![]() With its roots as the cultural capital of the country, it’s no surprise that many traditional arts and crafts are kept alive by artisans from generation to generation. While the rest of Japan has adopted modernity with abandon, the old ways are still clinging on in Kyoto. Even as the modern city buzzes and shifts all around, a waft of burning incense, or the sight of a bright vermillion torii gate marking a shrine entrance, are regular reminders that Kyoto remains the spiritual heart of Japan. It’s where robed monks shuffle between temple buildings, prayer chants resonate through stunning Zen gardens, and the faithful meditate on tatami-mat floors. ![]() Kyoto is a city of some 2,000 temples and shrines: a city of true masterpieces of religious architecture, such as the retina-burning splendour of Kinkaku-ji (the famed Golden Pavilion) and the cavernous expanse of Higashi Hongan-ji. Our itinerary coincides with the Kawaguchiko Winter Firework Festival, a spectacular evening event that, when the wind is calm, gives stunning reflections of the fireworks and Mt Fuji on the surface of the Lake Kawaguchiko. The Fuji Five Lake region lies at the northern base of Mount Fuji, about 1000-meters above sea level, around the lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko. It is one of the best places to view Mount Fuji from a close distance and a good base for photography. Not far from the bridge stands also a lighthouse with a freely accessible observation deck, with stunning views of the ocean. The most popular section of the hiking trail is located around the 23-meter long and 48-meter high Kadowakizaki Suspension Bridge. There is a hiking trail that follows the coastline, from which there are beautiful views of the jagged cliffs and stone formations that jut out of the ocean. The Jogasaki Coast is a beautiful section of coastline that leads south from Kawazu, along the peninsula road. The falls range from the 30-meter tall Odaru to the 2-meter tall Kanidaru crab waterfall. Inland, an easy 1-km walking trail leads through a forest to the Kawazu Nanadaru (Seven Waterfalls). Izu PeninsulaĪside from cherry blossoms, the landscape and coast of the Izu Peninsula is gloriously stunning. It’s famous for its Cherry Blossum Festival – the earliest in Japan – which runs from mid-February to mid-March. Kawazu is a beautiful onsen resort town, situated on the Izu Peninsula on the eastern coast of Honshu, surrounded by ocean and mountains.
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