Side trips from Osaka
Osaka, now the second-largest urban area in Japan after Tokyo, has long been the Kansai Region’s economic hub. Historically, it was known as Naniwa and holds the distinction of being Japan’s earliest known capital. This was before the Nara Period when capitals changed with each emperor’s reign. Later, in the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi recognized Osaka’s significance and built his castle there. Osaka could have risen to political prominence, potentially becoming Japan’s capital, if not for Tokugawa Ieyasu’s actions. After Hideyoshi’s death, Ieyasu extinguished the Toyotomi lineage and established his government in Edo (now Tokyo), altering Japan’s political landscape.
Kyoto:
From 794 until 1868, Kyoto was the heart of Japan, serving as the capital and home to the emperor. Today, it stands as one of Japan’s largest cities, housing about 1.5 million people and showcasing a blend of modernity and tradition. Throughout history, Kyoto faced numerous wars and fires that could have obliterated its rich heritage. Remarkably, during World War II, its invaluable historical significance led to its exclusion from the list of potential atomic bomb targets, sparing it from the devastation faced by other cities. As a result, a wealth of temples, shrines, and other irreplaceable historical sites still stand in Kyoto, offering a window into Japan’s storied past
Mount Koya:
Mount Koya stands as the spiritual home of Shingon Buddhism, a major Buddhist sect brought to Japan in 805 by the revered Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai. This prominent religious leader selected the tranquil mountaintop of Koyasan to establish the sect’s central temple complex. The area has since evolved into a quiet temple town encircling the headquarters established by Kobo Daishi. It’s also the location of his mausoleum and the pivotal point for the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
The foundation of the initial Garan temple complex on Koyasan began in 826, following Kobo Daishi’s extensive search across Japan for an ideal location for his religious practices. Over time, more than a hundred temples have emerged along Koyasan’s streets. Among these, Kongobuji, the primary temple of Shingon Buddhism, and Okunoin, the site of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, are particularly significant.
For those interested in experiencing monastic life, Koyasan is an excellent destination. About fifty temples offer overnight stays (shukubo), allowing visitors and pilgrims alike to immerse themselves in a monk’s lifestyle. This includes partaking in vegetarian monk’s cuisine (shojin ryori) and participating in morning prayers.
Nara:
In 710, Japan established its first ever fixed capital in Heijo, now known as Nara. This was a significant change from the previous practice of relocating the capital with the accession of each new emperor. Over time, the rising power and political ambitions of Nara’s influential Buddhist monasteries began to pose a threat to the government. This led to the relocation of the capital first to Nagaoka in 784 and then, a few years later, to Kyoto. Situated less than an hour from both Kyoto and Osaka, Nara today is a repository of historical significance. The city is adorned with numerous cultural gems, including some of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples.
Kinosaki Onsen:
Kinosaki Onsen, nestled in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture along the Sea of Japan, is a delightful town known for its scenic, willow-lined river. It stands out as one of the premier hot spring (onsen) destinations in the Kansai Region. The discovery of hot springs in Kinosaki dates back to the 8th century, and since then, the town has evolved into a quaint, traditional onsen town. In the evenings, it’s common to see guests from the local ryokans wandering the streets in yukata and geta (traditional wooden sandals), enjoying the various public baths and the charm of old-fashioned game arcades.
Himeji:
Himeji is renowned for its spectacular Himeji Castle, often hailed as Japan’s most exquisite and well-preserved feudal castle. This architectural marvel holds the dual honors of being a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the second-largest city in Hyogo Prefecture, after Kobe, Himeji boasts a population of around half a million. Conveniently located, it’s less than an hour’s journey from both Osaka and Kyoto. Himeji also serves as a favored stop for travelers on the Sanyo Shinkansen, making it an ideal stop for those traveling from Tokyo or Kyoto to Hiroshima.
Kobe:
Kobe, serving as the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, ranks as one of the largest cities in Japan. Its picturesque setting between the sea and the Rokko Mountains contributes to its status as one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Historically, Kobe has played a significant role as a port city. It was one of the earliest ports to open for foreign trade in the 19th century, alongside Yokohama, Nagasaki, Hakodate, and Niigata. In 1995, the city faced a devastating challenge with the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which resulted in the loss of over 5,000 lives and the destruction of numerous buildings. However, Kobe has since been completely rebuilt and has remarkably recovered, with few remnants of that tragic event remaining visible today.
