About Yasaka Shrine Located in Gion-machi Kitamachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, “Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka-jinja)” is an ancient shrine known as the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka shrines and related shrines throughout Japan that enshrine Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Locals affectionately call it “Gion-san”…
About Kinseiken Standing gracefully in Daigahara, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, “Kinseiken” is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop with over 120 years of history, established in 1902 (Meiji 35). This shop began when a former inn (ryokan) from the 41st…
Eleven realistic day-trip ski areas from Tokyo, compared by rail access and station transfers — with 2026-27 dates and prices where published, and the shuttle-reservation rules that catch people out.
Field notes, weekly
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Nearly every image on Hidden Japan Gems was photographed by me on a Sony α7 across five years of walking Japan; a few licensed photos fill the gaps. Please don't re-use my photos without permission — reach out if you'd like to.
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