Maibara

Maibara is a city in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 September 2021, the city had an estimated population of 38,259 in 14761 households and a population density of 150 persons per km². The total area of the city is 250.39 square kilometres. Wikipedia.
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Featured guides

Top places to visit

1

Ikuta Jinja

Mentioned on 
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
The Ikuta Shrine is located in the heart of the lively Kobe district and is one of Japan's oldest shrines. It is highly revered by locals for its connection to restoration during times of disaster, such as after the Great Hanshin earthquake. The shrine features a colorful facade and impressive Torii gates, which leads into a complex interior with multiple guardian statues.
10-15 minutes away from Sannomiya Station, you can find this beautiful shrine. I came here during spring, and they have some beautiful trees such as Sakura, Yaezakura, and a lot more in full blooms. During new year, they held big festivals with lots of food booths too! Enjoy different attractions for every season you go here!
Cherry Sky — Google review
It is a very nice temple complex, certainly worth visiting. There is an excellent small forest garden behind the temple with some very old trees. A great place to sit and relax with a lot of fresh air. Very quiet. There is also a small lake with a fountain in the north west corner.
frank rinaldo — Google review
It was good. Very peaceful and relaxing. We did the Chigaya Ring Passing- through the Chinowa Kuguri which is a ritualistic movement one does before going into the shrine.
Monique Collins — Google review
Located at the end of Iyata Road in the middle of Kobe city, this shrine encompasses all things peaceful and serene. Beautiful courtyard housing the main shrine as well as a lotus pond and a tree garden. Very blissful to just stroll along the compounds and take in all the beauty this shrine has to offer.
Andrew Ang — Google review
Easily the most beautiful shrine in Kobe, and fortunately, also one of the most easily accessed. Just a quick walk from Sanomiya station, meaning this is also an easy trip from Osaka or Kyoto as well. The shrine is large, with a small grove inside that creates a nice change of pace from the chaotic city outside, and offers a wide selection of goshuin stamps and omamori charms as well.
Jacob Newcomb — Google review
Shrine that focuses on love and relationship. Great area to walk around and make some prayers and donations. A good place to visit in Kobe as it’s pretty close to a subway station.
Richard Phan — Google review
Beautiful Shrine situated near the Kobe train station and there is no entrance fees so don’t hesitate to pass by if you have time. Better coming around end of afternoon (6PM) as there is less people.
Louis L. — Google review
Many people were paying their respects. Located in the center of the town, it is a place where one can find peace of mind.
European Seven — Google review
A quiet shrine in the centre of Kobe. It’s small and surrounded by current buildings that somewhat give it a different vibe than other temples in other cities.
Bruno Rodríguez Armesto — Google review
Such a peaceful and Shrine it is..!! It's located near Fushimi iniary station. Little bit excess crowd you can find during holidays.
Subhajit Das — Google review
Beautiful shrine a few steps from the Kobe train station. The Torri stairs make a veautiful photo prop, beautiful gardens to walk around and enjoy this natural and peaceful area within a very busy, modern and populated city..If you are in the are make time to visit you won't be disappointed.
Korea Wanderer — Google review
Nice shrine for a walkabout. It's a small space but plenty of tourists and locals alike. Souvenirs for sale too, if you like. There are a few entrances too and no charges so good for a free day trip.
Jonathan Chua — Google review
Beautiful place to visit and right in the center of Kobe. Only about 10 minute walk from the Sannomoya Station.
Stephen McGinley — Google review
A shrine located in the center of Kobe. It's so quiet, not many people. No admission tickets are required either. Well worth the visit.
Lee Yun Khong — Google review
Beautiful shrine in the middle of Kobe. It is a wonderful place to get out of the busy city and have a moment of rest, listen to the birds and walk through its small park behind the main shrine. When I went there on a weekday, it was very quiet, but it’s possible that it will be much busier in the weekends. There are several smaller shrines dedicated to inari, matsuo, Ebisu, among others.
M.T. Zwama — Google review
A quaint shrine in the heart of Kobe. Peaceful feel and can catch autumn foliage and sunset. Also near the main streets of sanomiya with lots of eateries and shopping area to explore
Audrey W — Google review
Very peaceful and not too overly crowded. There is a small stall selling japanese amulets.
MC SM — Google review
This is a pretty beautiful temple located on IKUTA ROAD. Behind is a lotus pond. There are many restaurants above. and I went to one of the restaurants in this street. A pretty good entertainment and dining area during the holidays
ロイさん[MAITINLOI] — Google review
Love this place. Such a beautiful shrine. The intricate detailing of the gold on the red coloured wood, and the roofs are stacked in a way where it is earthquake resistance, so why aren’t houses built with that tessellated patterning. It’s crazy how beautiful this place is to walk around.
Lachlan Chan — Google review
We arrived on a weekday late morning and were lucky to witness a prayer ceremony in process, how a visitor dipped the flowery paper in a pond known as 结缘泉水. There is English display information boards for tourists.
Quah Jennifer — Google review
2

Shin-Osaka Station

Mentioned on 
Transit station
Subway station
Train station
Shin-Osaka Station is a major transportation hub in Osaka, serving as the arrival point for the Shinkansen bullet train from various parts of Japan. It provides easy access to popular destinations such as Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Tokyo. The station is well-connected with JR lines, Osaka Metro, and other operators. Travelers can reach Namba in just 15 minutes and Umeda in 5 minutes by train.
Great station. It connect to shinkansen because shinkansen don't stop at osaka station. If you do love hello kitty, make sure you see or ride Hello kitty shinkansen. That's the cutest bullet train ever! It just operate one time in a day, from shin-osaka to fukuoka and vice versa. So make sure you don't miss out. One train has 7 cars. The first car, will not have any passenger seats, instead, it will showcase local specialities, delicacies, and souvenirs from the regions in the new JR West’s line, which passengers will be able to enjoy and buy. The second car, named kawaii room, will be a passenger car covered from top to bottom with the popular Sanrio feline character and her friends, featuring a Hello Kitty doll in Shinkansen uniform. For the third car and so on, the interior will be normal just like ordinary shinkansen. You can reserved seat for this shinkansen just like another shinkansen reservation. It's included in your JR Pass. You just need to said to the officer that you want to ride hello kitty shinkansen. You must quick, because reservation can be full in no time. If you want to get seat in the second car you don't need a reservation. You only need to queue on the platform. So, first come, first serve.
Novia Febriyanti — Google review
A very big and complicated station. The Midosuji Subway line and JR (+Shinkansen) stops at Shin-Osaka. There are also bus stops, so make sure you check which exit you need to go out from.
Tati Mariana Winata — Google review
Best station as your base to explore Osaka if you are staying at a hotel nearby - which we did. This station is under-rated as far as amenities and services are concerned. We decided to be based here as the travelling time to the main tourist attractions were not far away. Within close proximity from our hotel, travelling was breeze anywhere in Osaka due to all the connecting rail lines available from here.
Andrew Ang — Google review
The most organized bullet train station i ever seen. Although, you can loose you way easily because it's very big with many floors
_pa_ as_ — Google review
This is a very busy station. Inside the station , there are different lines of subways, and also Bullet Train Shinkansen lines . Road signs and directions systems are very good. All the staff are very helpful. You are find many restaurants and stores inside the station. I was there on the 2nd of January 2024, during the Japanese New Year holiday, there were many local and overseas travellers. The station was very crowded but everything was in order , most people are very polite . A good experience at this station.
Helen HL Leung — Google review
Easy to navigate and clean station. About a 5 minutes journey from Osaka Station (south from here). This station has the platforms and lines for the Shenzhen bullet train which is really cool to see, especially when they go fast after departure. The staff here for tickets were helpful and understood English
Nathan Dore — Google review
First time visiting Osaka and going through this station. It is a very nice station with everything that you would need. It is in need of some upgrades and there should be more elevators. The 1st floor especially is in need of refurbishment. The food options are great and it is spacious to walk around comfortably.
Nassim Najm — Google review
Shin-Osaka Station is one of the major railway stations located in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. It serves as a hub for the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen, conventional rail lines, subway lines, and private railways, providing convenient access to Osaka City and neighboring cities. The station offers various facilities, including shopping, dining, and tourist information services. Additionally, amenities such as waiting rooms and concourses are well-equipped to ensure a comfortable experience for passengers. Shin-Osaka Station plays a crucial role in Japan's business and tourism sectors. It serves as a stop for high-speed trains connecting major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka, attracting numerous travelers and businesspeople from both domestic and international destinations. Surrounding the station are numerous hotels, commercial facilities, and office buildings, catering to the needs of both business and leisure travelers. Furthermore, Shin-Osaka Station provides easy access to nearby tourist attractions such as Osaka Castle, Umeda, Kyoto, and Kobe. Overall, Shin-Osaka Station serves as not only a transportation hub but also a vital center for the local community and visitors alike.
Yuta Takaoka — Google review
Shinkansen ( bullet train) first serviced in Japan in 1964 linking Tokyo & Shin- Osaka station ( sta.) for the Tokyo Olympics 1964. Some 510KM distance from Tokyo to Osaka can take 6 hrs driving but now app. 145 mins by the latest Nozomi super-Express ( which is the top speedy Shinkansen). The Shinkansen runs very smooth so normally one won't feel motion sickness. If you take Shinkansen or other trains in Japan, better you're never late as it departs very punctual. The train stops & opens the door exactly at designated carriages. It reduces unnecessarily crossing traffic inside the train. Fastest Shinkansen now reaches over 300kph but it operates a bit under the speed for safety & for main station stops like Yokohama, Kobe, Kyoto, Tokyo...Unbelievable, but it is!
Phuong L — Google review
A huge train station, as in most of Japan, organization at its best. The Shenkansen experience is one that I recommend anyone to try. we couldn’t locate the elevators to go up to the platform but used the escalator instead, which was fine. The trip to Tokyo was very pleasant.
ABDULLAH ALSHARHAN — Google review
A beautiful station in Osaka that has thoughtfulness within the station. They have some local delights like Horai 551 and Uncle Tetsu within the station so visitors transiting through the area can purchase them for their family. The station itself is full of many different stores including a Starbucks and is connected to the JR line as well. Definitely a place to transit to further parts south of the region including Kobe and Hiroshima
Nixon Tan — Google review
The station is big and orderly. A lot of restaurants inside the gate or outside. Toilets are clean and the place is spacious.
Iven Mokalu — Google review
Osaka to Tokyo bullet train departs from Shin Osaka train station. It’s best to buy the tickets online and then scan the QR code at the station to get the physical ticket. ENSURE YOU ARE AT THE CORRECT TICKET MACHINES. If traveling during lunchtime, you can pick up nicely packed bento boxes from numerous takeout restaurants. When inserting tickets for scanning at the ticket gate, insert both ticket and receipt. There’s free WiFi on the train. Safe travels. 🚅
Fatima Masud — Google review
Wow! Lovely place. This is already the Japan that I've seen so many times in a documentary movie. Crowds of people moving and walking in every direction. Walking like robots and having no idea where they are going. Great to be part of it and enjoy it at all. Thank you for such a great experience 🤩
Ales Tvrdy — Google review
I used this station a lot on my 6 days stay on Shin-Osaka, I’ve used all the trains that the station had, amazing!!! Never had a delay! The cherry 🍒 on top was the Shinkansen/Bullet Train to Tokyo! Top experience!
Improved Gaming — Google review
It’s a great way to travel to Tokyo via Osaka. It’s my first time but here are some tips. 1. I bought reserve tickets and was given two similar tickets. When I went in using 1 ticket, it triggered an alarm. It turns out that I had to insert both tickets at the same time at the gentry. Why 🤷‍♂️ 2. I bought my tickets online and tried to claim it via the machine but it didn’t work. So I had to join the long queue and went to the main counter to get them to print it. So arrive early before your train timing. 3. Coffee and food can be bought on the platform before boarding. 3. If you have big luggage, you are gonna be in some trouble. There is no place to store big luggage. So it’s between the front seat and your legs. Can be a real pain if the ride is long and there is no way you are gonna lift up the big luggage to place it at the overhead compartment. Too small and your bag too heavy. 4. Charger at arm rest is not a USB. You will need the 2 pin + charger to charge anything for international travellers. Other than that, great experience!
Ivan Michael Pung — Google review
We took a bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. It took approximately 150 minutes. On the same day we booked the train ticket and unreserved seats. It is costly but daily available.
Don Caldi — Google review
Japan has a rather complicated railway system if you're a newbie, but once you get a hold of it, it is okay but really overwhelming. The Shinkansen, I would say, is a great experience. I've been using it lately for Osaka to Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo. The train is superb experience, very nice but overwhelming.
Miles Leighreeven — Google review
Easy to navigate with plenty of signs in Japanese and English. Good escalators between platforms (tracks in local terminology).
Graham Patterson — Google review
Travelled on Nozomi from Osaka to Tokyo it was smooth ride. Regardless which way you travelling, always try to get seat E as this is the side that is always facing Mt Fuji. If you are travelling in a group of 2, D & E is your best seat, if there's 4 of you , you can always book another D & E row in front or back and then flip the seats around so all of you can face each other. Shinkansen rails can be a little bit overwhelming for first timers, once you learned how to buy the tickets, read the tickets - train number, departure date time, car number, seat number, and find your track on the monitor - you are as expert as the locals. Yes you can eat in the car on Shinkansen, do remember to clean up the folding table after you use it.
κεηηγsκ — Google review
3

Rengeji Temple

Mentioned on 
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Renge-ji is a secluded Buddhist temple located in the northern outskirts of the city, accessible only by car or train. The temple is renowned for its beautiful garden surrounding a central pond, which exudes an atmosphere of peacefulness and secrecy. The garden's trees and rocks are meticulously positioned to create a cosy and beautiful setting. Photography is prohibited in certain areas of the temple, marked by green slippers.
To miss this perfect, serene, little temple and garden would be tragic. It’s very quiet which is the perfect antidote to all the over crowded ‘big’ tourist temples in Kyoto. I could happily spend a day watching the koi in the tranquil pond contemplating how life could be… and surely that’s the point? Reasonably easy to get to by train and a short walk. I think ¥500 entry but it didn’t matter. Possibly my favourite place in Kyoto.
Matt Harrison — Google review
This small temple is a bit out of the way but one of the most serene settings I have seen...beautiful! It is distinguished in not only being old which many temples are in Japan but also being both a Buddhist and Shinto temple which is a much, much smaller subset. It's a great place to spend a little time in quiet meditation...time permitting. But, worth a look just the same if you are more rushed.
Richard Krebill — Google review
A beautiful temple to go to during momiji season. I think this is one of the lesser known temples among tourists, so it doesn’t get as crowded as the more popular ones. Nonetheless, it is worth the visit ~
Allen Lemuel Lemence — Google review
Beware of the angry monk there shouting at and scolding the visitors all the time inside and outside. He was shouting at a visitor who kept his hands in his pockets (because he was cold I believe) saying that he should keep his hands out of his pockets to show respect to the god! Very spoiled atmosphere. Can’t believe that it is supposed to be Buddhist temple and he is a monk. It is just another tourist place for viewing autumn leaves (very crowded too usually if not because of COVID) for making money and have no respect to human beings despite the fact it is a temple. No compassion at all.
Zakkuro Forest — Google review
Perfect place to enjoy momiji/fall season, when I failed to enter the famous Rurikoin Temple nearby. The place depicts serenity, peace, and beauty all at once. The entrance fee is 400¥ at the time and it’s worth it. Recommended!
A'isyah Kartika Sari — Google review
It’s cosy and beautiful. Every tree and rock in the garden is so well placed. Photos taking is not allowed at area where green slippers are put on.
Maple — Google review
This temple is meant more for genuine meditation and contemplation than mainstream sightseeing. The fare is a bit high given that the premises are not particularly vast, but you can make up for it by sitting in meditation in front of the pond and letting go of your worries for a while. The garden area, including the chapel located within it, cannot be photographed.
Éamon M — Google review
You have your peace there. Practically no other tourist. Stunning Zen garden (you need to pay 400-500 yen to visit the garden for a good cause). Really recommend it for a little off-adventure 😁
xImanndli — Google review
Gorgeous temple, off the beaten path. Very peaceful/quiet, and very lush/green.
Julien Dyminski — Google review
Modest Temple with a lovely traditional garden. Well worth a visit.
Steven Byles — Google review
4

Seigan-ji Temple

Mentioned on 
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Seigan-ji Temple is a small yet historic temple that has traditionally been visited by women. The temple houses a significant statue of Buddha and features intricate architecture, including detailed ceilings. Despite its initial forbidding appearance, visitors are welcome to step inside to admire the various statues and offer prayers. Additionally, there is a shy resident cat on the grounds that may be spotted if one is fortunate. This peaceful sanctuary provides an opportunity for rest and reflection before venturing back into the bustling market area.
It may look out of bounds at first glance but you are actually allowed in. Inside is a beautiful temple which you can pray in.
Mosey Slu — Google review
Nice temple with a big Buddha inside of it. It is a nice place to rest and take in some peace before going back out into the market area.
Scott Combs — Google review
Lovely temple which looks forbidding at first glance but then you are welcome to step in and look at the various statues and/or to offer prayers. Look up at the ceiling for more examples of the intricate architecture. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the cute, shy cat that lives on the grounds.
Robin Goh — Google review
Its OK for a quick picture, but theres nothing to really see. You'll probably pass by it shopping here anyways
Brett — Google review
So peaceful. Staff wonderful.
Elaine S — Google review
Nice temple with a huge Buddha inside. Very ancient
François Marquis — Google review
Small temple in the middle of the shopping mall
John Lindblom — Google review
Beautiful, spacious Buddhist temple.
Andrew Feinberg — Google review
5

Mount Ibuki

Mentioned on 
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Mountains
Mount Ibuki is a stunning 4,518-ft. mountain that offers a variety of picturesque nature trails and breathtaking views. However, it's important to note that the ascent can be quite challenging and requires crampons for safety. The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly the exciting descent down steep slopes. It's essential to take this hike seriously as it can get extremely cold with strong winds and heavy snowfall.
Great spot, the first snow of the year today 26 November, although it melted quickly. I went from ibukichoshazen side, which in theory is closed, due to a disaster. Actually the path in a couple of places is damaged, but you just walk around, is just a hike, not a ferrata.
Giulio Toscani — Google review
This was a very challenging hike, but very very rewarding! The 3 hour ascent is quite steep and impossible to do without crampons. But the main highlight of the hike was the descent- sliding down these steep slopes (safely of course) was so much fun! But as a final note, do not take this hike lightly, it can get very freezing, the winds are strong, and the snow hits the face hard. There are huts at the 6th station and the top, which were surprisingly warm and perfect for short breaks. There’s a small temple at the top where you can rest before heading back down.
Viraf Patrawala — Google review
Great place for hiking. You will be able to see the whole lake of biwa in the west and the city of Nagoya in the east. Driveway to the hill top parking lot is ¥3120 per car, but I think it worth the money. If you have time and energy, try climing from the bottom. There are several restaurants on the hill top and the price is almost the same as down the hill. (Which I really respect for Japanese people) It's really cold on the top in October. Get ready for it if you want to climb.
Weinan Liu — Google review
Highest mountain in Shiga. You can see 360 great view at the summit. Also, there are many kinds of flowers there. You can go by car using drive way(40min $30 only cash) until 30-40min away from the top. There are some cafe and stores at the summit.
Yusuke Komori 小森勇佑 — Google review
Took the driveway and drove all the way to the mountain-top carpark; reached the peak within 15min from the carpark. Fabulous view worth a visit!!!
Benjamin Yau — Google review
A beautiful mountain that gets rather busy. Getting up early to beat the major crowds is recommended. There is a robust mythology surrounding the mountain and beautiful flowers at its top. You can see more than 100 miles from the top.
Philip McCarty — Google review
Don't be fooled. This mountain is no joke. The route close to the summit is particularly steep and full of large stones. I wish I had taken along trekking poles because the large inclines throughout the 3 hour ascent battered my legs. There are some beautiful sights and on weekdays it is quiet and refreshing. I also saw a badger on the way down.
John Logan — Google review
There is a bus that leaves from Maibara Station (East exit) and goes to Sky Terrace. You have the option to reserve your seat on the bus at least 2 days in advance, and also buy the ticket with a RIDE-PASS app.
Helio Tsuzuki — Google review