Ouchi-juku
More than 30 thatched-roof homes stand in Ouchi-juku, where the townscape still reflects the Edo-Period. It used to prosper as a post station along the former Aizu West Highway 400 years ago.
It felt like visiting Shirakawa-go.
Just as beautiful, with a slightly ghostly vibe.
Ginzan Onsen
This hot spring resort was developed along with the Nobesawa Silver Mine which prospered in the Edo Period. After the mine was closed, it was turned into a therapeutic onsen resort until a flood destroyed it in 1913. By early Showa Period, local businesses have helped restore the village close to the current landscape with western-style wooden multi-story buildings on either side of Ginzan River.
It felt like I stepped right into a Hayao Miyazaki movie. So beautiful.
Nakamura Tokichi Honten, Uji Main Store
Founded in 1854, the first year of the Ansei era, this tea specialty store is located in Uji, a region nationally renowned for its high-quality Japanese tea.
Nakamura Tokichi is delicious and not too rich.
You do have to wait a bit, though.
Byodoin Omotesando
This historic Omotesando (main approach) leads to the main gate of the World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple. Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station and immediately across the Uji Bridge from Keihan Uji Station, it is easily accessible from both stations.
The Byodoin on the 10-yen coin is beautiful.
Todaiji Temple
In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex.
Nara is such a charming, old-world city.
Beyond the huge number of deer in Nara Park that totally captivated me,
there’s also Todaiji Temple—a solemn, awe-inspiring wooden structure with over 700 years of history.
Every time I step into the Great Buddha Hall, it feels like I’m being embraced by Vairocana Buddha, as if I’m protected and watched over, and it brings this deep sense of peace.
In front of the Buddha, I feel as tiny as a single drop in the ocean.