Kawaguchi Asama Shrine: A peaceful retreat in the Yamanashi Prefecture

 

During my travels in Japan, the area that I loved the most was the Fuji Highlands in Yamanashi Prefecture. Apart from being a tourist destination, there were plenty of ways to enjoy tranquility and solitude in lush green environments with a spiritual atmosphere.  One good example was the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, located close to  Lake Kawaguchiko.

Like many other tourists, my aim was to get a good view of Mt Fuji from a spot accessible from this shrine, and I had therefore underestimated the beauty of the place itself.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and its giant cedars

The entrance to the shrine can be reached after a 20- minute walk from the nearest bus stop at the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. This stop is part of the Red Sightseeing Bus route, one of the most popular tourist routes in the Kawaguchi area. Still, there were very few tourists at the shrine, and I wondered why- this place has everything to offer if you are looking for a calm and serene atmosphere.

Entrance to the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

The giant Japanese cedar trees around the shrine were the highlight. A few of them are over 1,200 years old! Two trees growing side by side (futahashira) are believed to bring luck in matchmaking. As one of the many 'Asama' shrines dedicated to Mt. Fuji, the deity worshipped here represents the goddess of volcanoes and Mt. Fuji. This site is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as a part of "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration". An annual festival is celebrated here, which I missed during my visit. Nevertheless, I preferred the quiet creaking of the ancient cedars than any celebration at that moment.

After spending some time at the shrine, I began my ascent to Tenku-no Torii, which offers a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. I had discovered this spot on Instagram, and a few minutes into the climb, I realized that many influencers had probably driven up the hill instead. However, this was the closest I had been to nature in the past few days, so I gave it my all.  The weather was ideal after the rain, and my only concern was that clouds might block the view of Mt. Fuji from the top.

The start of the trail from the shrine

The path was slightly tiring and slippery, especially since I wasn't well prepared for a post-rain hike. Still the view of Mt. Fuji from the top was something I absolutely didn't want to miss—especially on a day with a clear sky! There were no cedar trees along the way, which disappointed me a little. I saw a few tourists here and there, and certainly some at the top, but far fewer than I had expected. The relative quiet made the climb more enjoyable.

Trail to the Tenku-no Torii

After about 30 to 45 minutes, I reached the Torii gates, which have been a place of worship since 2019. No wonder it's called Tenku-no Torii, meaning "Torii gate in the sky". From here, one can get a picturesque view of Mt. Fuji framed perfectly through the Torii gates. The aim behind this spot was to build a place of worship at a distance (yohai), reached through climbing (tohai) and spiritual training (shugen). I loved this aspect of the shrine—the notion that ultimate worship could be attained through effort and connection with nature.

Tenku-no Torii with Mt. Fuji in the background

Of course, once you reach the top, a picture of yourself with this perfect backdrop is mandatory! 😉 Although I was slightly annoyed that access to this "private land" required a fee, I was ultimately happy—it was well worth the visit. I was lucky to see Mt. Fuji in all its glory before the clouds swallowed the scene a little later. I even managed to capture a picture of the towering Torii with Mt. Fuji in the background—just like a Windows wallpaper 💗

After hiking back down the trail, I spent some time by the small garden near the shrine (not a Zen garden—I always cringe when influencers call it that!). I even considered staying longer, as this turned out to be the best part of my time in Yamanashi Prefecture. 

While most tourists come here just for the view of Mt. Fuji, I felt something more. This place wasn't even on my bucket list, but it ended up becoming one of my most memorable experiences.

The historic buildings of Cesky Krumlov

 

In this post, I describe some of the highlights that I found as interesting while visiting the township of Cesky Krumlov (Český Krumlov) in the Czech Republic. Situated to the north of the town as a series of buildings, the State Castle, preserving many historical artifacts and being listed as an important UNESCO Heritage Site, was built and modified from the 14th to 19th century. The tower and each of the five courtyards took me through the Gothic and Renaissance history of the castle and the town itself.

View of the State Castle Tower from one of the streets

After the courtyards lie the castle grounds, which was nice to have a stroll during early spring. The garden, built in the 18th century, can be accessed even without a ticket to the castle. There is a fountain at the centre with a large sculpture of Neptune, the sea god. 

Garden on the rear side of the State Castle

On the other side of the castle is the Cloak Bridge, which could be assessed from the interior of the castle as well as from the town border. In my previous post, I described the nice view that I enjoyed from the top of the Cloak Bridge. This three-storeyed arched bridge connected the courtyards of the castle. Below the bridge, there are small, winding roads that I took to walk along both  sides of the flowing river. 

View of the Cloak Bridge

The town square of Cesky Krumlov is a pretty, central square that was easy to access. Even on a cloudy day, there were people chatting inside coffee shops situated close to the square. A mix of Renaissance and Baroque homes set aside winding streets leading to the square was an impressive sight. The town also features a Marian plague column.

Town square  of Cesky Krumlov

On the way to the Monastery of the Minorites, which was situated not far from the entrance of the State Castle, I saw artisan shops having a historical importance. The shops are not open at all times during the day, so some planning is required to watch a blacksmith or other artisans at work. There was also interesting architecture in the street of Latrán, where I stopped to admire. 

Artisan shops in the streets of Cesky Krumlov

There are always plenty of activities at the monastery, but I wasn't lucky to witness any of them. At the time of Christmas and even later, village fairs are common. This medieval monastery complex was built in mid-14th century and is situated slightly away from the streets of the town. A visit to this place gave me information about the history of the monastery and also the town itself. After the monastery, I went further north towards one of the bridges hosting the Budweis Gate (Budějovická brána), which is the only survivor among the nine entrances to the town. 

The Monastery of the Minorites

Shops near the castle gates were entertaining tourists, and I was particularly interested in a candy shop where they sold candies resembling small rocks (that kindled the geologist in me). Nearby was a shop selling gemstones, and I saw a polished greenish glass called Moldavite formed by a meteoritic impact in southern Germany. As it was a rare gem, many tourists were interested in buying a piece.

There was always something to see on the roads of this town. Small coffee shops and vintage restaurants stacked side by side on the cobbled streets, shops selling wooden toys and puppets, occasionally passing over bridges crossing the river, frequent church bells from the main church - all these have made my day. A rare sight was a small library in the form of a telephone booth, from which people could take out books for leisurely reading. In the modern world, everything about this small town felt like going back in time. 

Something that haunted me slightly was how a few bears, that were kept for public viewing near the entrance of the castle, were treated. As bears were part of the castle's history, it made sense to have a display, but what revolted me was how malnourished and unhappy the bears looked. This killed my mood for sure, but apart from that, every part of the town gave me good spirits.

Once I saw this small town, I could understand why many of my European friends wanted to visit here. With its medieval feel and European charm, Cesky Krumlov will remain on my list of favorites and will continue to be a dream place for many people to explore and leave them in good spirits, like me 💖

Through the winding, cobbled streets of Cesky Krumlov

After a break, in this new post, I am writing about my experience while visiting the pretty, but not quite popular township of Cesky Krumlov (Český Krumlov) in the Czech Republic. Situated in the South Bohemian region on the shores of the Vltava River, this place will definitely be one of your favorites in Europe upon visiting!

There are not many highlights in this town, unlike Prague for example, but it gives much more a wholesome experience of a Czech town than any other. All the important tourist spots can be seen in one day, but can you feel the essence of this elegant, little town already? 

The main highlights include the Cesky Krumlov Castle, the Cloak Bridge, the Monastery of the Minorites, and the St. Vitus Church. These spots will be described in detail in my next post, while this post will give you a feeling of this vintage townscape.

The best feeling that I got during my trip to this town was that of relaxation. There are a large number of old, cobbled streets spread around that I and my friends explored with ease. Strolling around early in the morning when not many tourists are around, having a nice coffee at one of these small cafes in a corner while not bothered about time- these constitute my idea of travel. Due to this reason, visiting Cesky Krumlov turned out to be more like a relaxing break for me.

View of the Castle Tower from one of the streets

The river Vltava meanders throughout beneath the town. Towards the north-western side of the town, we crossed the river and could see the Cloak Bridge a few meters away. I particularly liked this small bridge that took us to the larger Cloak Bridge because we could see the river slowly brushing aside the basement rocks of the town, on top of which all the roofed buildings are neatly stacked.  

View of the town from the bridge on the way to the Cloak Bridge

The Cesky Krumlov Castle constitutes a large area with multiple buildings and courtyards. Giving glimpses of Renaissance and Baroque architecture prevalent in the 17th century, the different tours across the various buildings of the castle are recommended to understand the historical background of this town. Apart from this, the castle gives stunning views of the town from a different perspective! 

View of the town from one of the viewing terraces of the castle

The most interesting historical site is the castle itself, from which you can see the St. Vitus Church and other important buildings already from far. The Castle Tower, situated on the other end of the castle offers a view from even higher up if you are ready to climb some stairs up the tower. 

View of the St. Vitus Church from the Cesky Krumlov Castle

There are a variety of things to do in the town, and I would suggest staying in this charming town for two days to experience the nightlife here as well, apart from the tourist spots. This small town is more vibrant during late evenings, and the cobbled streets are full of people talking and drinking. There are multiple choices for tasting traditional food, which is also cheaper when compared to Prague. I love different varieties of soups from the country, so this was my chance to try my favorite ones!

Traditional soup with bread served as a bowl

A traditional restaurant that I found as interesting in the old town is Krčma šatlava, which blends with the mood of the winding, cobbled streets, and the dim yellow lighted by numerous hanging lanterns outside. Apart from this restaurant where having a wholesome dinner lifts your mood completely, there are also cafes at different spots in this old town, where you can enjoy a nice coffee on a typical afternoon. 

The interiors of an old town restaurant Krčma šatlava

Embracing the art of authenticity: a personal journey

 

Living in a world that demands to be successful and popular, I have most of the time chosen to navigate life with a different compass. For that, it has always been important to view life with a different eye. While my profession demands adherence to facts and logic, most of the places that I have visited have been bits and pieces of my never-ending poem. 

Travel, for me, is not just about visiting destinations but about immersing myself in their essence. Take for instance, my travel to Prague. Instead of preparing for the journey by looking up video reels that say about 'ten things to do in Prague', I plundered over my interests. Each detail meticulously researched, and every corner explored with curiosity, the travel itinerary had everything I wanted including time for spontaneous plans, to eat a Trdelník (chimney cake) for instance. After I left the place, I was quite sure that I missed an important or highly recommended landmark, but the true essence of the place lingered in my mind, thus validating my approach in the end. 

From my own travel experiences, I have come to realize the importance of embracing individuality when crafting one's journey.  When one wants to travel somewhere and plans what to do, it is always good to think how another person in the same position might be thinking the same way when visiting your homeland. A European colleague of mine had asked me which places are interesting in Kerala, my homeland in India, if she is visiting. I gave this some thought. Clearly, a journey on a touristy houseboat along the backwaters of Kerala, though appealing to many others, might be too artificial for her. Experiencing the monsoon in the rainforests along the Western Ghats mountain range would definitely be interesting. In the end, it took me so much time to answer what would be interesting for her to do in Kerala, even though Kerala is one of the most beautiful places I know. This was also a reminder for me to remember when I travel that true exploration lies not in ticking off the 'must-see' sights, but in maintaining meaningful connections with the places that I visit.

Due to these reasons, I firmly believe in the power of the individual mind and its perspectives. Whether through travel, art or any creative endeavor, every interest is subjective, and every decision is connected. Though I am writing a blog for the world to see and be influenced, I think following my mind and maintaining my own style is the best way to convey ideas to the world. A unique voice and lens matter. In the end, it is all about not following the crowd, and having a signature of your own. There lies the influence.

Short-day hikes in Zermatt, Switzerland: getting the best of Matterhorn

 

In an earlier post, I described my visit to Zermatt in Switzerland and the iconic mountain known as Matterhorn that one should not miss. Zermatt is definitely an ideal tourist destination when one is visiting Switzerland! I usually like to go to a place as a traveler rather than as a tourist, and the features of a place while traveling are better noticed when hiking. 

This time, I will be suggesting some hiking trails around Zermatt that are easy to moderately doable, and enable one to enjoy viewing Matterhorn at the same time! 

The first tip is to check the weather; one may even miss having a full view of Matterhorn even on a slightly cloudy day!

One of the hiking trails that gives a nice view of Matterhorn

A hike that I enjoyed a lot was the trail that starts from Zermatt and ends at Lake Schwarzsee. The elevation gain is around 1 km, but can still be done with intervals in between or even with a steady go! In the end, it is about how much you love the hike and surely one will, because of the amazing views this one offers!

Lake Schwarzsee with a view of Matterhorn

 

One can also take this hiking trail the other way around, that is to descend all the way to Zermatt. This is possible as there are cable cars that go directly from Zermatt to Schwarzsee. No matter what, one will be able to reach the destination by lunchtime. 

Lunch break with a view of the Lake Schwarzsee 

Yet another hiking trail that I liked is called the 'Mark Twain Trail' which turned out to be a fairly easy and short one. If one has less time in Zermatt and still wants to enjoy the best view of Matterhorn in a less crowded atmosphere, I would recommend taking this short hike to Riffelberg and enjoying the view of Matterhorn over lunch from the restaurant there. Of course, the restaurant up on top of Gornergrat, the highest accessible point close to Matterhorn, is the most people-recommended one, but I loved the restaurant on top of Riffelberg as more closer to nature.

The view of Matterhorn on the way from Riffelalp to Riffelberg

My favorite hike among the less strenuous hikes is the 'Five Lakes Walk', because it is a thematic one. Three of the lakes show a reflection of Matterhorn on a clear day and all of them provide nice views while relaxing for a break on their banks. Though it is an easy hike to visit the first three lakes that give splendid views of Matterhorn in the background, the sudden ascent to Lake Stellisee and finally to the cable car station Blauherd requires a medium level of fitness. If one has two days to spend in Zermatt and a sunny day to enjoy, this hike would be the best thing to do! 

Reflection of Matterhorn captured over Lake Grindjisee

Many more easy to medium-level hiking trails are available on the website of Zermatt (https://www.zermatt.ch), out of which I pointed out my personal favorites. There are also interesting and more challenging hikes as well as traveler tips to get the best out of visiting Zermatt that I will be explaining in detail in my upcoming posts. Stay tuned! 

The Tuscan countryside- the outskirts of San Gimignano

San Gimignano is one of those fairytale-like cities that gives one the taste and feel of Tuscany in Italy. Equally interesting is the countryside, which is just outside the medieval walls of the city. 

View of the old city of San Gimignano from our hotel

The hotel where me and my mom stayed (https://www.hoteldagraziano.it/) gave us amazing views of the city as well as the countryside, which was everything that we wanted at an affordable price. After starting to head in the direction opposite to that of the city, we could already see the rolling hills on the horizon covered with vineyards and cypress trees. 

A drone shot of the hills in the Tuscan countryside

We were very excited about visiting a winery and doing some wine tasting, as part of our itinerary. The wines tasted nice and the place was elegant (https://palagetto.it/en/), which motivated even my mom, who was not used to drinking wine, to try a few of the wines 😀 As I like red wine more, I drank a lot of Chianti, and also bought some!

View of a winery along the way

We walked aimlessly along the different roads in the countryside after our winery visit, just to feel the wind brushing past the cypress trees. It is no wonder why movies picture Tuscany as the best place to feel life, even a little slowly. 

We visited the small province of Santa Lucia, where we spent some time walking along the streets and doing some sightseeing. The next day was already planned to be a full day, so we thought of spending this day as leisurely as possible to recharge our batteries.

There was rain in the late afternoon, but that did not spoil our plan. The view outside still looked pretty, I would say even prettier, with the dramatic skies and the pleasant greens. 

The Tuscan sky after the rains

It is very important to taste the 'Tuscan Ragu' (which can be any meat) when in Tuscany. I chose the one with duck meat for that evening, a special cuisine as suggested by the hotel. It was a real treat when tasted along with some nice white wine. 

Spaghetti with Tuscan duck sauce

 

A picturesque, antique townscape in Tuscany- San Gimignano

San Gimignano, situated in the  Tuscan region of Italy, is one of the most picturesque and preserved hilltowns I have visited so far. Popular for its skyline of medieval towers, this place is so rich in its culture that simply a casual stroll in the old town can fill your mind with awe!

The narrow streets in the Old Town of San Gimignano

 

I was accompanied by my mother on this trip, as she wanted to visit a place historical and unique, and at the same time less packed with tourists. I am not saying that San Gimignano is quiet, but compared to the most popular places such as Florence and Pisa also situated in the Tuscan part of Italy, this small town can make you experience all its features in peace. We visited this place in June, which is close to the peak time for tourist visits.

One of the streets in the old town that leads to its suburban area

The old town is not that big, and can therefore be explored by foot. It is also important to remember that the town, surrounded by medieval walls, cannot be accessed from the outside by cars.  So, taking lazy strolls through every narrow street in the town, frequent espresso in cozy cafés, and admiring the large medieval buildings make up the important events of the day.

Strolling through the main street vibrant with tourists and contrasting colors

There are some good spots in the old town for good gelato, and the most popular one is the Gelataria Dondoli, which was thronging with tourists. I tried one with pistachio, which already made my day! We hung out for some more time in the area afterward, which is a popular square (Piazza della Cisterna). This triangular square is surrounded by tall, old buildings and a medieval well in the center.

Admiring the surroundings while seated on a bench on a side street 

The local markets in and around the old town square are vibrant and pose as easy attractions for tourists. The weekly market is hosted every Thursday. I bought a flowery top for myself that goes well with the greenery outside the city. 

The stunning medieval towers and squares in the old town of San Gimignano require a comprehensive appraisal, which will be described in detail in my upcoming posts!

A street with local markets attracting tourists

An experience that one should not miss is the view of the old town during sunset. The warm rays of the sun find their way through the narrow streets of the town and leave their orangeish mark on the medieval towers. By this time, the local markets will be closed, and the square peaceful with only the sounds of birds chirping and nestling on top of the towers. One can stroll through the streets in peace also after a nice Tuscan dinner (don't forget to try the white wine of the region Vernaccia di San Gimignano!), experience the old town in a new light, and feel the romance!

View from the restaurant Sosta sulla Francigena San Gimignano situated in front of the entrance to the medieval town of San Gimignano
 

A dream village called Lofou in the heart of Cyprus

It was just days before my visit with my colleagues to Cyprus that I realized that I should spend some days alone on the European side of this island and do some more sightseeing after our geological field trip. Field trips themselves contribute a lot to seeing a large part of the country apart from geology.  Still, I was searching on the internet where I can visit apart from popular places such as Paphos, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. I wanted to stay in a traditional house in a village somewhere in the country and came across the village of Lofou. I was impressed with the place and went forward with booking a stay at a traditional house situated in this village.

                           Traditional houses in Lofou  

      

I did not find much time to check how I would be reaching this village after my field trip and on the day before the visit, I found that buses travel from the city of Limassol to Lofou only three times during the day. By then, I had realized that public transport was not quite common in Cyprus, but this news was peculiar to me (even though I liked the adventure part!). 

The classic architecture of Lofou stone houses

The village is located on a small hill and locked between a series of surrounding hills. The name of the village itself takes after the Greek word 'Lofos', which means 'hill'. Therefore, don't be surprised to go uphill and downhill to get around the village!

As Lofou is situated behind hills and away from the main roads that connect different towns, this place really can give you the feeling of being in a strange land in the middle of nowhere. More strange to me was that I hardly met anyone apart from the hotel owner that evening, after my checking in at 17:00. Being on my own in this village, I could spend a lot of time for myself in a quiet atmosphere. 

A walk up the streets of Lofou                

There are some attractions such as the neoclassical school and the old church with Gothic remnants, but what attracted me the most is just the structure of the village- its narrow streets with cobblestones and stone houses stacked so close to each other on opposite sides of the road. There are small taverns and cafes to stop by and one can also get to taste the local wine of Lofou, which is popular in Cyprus. There is also a nice walking trail that can take you around the outskirts of the village. 

Outside a bar where there is a small pavement that leads to some stone houses

The village was already quiet during sunset.  The only sound that I could hear was my camera clicking and some occasional cars that passed through the village or on a nearby hill. I found a spot that the hotel owner suggested to me, to have a good view of the village. I don't remember how long I stayed at this spot to see the sunset, but I remember that I had one of my best times during solo travel.

                                                                    Sunset over the village of Lofou     

                                                                          

The story of the enchanting village of Lofou is not over yet! 

Look forward to my next post 😃