It’s in Kyoto Prefecture, but not quite the shrine-saturated Kyoto that you know. It has a quaint fishing village where you can watch the world drift away over a cuppa from your little nook in a seaside cafe.
A stone’s throw away is what has been rated as one of Japan’s best three scenic views. Here, sky and sea merge as one, and apparently, the best view is to bend down forward with your head between your legs (I tried it, it’s kinda disorienting but don’t try this at night!!).
Going clockwise south, we journey into Japan’s feudal past at the tiny town of Izushi, where the oldest Japanese clock tower still stands, and soba is king! Come dressed in your kimono best to explore its Edo-era streets.
And when you’re done exploring, Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) is just a few stops away to soak your weariness (& worries) away. Your main concern? Deciding which of the seven onsens to explore? I recommend all! Alternatively, join the stream of Kyoto-ites, who escape to Takeno beach for a day out in the sun, sea and surf.
Welcome to Kyōtango! It’s in Kyoto, but not quite Kyoto. LT
For more details of Kyōtango, visit https://lnkd.in/gmew7_4U
For a snapshot of life in the fishing village of Ine, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmZR6cBVoDA
To watch a NHK travel programme about the Kyōtango region, visit https://lnkd.in/gTpTa5c3
Image credit: Kyotango City Tourism Association,
Photo by Yutaka Tsutsui 京丹後市観光協会主催 フォトコンより
写真：筒井裕さん
It’s 35 degrees just after three as the train slowly chugged into 
As the ferry left the somewhat makeshift dock, the birds started circling round us. And I realised that’s why packets of prawn crackers are being sold for 100 yen per packet at the dock. People were holding prawn crackers aloft for the birds to swoop in for the ‘kill’.
The sprawling grounds of 
From those previous two 
I’ve been toying with the idea of this post for a while, but haven’t really got down to penning it until today. Spring vacation has just started, and it’s a much needed welcome change to see more of the sun. It’s also a time for many going away for short trips to recharge their batteries.
So I’m going to accost your sights with 
Here, geishas toting umbrellas totter in wooden clogs on the cobblestoned streets of Gion. Shrines pop up in the most unlikely of places (for example, in the middle of Teramachi, a bustling market and shopping arcade). And just a stone’s throw away from the shopping belt, mega temples built on hilltops instantly spirit you into a zen new world.
lonesojourns 