist statue. Unlike at Shinto temples, you do not clap. Instead, after bowing, look at the face of the Buddha statue, slowly and quietly, separate your palms. At Buddhist temples, the Torii Gate is said to be a boundary between the human world and holy grounds. Before proceeding through the Torii Gate, it is expected to bow once to pay respect. Once you pass through the Torii Gate, stay to the side because the center is for the Kami (Spirits).  Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area are two temples complexes, Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These temples are considered to be some of the oldest temples in Japan and are home to some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Horyu-ji was completed in the year 607 and Hoki-ji was completed in 708 during the Asuka Period. According to information at the temple and our local guide, Emperor Yomei promised himself to construct a temple in the name of Buddha in order to pray for recovery from a specific illness. Today, visitors can walk the grounds of both Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji and learn about the history of the temples and how Buddhism made its way to Japan.   Horyu-ji History and Information of Horyu-ji Horyu-ji is considered one of Japan’s oldest temples and is home to some of the oldest wooden buildings and structures in the world. Horyu-ji was built in 607 during the Asuka Period. Emperor Yomei had plans to construct this temple to worship Buddha and pray for recovery from an illness he was facing. Unfortunately, he died and his son, Prince Shotoku carried on his father’s wish of building the temple.  After construction, the temple was called Ikaruga Temple or Horyu-ji which means the “Temple of Flourishing Law.” Today, Horyu-ji is separated into two areas, Saiin Garan and Toin Garan. Between the two areas there are a total of 48 buildings, structures, and monuments. Some of the most important buildings at Horyu-ji include Horyu-ji Gojunoto (Five-Storied Pagoda), the Horyu-ji Kondo (Main Hall), and Horyu-ji Toin Yumedono (Hall of Dreams). Horyu-ji Gojunoto (Five-Storied Pagoda) Horyu-ji Gojunoto is the five-story pagoda at Horyu-ji. This pagoda is 32.5 meters tall and is Japan’s oldest five-storied pagoda.  Horyu-ji Kondo (Main Hall) Horyu-ji Kondo is the main hall at Horyu-ji. There are statues within the main hall that Horyu-ji is dedicated to. There is a Asuka period triad in honor of Prince Shotoku.  Horyu-ji Toin Yumedono (Hall of Visions) Horyu-ji Toin Yumedono also known as the Hall of Visions was constructed at this site in 739. This temple is in the shape of an octagon and is the oldest building like this in Japan. Within the Hall of Visions is the Kuse Kannon. Kuse Kannon is a life sized statue of Prince Shotoku. The statue is hidden and only displayed for public viewing at certain times throughout the year.  Visiting Horyu-ji Horyu-ji is open year round. Visitors can access the Horyu-ji Nandaimon (Great South Gate) and walk around the outside of the temple complex for free. But to enter the temple grounds passed the Horyu-ji Chumon and to see Horyu-ji Toin Yumedono and the museum housing all the incredible artifacts, visitors must pay a ¥1,500 entrance fee for adults and ¥750 for children.  English Goodwill Guide for Horyu-ji Right before entering Horyu-ji we were approached by an individual at the Horyu-ji Chumon (Central Gate). He was part of a English guide company known as English Goodwill Guide for Horyu-ji. He was an older gentleman that spoke just enough English to provide us with enough information on Horyu-ji. Actually we followed him for about 2 hours and learned so much not only about Horyu-ji but more about Buddhism and the history or Japan. He took us throughout the temple and provided us with beneficial information.  At first I was hesitant. We’ve fallen into this trap before where the tour guide doesn’t really know English and reads a notecard, wasting valuable time. Or we’ve had people seem friendly to us wanting to provide information on a site then demanding a tip afterwards, not necessarily in Japan, but still. This experience with English Goodwill guide was much different. The guide was knowledgeable and expected nothing from us. After the 2 hour tour, he simply said bye, hopped on his bike, and rode home to his wife. According to him who was retired, it was an escape from home. Every day he gets to give one English speaking tour and then go home for lunch. Halfway through our tour, he even gave us home made daggers made from bamboo and had us do origami.  Contact: Ikaruga ICES SGG @ ikaruga@kcn.ne.jp To view more about English Goodwill Guide, you can view their Ikaruga ICES SGG website. Hoki-ji Hoki-ji or Hokki-ji is the second temple that is part of the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area. Hoki-ji is formerly known as Okamoto Temple or Ikejiri-dera.  According to information read at the temple site, The Hoki-ji Temple was constructed by Prince Yamashiro, to fulfill the dying wishes of his father, Shotoku Taishi. The temple was completed in the year 708. The palace on the grounds here was where Shotoku Taishi lectured about the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is one of the most important sutras of Buddhism.  When visiting Hokki-ji, the most beautiful and notable building at this  temple is the three-storied pagoda. The pagoda is regarded as the only building here that has been untouched since the early 8th century. The pagoda is 24 meters tall and is a great representation of prime architecture that was established during the Asuka Period (593-710). Hoki-ji three-storied pagoda is Japan’s oldest three-storied pagoda.  Today, visitors can access the temple grounds and view Japan’s oldest three-storied pagoda. There is a small ¥300 fee. The temple grounds are small, allow yourself upwards to 30 minutes to walk around, see the Lecture Hall, Shotendo Hall, and Three-storied pagoda.  Pokémon Manhole Covers in Ikaruga We love hunting for Poke Lids or Pokémon Manhole Covers throughout Japan. It turned out there were a total of 5 Poke Lids in Nara Prefecture and none of them were in the actual town of Nara. All 5 Pokémon manhole covers were located in the town of Ikaruga within walking distance of the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area. We use the Poke Lids website to find Pokémon manhole covers throughout Japan.  Blow are photos of the Pokémon manhole covers in Ikaruga. Here are the names and coordinates for each Poke Lid listed below.  Fletchinder and Deerling – 34°36’29.7″N 135°44’15.2″E Magby and Chimecho – 34°36’29.8″N 135°44’15.7″E Bellsprout and Growlithe – 34°36’17.1″N 135°44’15.4″E Bronzong and Simisear – 34°36’06.8″N 135°44’21.0″E Entei – 34°36’35.4″N 135°44’07.0″E Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store.  Plan Your Trip: Booking Accommodations For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? I recommend checking with Rental Cars. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support!

Okinawa is known for many things like Habushu, beautiful beaches, and festivals. But these all pale in comparison compared to the Shisa. If you’ve traveled anywhere in the Ryukyu Islands, you’ve probably noticed the half dog half lion statues sitting in front of almost every house, business, and roof. These mythical creatures are known as Shisa. Okinawa’s Shisa are said to stand guard and protect citizens from evil spirits. You generally see them in pairs. The female Shisa has a closed mouth which is intended to keep in the good spirits while the male Shisa sits there with its mouth open intending to scare away evil spirits. Curious about learning more on Okinawa’s Shisa? This post covers the history, legends, and where to buy Shisa statues in Okinawa. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! History of the Shisa Okinawa’s Shisa is similar to the Komainu, which are the lion dog statues found on mainland Japan especially near temples. Both Komainu and Shisa are most likely derived from the Chinese Guardian Lions found in China. Although there are many theories how the Shisa’s origin came about in Okinawa, there is no definite answer. Most likely something similar was brought from China either from royalty or through trade but over time stories were passed down and the legend of the Shisa was born!  Most sources point the origin of the legend of the Shisa to the town of Madanbashi. Madanbashi is just south of Naha, Okinawa’s capital right along the Nagado River. The villagers of Madanbashi were under constant attack by a some sort of Sea Dragon. The villagers were hopeless and lived in constant fear of the sea dragon. One day, the King of the Ryukyu Islands paid a visit to the town as it was under attack by the dragon. A priestess in the village noticed the king had a figurine of a Shisa around his neck that was recently gifted to him from a diplomat of China at Shuri Castle.  The Sea Dragon approached the town as the king was there and the priestess yelled to the king to hold the small Shisa figurine up at the approaching dragon. As the king held the Shisa figurine to the dragon a huge “Roar” was heard from the sky and the Shisa figurine came to life. At the same time, a gigantic boulder fell from the sky and landed right on the poor dragons tail disabling his ability o move. The dragon pinned down by the boulder eventually died. At this point, the village was saved and they left the dragon where he died. Eventually the jungle took over, covering the dragons body and this became Gana-Mui Forest. In honor of the Shisa that saved the town of Madanbashi from the sea dragon, the villagers built a Shisa at the top of the hill to protect the village from the dragon’s evil spirits.  Okinawa’s Shisa Today Shisa are found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are guardians and protect from evil spirits. You will usually see Shisa in pairs, a female with her mouth closed and a male with his mouth wide open. If you pay attention, you will see them everywhere. Almost every house in Okinawa has a pair of Shisa’s sitting at the entrance. Not only houses will have Shisa, they are generally found in front of stores, office buildings, schools, parks, etc.. You can even find Shisa being used as construction barriers and road posts.  Shisa’s originally looked fierce and mighty but today you can find Shisa statues in all shapes and sizes with a variety of personalities from serious to down right goofy.  There are even a few fun manhole covers around Okinawa that have Shisa painted on them. One manhole cover I found was near Saion Ufu Shisa and the other one is fairly new near Katsuren Castle.  Popular Shisa Statues Around Okinawa Although Shisa statues can be found throughout Okinawa, there are a few that stand out more then the rest. Whether it be their historical significance, location, or just sheer size, the three Shisa statues listed below are some of the most popular and photographed Shisa statues on the island of Okinawa.  Cape Zanpa Giant Shisa Cape Zanpa is known for its rugged coastline, white lighthouse, and a giant Shisa. I believe this is the largest Shisa in Okinawa. I’m not entirely sure why there is only one Shisa here but it’s well worth a visit not to mention Cape Zanpa is a beautiful area to explore.  Saion Ufu Shisa Saion Ufu Shisa is another famous Shisa statue in Okinawa. Saion Ufu Shisa is located right by the Makishi Monorail Station. This Shisa statue is 3.4 meters tall and weighs 3 tons. Apparently it’s made out of tsuboya pottery and took 5 months to create.  The Stone Lion of Tomori The Stone Lion of Tomori is a historical Shisa statue sitting on top of a ridge overlooking the community of Tomori. This Shisa has always been popular among the locals but it became a famous tourist spot because there is a famous photograph of soldiers hunkered behind and around the statue looking through binoculars at a distant ridge. You can search online for the original picture, I tried my best to recreate the original! I believe the Stone Lion of Tomori is the oldest of Okinawa’s Shisa statues, it was created in 1689.  Today, the Stone Lion of Tomori sits within a nice little park on top of a hill. Thankfully, this statue survived the war and still stands, although it is riddled with bullet holes.  Best Places to Buy Shisa Shisa’s can be bought all throughout the Ryukyu Islands. On the main island of Okinawa, you can find a pair of Shisa in just about every souvenir shop. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are mass produced while others are made by local artists and potters. If you are in a hurry while leaving Okinawa and need a quick gift you can always purchase a pair of Shisa at Naha International Airport. For a more authentic pair of Shisa or just a better variety then the standard ones found at souvenir shops, I know of a few locations that specialize in making Shisa statues that to me are more meaningful and unique. Below are two locations, I recommend visiting if in the hunt for a pair of Shisa statues.  Naha’s Tsuboya Yachimun Street Tsuboya Yachimun Street is located in downtown Naha. “Yachimun” is the Okinawan word for pottery and this street is famous for its many shops that sell handcrafted pottery and Shisa statues. Nearly every shop along Tsuboya Yachimun Street carries Shisa and each shop will have a good variety of Shisa statues to buy. At this point, it is all up to the buyer on what they want. Are you looking for a medium sized and more serious Shisa for your front entrance or do you want small, silly, Shisa’s that are full of character for your work desk? No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find a pair of Shisa on Tsuboya Yachimun Street that fits your liking.  Yachimun no Sato (Yomitan Pottery Village) Another great option to find hand made Shisa statues is Yachimun no Sato in Yomitan. The Yomitan Pottery Village is smaller then Tsuboya Yachimun Street, but has a great variety of Shisa statues. There is a parking lot at the entrance of the village, and buyers can enter the shops that are open for business. Many of the shops here are homes, so it is a great opportunity to see what a traditional Okinawan home looks like. Each shop seemed to carry very similar pottery items it’s all the same style after all. But the majority of the shops at Yachimun no Sato do carry Shisa statues. I would say prices here are a bit on the higher end, but you never know what you might find.  Conclusion Okinawa’s Shisa stands as a symbol of Okinawa. These guardian lions have a rich history in Okinawa and are even present in todays culture. These mythical creatures can be seen throughout Okinawa, whether the pair are sitting on a  rooftop or guarding the entrance to a residential home, the Shisa is loved by both locals and visitors.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Iwakuni is worth exploring and deserves minimum one day to see all the attractions and sites throughout the city. For others, like me that have lived or currently live in Iwakuni or for visitors that are spending multiple days in Iwakuni there is so much more to do and see outside of Iwakuni. Whether you have a car and love taking road trips or want to hop on a train and explore something new, here are some of the best day trips from Iwakuni. 🇯🇵  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! 10 Day Trips From Iwakuni We lived in Iwakuni for over a year and explored both Iwakuni and the surrounding area extensively. The list below includes everything from cities, small towns, cruising around islands, and scenic nature destinations. The order below is based on day trips by distance from Iwakuni from shortest to farthest away.  1. Suooshima 30 Kilometers just south of Iwakuni is Suo Oshima also known as Oshima Island. Oshima Island is a beautiful island known for its mikans (mandarin oranges) 🍊. But Oshima Island isn’t just famous for mikans, it also the sister island of Kauai in Hawaii, because the islands share similarities. In the late 19th century, many islanders from Oshima Island migrated to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations.  There is a road that loops around the island that can be traveled by car or bike 🚲. Along the way there are beautiful beaches to stop at, shrines, and amazing overlooks. There are several delicious cafes and restaurants on the island but make sure to check times before coming because they are on island time.  For more information on Oshima Island I have a post dedicated to Cycling Around Suo Oshima outlining the route I took, stops made, and places/restaurants visited.  Suo Oshima is an island full of beauty and deserves at least a half day if not a full day to visit.  2. Yanai Just passed Oshima Island is the cute town of Yanai, known for their fish lanterns and soy sauce. Yanai is about 31-34 kilometers from Iwakuni depending on the route driven and takes about 45 minutes to get there by car or train. There is a JR Line that goes to Yanai from Iwakuni Station or you can drive straight down Hwy 188 until you reach Yanai.  Although a small town, Yanai does not have its shortages of attractions and things to do. About 1 Kilometer from the train station is Shirakabe No Machi, which is the historic district of Yanai dating back to the Edo Period. Here you can find cute shops, small restaurants, and museums. It is highly recommended to visit the Sagawa Soy Sauce Factory. Here, you can view the traditional ways in which soy sauce is made. The methods used here today haven’t changed since the 1830’s. Visitors can walk the factory, learn about the process and history of the factory, and see how it is being made. Of course, there is a shop here and you can buy the various soy sauce products sold here.  No trip to Yanai is complete without making your own Kingyo Chouchin. Kingyo Chouchin is the famous paper goldfish lanterns hung throughout town. You can buy premade goldfish lanterns in various shops around town, but at Yanai-Nishigura right across from the Sagawa Soy Sauce Factory you can make your own gold fish lantern. The people working at Yanai-Nishigura are always very friendly and show you how to make the goldfish lanterns. You can then sit down and make your own from scratch. It’s a fun experience and the gold fish lanterns make for great gifts and souvenirs.  For more information on Yanai and tourist attractions here, check out the Yanai City Website. 3. Miyajima About half way between Iwakuni and Hiroshima is Miyajima. Officially names Itsukushima but everyone calls this island Miyajima. Miyajima is an island only accessible by ferry. Once on the island, traveling on foot is the easiest way to get around and see all the sites. Miyajima is considered one of Japan’s most popular destinations and is listed as one of Japan’s Top 3 scenic sites. The famous Floating Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine are a UNESCO World Heritage Site ⛩. Unfortunately, the entire time I was in Iwakuni and even today (2022) the floating gate has been under scaffolding due to renovations.  It is recommended if coming to the island to go to the peak of Mt. Disen. There are several ways to get to the top, there are various hiking paths that lead to the top but for some that do not wish to hike, there is a beautiful ropeway. Once at the top, there are a few shrines and temples, but for me the views of Hiroshima Bay and the surrounding area make a hike to the top worth every step!  Miyajima, like Nara is known for the deer that wander the island. For the most part, the deer do not fear nor do they bother the humans on the island. But they ill walk amongst crowds and try and eat street food whenever possible.  Other attractions around Miyajima that are worth visiting is Daishoin Buddhist Temple, Toyokuni Shrine and the five-storied Pagoda, and the Public Aquarium. It is also recommended to walk the downtown area, stop in some shops and try sample local food at the many street vendors. For a more in depth read on Miyajima, check out my post on  Miyajima Island 4. Mikawa Mu Valley Let your inner Indiana Jones out at the Mikawa Mu Valley. The adventure begins about a 40 minute drive west of Iwakuni. This old mine was repurposed into an adventurous attraction for people of all ages. There are various themes inside the cave all with various puzzles to solve before proceeding deeper into the cave. In reality, you can walk the mine without doing any of the puzzles and still exit, but it’s so much fun to act like a kid again and use your imagination. You might get wet inside the cave as there are waterfalls, ponds, and even small streams to cross.  The entrance price was a bit steep for what it was at ¥1980 for adults and ¥990 for children. But it’s worth doing at least once while in Iwakuni. There is also a restaurant across the street that makes really good curry. Before leaving, a quick drive from Mikawa Mu Valley is a tiny shrine with a Buddha Statue that turned to stone after becoming one with a stalactite. 5. Hiroshima Hiroshima City is just about 42 kilometers north of Iwakuni. It’s easily accessible by car or train. Personally, I prefer taking the train. It’s cheap, convenient, and you don’t have to worry about parking.  Hiroshima is a huge city, it deserves multiple days but you can see most of the main attractions in a single day. There is no avoiding the subject when it comes to Hiroshima, so let’s get it out the way. Yes, everyone needs to see the Atomic Bomb Dome and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Although tragic, these sites are incredibly well done and informational.  Hiroshima is so much more then it’s WWII history. I highly recommend visiting Hiroshima Castle 🏯, strolling Hondori Street, going to Mitaki Temple, and going to Shukkien (Japanese Garden).  The food scene in Hiroshima is spectacular. You can find everything here from Turkish restaurants to German bakeries. But if I were to recommend one dish in Hiroshima, that would be to try Okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is a mixture of ingredients layered on top of each other and cooked right in front of you. It’s delicious and one of my favorite Japanese foods.  For more information on Hiroshima City and Okonomiyaki, check out my post on What to See and Do in Hiroshima. 6. Tsuwano About 85 Kilometers from Iwakuni is the picture perfect mountain town of Tsuwano located in Shimane Prefecture. This is one of the prettiest small towns I’ve been to throughout Japan and is well worth a trip from Iwakuni. The drive to Tsuwano through the mountains is gorgeous in itself.  Once at Tsuwano, much of the town can be explored by foot. But prior to going into town, I recommend visiting the castle ruins. There is a chair lift that goes up to the ruins or people of the more adventurous type can hike to the top. The ruins have been here since 1325 but like many other castles in Japan it was demolished but many of the original walls still stand. The views from the ruins are worth it, you get incredible views of Tsuwano and the surrounding mountains.  I’d also recommend making a stop at Taikodani Inari-jinja Shrine before spending the rest of the day in town. This shrine has several Torii gates leading to and from the shrine.  After a visit to the castle ruins and Taikodani Inari Shrine it is time to explore Tonomachi, the main district in Tsuwano. This cute street is lined with old samurai houses and canals full of carp. In town, you can find an abundance of restaurants and shops. 7. Yamaguchi City Yamaguchi City is located in central Yamaguchi Prefecture. Just under an hour and a half drive from Iwakuni, Yamaguchi City deserves a full day of exploration.  Yamaguchi City has modern stores like Mont Bell and UNIQLO but also has ancient temples and historical districts. My #1 recommendation for visiting Yamaguchi City is to go straight to Rurikoji Temple and visit the Ruriko-ji Five Story Pagoda. The temple grounds here are magnificent and the mirrored image of the pagoda in the pond below is something out of a  fairy-tale. There are other shrines around the city I’d recommend visiting, but if you only have time for one, make sure it’s Rurikoji.  Yamaguchi City also has an arcade style street with fun shops and decent restaurants. If you so happen to be in Yamaguchi City on a Sunday, check out the Flea Market at Kameyama Park, it’s full of vendors selling everything imaginable.  8. Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park and Akiyoshido Cave In the mood for something other then visiting cities and small towns and need a nature escape? Then check out Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park and Akiyoshido Cave. This national park is in the city of Mine and is considered the largest karst area in Japan and Akiyoshido Cave is Japan’s biggest and longest cave.  Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park is above the cave and consists of numerous hiking trails through small forests and open meadows. There are grass burning ceremonies here that occur in February. I was unable to make any of the festivals but I am sure it’s a unique and exciting sight to see. Visiting Akiyoshido Cave can be done either before or after exploring Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park. There is an entrance fee to the cave of ¥1200. As of now, the cave is 9 kilometers long although visitors can only walk on a 1 kilometer designated path.  9. Hagi Hagi, one of my favorite towns in all of Japan is located in north-western Yamaguchi Prefecture. We’ve done both day trips and overnight trips to Hagi. There is so much to see in this town and the surrounding area.  I have a dedicated post for Visiting Hagi that lists out all my recommendations on what to do and see in and around Hagi.  I like to start my trip to Hagi on Mount Kasayama and then exploring the Camellia Groves at the base of the mountain. The Camellia Groves is a forest unlike anything I’ve seen, it’s so beautiful and unique.  Afterwards I recommend heading to town but make a side trip to Tokoji Temple. Tokoji Temple is definitely in my Top 5 Temples in all of Japan.

Iwakuni is a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture, just south of the city of Hiroshima. Iwakuni is most known for the Kintai Bridge and Iwakuni Castle. For Japan standards, Iwakuni is a relatively small city but it has everything any big city has. In Iwakuni you can find great restaurants, a lively nightlife, and world-class attractions. We lived in Iwakuni for 1.5 years and explored the area heavily. Whether you are visiting for a weekend, currently live in Iwakuni, or have plans to move here, below are 6 of my most recommended things to do in Iwakuni.  1. Explore Ichinotakiji Temple, A Hidden Gem Ichinotakiji Temple is definitely one of Iwakuni’s hidden gems. I have never heard of anyone mention this temple and can find little to no information regarding this temple on the internet. Ichinitakiji Temple is a Buddhist Temple tucked away in a small neighborhood in the foothills. There is a beautiful pagoda here on a small hill. Visitors have to walk up a few flights of stairs to get to the pagoda but the best views are across the valley from Ichinotakiji Temple.  I’ve explored many temples in Japan and this is one of my favorites. Outside of the Pagoda, there is a temple here, small waterfall, and several Buddha statues.  2. Hike to the Top of Shiroyama and Visit Iwakuni Castle Iwakuni Castle sits at the top of Shiroyama. There are two ways to get to the castle, visitors can take several trails to the top or take the ropeway. According to Iwakuni’s Official Tourism Website the hours of operation are 9:00 to 17:00 and the fee is ¥560 round-trip for adults and ¥260 for children. There are discount tickets that can be purchased at the Kintai Bridge, Castle, or Ropeway that include admission to the ridge, castle, and include the ropeway.  Iwakuni Castle was bult in 1601, but it didn’t last long before being taken down. During the Tokugawa Shogunate (military government during the Edo Period), the number of castles were to be limited. There were regulations for castles to include the number of castles per feudal domain. Because of this law, there was conflict with Hiroshima Castle and Iwakuni Castle had to be taken down unfortunately.  Iwakuni Castle was again reconstructed in the 1960’s. The original foundation of the castle is still there, but the new castle was built closer to the cliff simply for aesthetics. Today, the castle is open for visitors. There is a small museum here worthwhile. The hours of operation for Iwakuni Castle are from 9:00 to 16:30 and the admission is ¥260 but might have recently increased to ¥300.  3. Learn More About the White Snakes at Shirohebi Shrine The Shirohebi (White Snake) is sacred in Iwakuni. The shirohebi is a servant of the God Benzaiten (God of Water). Shirohebi Shrine is a shrine in Iwakuni that is dedicated to the white snakes of Iwakuni, not the band White Snake.  The white snakes of Iwakuni are actually common rat snakes but with albinism. In 1972, Iwakuni made the white snakes a national monument. Their populations have declined for obvious reasons, less mice, human interference, etc..  Shirohebi Shrine was constructed in 2012 in honor of the white snakes and the god Benzaiten. Around the shrine are cages housing live white snakes for viewing. Their enclosures are actually really spacious with lots of vegetation. Visitors can freely walk the grounds, look at the snakes, and don’t miss the Temizuya. Temizuya is a water fountain with ladles used to clean and purify the body before accessing a shrine. This particular temizuya has a shirohebi as the fountain.  4. Take in the Sites and Relax at Kikko Park One of the most popular things to do in Iwakuni is to spend time at Kikko Park. This vast park lies between the Kintai Bridge and Iwakuni Castle.  Kikko Park has vast green spaces, large water fountains, museums, temples, historic buildings, cafes, and shops. Kikko Park is also one of the best places to visit in Iwakuni during Sakura Season.  Some of my favorite highlights within the park are the Kikko Cormorant Training Facility and Kikko Shrine. There is a White Snake Museum in Kikko Park. The museum has great information on the white snakes but hardly had any snakes on display. The entrance is cheap ¥200, but I feel the exhibits at Shirohebi Shrine are better.  5. Try Delicious and Unusual Ice Cream Flavors No trip to the Kintai Bridge and Kikko Park is complete without stopping at one of the ice cream shops for a delicious or unusual soft serve ice cream!  After crossing the Kintai Bridge and right before Kikko Park are several ice cream shops. One shop here, Musashi, has 100 flavors of ice cream and they range in flavor from traditional vanilla and chocolate to ramen and soy sauce ice cream flavors.  Choosing a flavor can be overwhelming but there is an English menu available at the shops. I’ve tried ice cream at all the shops, my favorite shop was Sasakiyakojiroshoten. They even serve Cremia ice cream which is my all time favorite soft serve.  In reality all the ice cream shops serve delicious ice cream, so you can’t go wrong with whichever shop you choose.  6. Walk and Photograph the Kintai Bridge The Kintaikyo or simply Kintai Bridge is Iwakuni’s most prized attractions. The Kintai Bridge is what you see on post cards, travel magazines, advertisements, and so on. For good reason, the Kintai Bridge is absolutely beautiful at the base of Shiroyama surrounded by mountains crossing the Nishiki River.  The Kintai Bridge was built in 1673 and stood for hundreds of years before being destroyed by a typhoon in 1950. When originally completed, this bridge was only crossed by Samurai warriors crossing from town to the castle and Kikko Park area.  What makes the Kintai Bridge so remarkably famous is the five arches that span 200 meters across the Nishiki River. The Kintai is considered as one of Japan’s three most famous bridges along with the Megane Bridge in Nagasaki and Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo.  Today, the Kintai Bridge isn’t only for Samurai warriors to cross, but visitors can also walk on the bridge. Since it is a major tourist attraction, there is a fee of ¥310. **Tip – The Kintai Bridge is technically open 24/7 but there is a ticket booth on both ends open from 8:00 am to 17:00. If you come before these hours, the bridge is open and free to access.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store.  Plan Your Trip: Booking Accommodations For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator has a lot of great options.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support!