|
| |
| | |
🎌 Looking for a crowd-free driving tour in Japan? 🚗
Check out the sample itinerary below!
Kii Peninsula is a place with a rich cultural heritage and unique nature, including Nara, Wakayama and Mie. The area is accessible around 1 hour drive from Kansai Airport, which have direct flights from KLIA.
As a JNTO staff, I would like to introduce you the following sample itinerary and highlight some spots for you based on my personal experience. |
|
|---|
|
| |
Consecrated to the celestial sun goddess, Amaterasu, the Ise Jingu Inner Shrine (Naiku) nestles in Mie Prefecture, boasting a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Unfolding in gentle tones that harmonize with nature's colors, in contrast to the vibrant hues of many Japanese shrines, Ise Jingu exudes an ambiance that is simultaneously calm, sacred, and commanding.
Navigating the Inner Shrine premises took around 30 minutes, allowing me to appreciate a scenic journey past several shrines, structures, and the natural surroundings.
|
|
|---|
|
After the worshipping in the sacred Ise Jingu, we strolled around the historic district Okage Yokocho.
Besides having antique souvenirs, there are many choices of local delicacies like Japanese Matsuzaka Beef (wagyu), Sweet Bean-paste Rice Cake (Aka fuku), The Fisherman’s Sushi (Tekone Zushi) and more, which we made us want to pay another visit to savor all kinds of foods there.
The river just beside the street provides calming vibes, making us want to have a sip of coffee at the riverside Cafes. |
|
|
|
|
Nachi Taisha & Nachi Falls
|
|
|---|
|
Seeking the perfect shot, we visited Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture, framing an iconic image with the vibrant red Japanese Pagoda Tower against Japan's tallest waterfall, Nachi Waterfall, dropping 133 meters.
The site left a lasting impression with its neighboring World Heritage sites, heritages Buddhist Seigantoji Temple, and Japanese Shinto Kumano Nachi Taisha, showcasing the peaceful coexistence of two religions. Later research revealed these sacred sites were once worshipped under a single roof, conveying a profound message of peace.
|
|
|---|
|
Located at the shrine's top, Kumano Nachi Taisha offers multiple approaches. While some visitors start with Nachi Falls and climb stairs to the shrine, I chose to drive to the shrine's parking area for prayer and capturing photos of the pagoda tower and falls.
Those seeking a deeper understanding can explore the open-to-visitors Treasure Hall, 'Homotsu-den.' |
|
|
|
|
Photo credits: Wakayama Tourism Federation |
|
|---|
|
After more than 10 years since my first visit to Japan, I finally had the chance to explore the renowned Nara's Daibutsu(The Great Buddha, housed in Tōdai-ji, Nara Prefecture. Tōdai-ji is the name of the temple, and the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den) serves as its main hall.
The Daibutsu-den is a historically significant temple and currently one of the largest wooden structures in the world. It was burnt down twice, resulting in the current Daibutsu-den being reduced to two-thirds of its original width. The hall's structures, with their simple and clear design, contribute to its historical ambiance.
Established in the early 8th century during the Nara period, Tōdai-ji was commissioned by Emperor Shomu as a center for Buddhism, to consolidate and strengthen the country under Buddhist principles.
|
|
|---|
|
The huge statues reflect the enthusiasm and devotion of Emperor Shomu, who wished for everything to flourish, along with the many people who have protected and passed it down.
After visiting the temple, of course we got in touch with the adorable deers, feeding them 'Deer Crackers' purchased from small vendors on the way to Nandaimon and Nigatsudo. Some say that the deers return bows when people bow to them. Is it true? It's your turn to find out. |
|
|
|
|
As a part of World Heritage, we also visited The Demon's Castle (Onigajo) in Mie Prefecture. It is a series of rugged cliffs and caves that are said to resemble the dwelling place of demons in Japanese folklore.
The dramatic landscape which believed created by wave erosion, offers stunning views of the sea, valleys and mountains, which we highly appreciated while we hiked through the prepared hiking trail.
Visitors can explore the area on foot, to stroll along the interestingly named spots like: "Returning point for monkeys", "Demon's washing area", "Demon's lookout", "Bee hive" and more. The names sparked our creativity, allowing us to imagine the life of demons in this area.
|
|
|---|
|
The hiking took more than 1 hour, and we felt hot even in autumn season being shined by the sunlight and exercising. There was only a little leverage, but have many staircases and narrow paths. |
|
|
|
|
|
Some heads-up regarding driving in Japan are as follows:
- Japan vehicles drive on the left side on the road, similar to Malaysia.
- International License is needed to drive in Japan where Malaysians can get from JPJ.
- Some highways around the southern part of Kii Peninsula have only 1 car lane and fewer service areas, with limited side space to stop your car. Stopping within the highway is restricted, except for emergencies, so be sure to prepare for restroom breaks or fatigue before you start using the highway.
- There are one-way car rental services available, which you can rent a car from a shop and return the car at another shop. It may cost some additional price but sometimes it is worth depending on the itinerary.
- Before my trip, I familiarized myself with Japan's driving rules through online sources, and it proved to be very helpful during my journey.
|
|
|---|
|
|
As most of the spots in Kii Peninsula are outdoors, it is recommended to visit during the dry season, which is from November to March. You can aim for the red leaves, which are around the end of October until early December.
For more information on each related prefecture, please refer to the following links: Nara, Wakayama, Mie. We hope you create unforgettable memories on your original Kii Peninsula journey and look forward to hearing your stories soon.
|
|
|---|
|
| | |
| |
|
| |
|
|
