Yama-dera—just like the name says, it's truly a temple standing on a mountain!
Yama-Dera (Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple) | Review by 珊莎
Other Reviews by 珊莎
-
Yuasa Town: Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
Approx. a 15-minute walk from JR Yuasa Station, this Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings covers an area of about 400 m east-west and about 280 m north-south in one part of Yuasa Town. Lined with traditional townhouses and earthen storehouses that reflect the prosperity of soy sauce brewing-once the town’s key industry-you can feel an old-world atmosphere everywhere, as if you’ve stepped back in time.
It’s super quiet here, and you can smell a light hint of soy sauce all along the street. So soothing. I heard Yuasa is the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce—no wonder the whole town smells so good〜😍
-
Kikko Shrine
This shrine enshrines the ancestors of the Kikkawa family, former lords of the Iwakuni domain. Originally consisting of three separate shrines, it was unified in 1885 and built at its present location on the site of the family’s former residence. Shrines dedicated to ancestral spirits are rare in Japan, and its distinctive layout features the torii gate, shinmon gate, worship hall, offering hall, and main sanctuary all aligned in a straight line from south to north.
I originally just came to see Kintaikyo Bridge, but when I walked into Kikko Shrine, the whole atmosphere felt totally different—so much history here.
-
Mt. Moiwa
Just about 20 minutes by public transport from downtown Sapporo, Mt. Moiwa stands 531 meters tall and still preserves its primeval forest. Its easy accessibility has made it a beloved getaway for locals.
Taking the ropeway and the little lift is so much fun—it really feels like you're floating up into the forest. Visiting in winter is magical, with Sapporo city covered in snow like a fairytale.