Traveling Japan Without Tourists
Discover the best places to go from Kyoto City (京都市)
In Kyoto Prefecture (京都府), there is Mukō Jinja (向日神社), a shrine that combines history, natural beauty and serenity. Founded in 718, this shrine is a haven of peace that is almost unknown to mass tourism, despite being located on the top of a small mountain, surrounded by the city of Kyoto and Mukō (向日市).
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Immerse yourself in mystery and nature in Oeyama (大江山), a place full of history and legends about Oni demons. Discover the Demon Museum (日本の鬼の交流博物館), walk among rocks full of myths such as the famous Oni no Ashiato (鬼の足跡). A destination that combines culture, nature and tradition!
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The Sakamoto Funicular (坂本ケーブル), the longest in Japan, connects the base of Mount Hieizan (比叡山) with the upper station, offering access to the historic Enryakuji Temple (延暦寺). Its 2-kilometer route passes through the mountain’s lush vegetation, offering spectacular views, although it is not recommended for those with vertigo as the angle of ascent and the heights can be shocking.
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Enryakuji (延暦寺), located on the summit of Mount Hieizan (比叡山), is a Buddhist temple complex with over 1,200 years of history and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located between Kyoto and Shiga, this place combines serenity, nature and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination for lovers of spirituality and natural beauty.
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In the heart of Gifu Prefecture, the Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum (岐阜関ケ原古戦場記念館) is a place where the history of the famous Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い) comes to life. This clash, which took place on October 21, 1600, marked a turning point in the history of Japan, defining the fate of the nation for centuries.
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In the mountainous region of Fukui Prefecture (福井県), Echizen Onojo Castle (越前大野城) surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Ono Valley, is famous for a unique phenomenon that transforms it into the “Castle in the Clouds” (天空の城).
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Taketori Onsen Akari no Yu (竹取温泉 灯りの湯) is the first natural hot spring in the Kyoto region and is surrounded by a magnificent bamboo forest. Its large open-air baths not only offer panoramic views of Kyoto and Osaka, but the scenery changes depending on the time of day. In the morning, the light creates a cool glow on the bamboo; at dusk, the reddish hues of the sky envelop the surroundings; and at night, illuminations transform the forest into a fantastical setting.
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