Japan travel guide

Another temple belonging to the famous pilgrimage Shikoku 88 is Daihou-ji, Temple 44. Its name means "Temple of Great Treasure", though the temple probably doesn't have such, but there is a life size statue of a clearly aged verdigris green Buddha resting on lotus leaves and crowned with figures of mini Buddhas. The temple sits among tall cypress trees and giant bamboos, but is less impressive than Temple 45, 11 kilometres away. However, Temple 44 is easier accessible with a road leading right up to the temple gates, if that's important.

Shikoku 88 is a famous pilgrimage route connecting 88 of Shikoku's temple. It's mostly done by Japanese Buddhists, but none buddhists are welcome too. The full pilgrimage will take about 1-2 months to complete by foot, but you can settle on just some of the temples and see them by car (plus a bit of hiking). If you only visit one temple, make it Iwaya-ji, Temple 45. Parking is about 20 minutes hike from the temple. The trail leads through the forest and pass temple flags and Buddhist statues on the way. The temple itself is on multiple levels and beautiful nested against a cliff face with forest to the other sides. It's a tranquil place which invites to contemplation.

The Tengu Highlands are known for its beautiful karst landscape and alpine meadows with grazing cows. On clear days the views from the plateau can feel endless, but it isn't any less spectacular on cloudy or snowy (in winter) days as the sweeping grasslands get enveloped in fog (or snow). The journey to get to Tengu Highlands is half of the adventure with twisting mountain roads with hairpin bends. Many sections are too narrow to let two cars pass, so one has to reverse. Route 383, which traverses the plateau, is also known as "the road of the sky".

Zakimi Castle is another castle ruins belonging to Okinawa's UNESCO enlisted Ryukyu sites. It was built in the early 15th century and is nested on a hilltop among pine trees. The neatly restored limestone walls have patches of plants growing on them, but otherwise it's a very manicured site. The interior can even seem a bit dreary with outline of a single building and green grass elsewhere. However, the stonework going into the two arched gates are truly impressive (apparently the first on Okinawa to use a keystone). You can walk on the massively wide walls, which offers splendid views of both the site and the outside area.