Culture Ikuta Shrine and Garden Alexandra Dorovici Founded in the 3rd century by Empress Jingu, the shrine is dedicated to the Goddess Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, who is the spirit of..
Historical Kobe Muslim Mosque Komal Khiani Kobe Muslim mosque is the first mosque built in Japan and has survived the Second World War as well as the Great Hanshin earthquake...
Historical The White Heron Castle of Himeji Leslie Taylor Originally built over 400 years ago, Himeji Castle still stands today as a testament to the craftsmanship of its ancient builders...
Culture Honpukuji – the Water Temple Cathy Cawood Honpukuji: the Water Temple on Awaji Island designed by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando is a beautiful modern reinterpretation..
7 Street & Urban Kobe Ohashi Manish Prabhune Kobe Ohashi (o-hashi means bridge in Japanese) connects the mainland to Port Island, a reclaimed land structure which finally connects..
Festivals The Flaming Leaves of Engyo-ji Mid Nov Few places in Hyogo have fall color that can rival the beauty of Mt. Shosha in late-November.
Culture Exploring Himeji Castle Ben Humphreys The most visited castle in Japan, Himeji Castle, nicknamed the “White Heron” has been standing proudly on top of a hill called..
7 Temples & Shrines Kitano Tenman Shrine Manish Prabhune Kitano Tenman Shrine is one of Kobe’s major Shinto shrines, located in an unusual location of Kitano Ijinkan, the place associ..