OWL Magazine Korea

The area known as “Yanesen” in northern Tokyo, encompassing Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, is a name coined by combining these three neighborhoods. While located in the heart of Tokyo, this area preserves the city’s historical ambiance. When one imagines Tokyo, it often brings to mind a modern urban landscape dominated by towering buildings, but Yanesen stands somewhat apart from this ...

The area called “Yanesen” in northern Tokyo, comprising Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, holds the essence of the city’s past while being located in its bustling center. When we think of Tokyo, we might envision a cityscape dominated by tall buildings, but Yanaka stands somewhat apart from such scenes. Yanaka is known for its streets lined with old wooden buildings, providing ...

In the heart of Tokyo, there’s a place known as ‘Kanda Jinbocho,’ often referred to as a used bookstore or antiquarian bookshop street. You can find bookstores of various sizes here, known for primarily dealing with used books, hence its name. Some establishments also sell extremely old publications, adding another layer to its character as an antiquarian bookshop street. “Exploring ...

Hanyang Fortress is a fortification built to mark the boundaries of Hanyangbu, the capital of the Joseon Dynasty, revealing its authority and defending against external invasions. Constructed along the ridges of Baegak (Bugaksan), Naktasan (Naksan), Mokmyeok (Namsan), and Inner Sasan (four inner mountains of the city) in the 5th year of King Taejo (1396), it underwent several reconstructions. With an ...

In Japan, places embodying subcultures, often referred to as “otaku culture,” can easily be found. While Tokyo has the famous Akihabara, Osaka boasts its counterpart known as “Den Den Town.” Akihabara: Tokyo’s Subculture Haven: “Osaka, Subculture Hub, Den Den Town” Osaka’s Den Den Town bears a striking resemblance to Tokyo’s Akihabara. Both areas initially started as electronic shopping districts but ...

In Kyoto, many photos are taken with Hokanji as the backdrop. However, if you pass Hokanji and head towards Kiyomizu-dera, you’ll encounter stone stair streets known as Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka. “Kyoto’s Night View of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka” After passing Hokanji, Ninen-zaka is the first to appear. Before reaching Ninen-zaka, there’s a picturesque spot with Hokanji as the background, making it ...

To the east of Kawaramachi, the central commercial area in Kyoto, stretches Gion Street. Gion is a charming street lined with traditional Japanese houses, exuding Kyoto’s nostalgic atmosphere. This area is particularly famous as the street of the geisha. “Famous Gion Street as the Geisha District in Kyoto, Japan” Gion Street is well-known as the geisha district. Geisha, a traditional ...

In the heart of Kyoto lies the district of Kawaramachi. Serving as a central axis of Kyoto, it is a bustling street densely packed with numerous shops. This area is situated around Kawaramachi Station, and there’s a street called Shijo-dori that runs through the east and west, centered around the station. “Shijo-dori Shopping Street” Many shopping streets surround the Shijo-dori ...

In the western part of Kyoto City, you can find the famous tourist destination called Arashiyama. This area is characterized by the wide expanse between the Hozugawa Gorge created by the Arashiyama and Itago Mountains and the Katsura River flowing through it. Above the Katsura River, you can find a bridge named Togetsukyo, which is known as the “Moon Crossing ...

In the western part of Kyoto, you can find the area known as Arashiyama, a well-known tourist destination in Kyoto. It exudes a tranquil atmosphere with a charming rural vibe, making it a popular spot. “Arashiyama Park and Togetsukyo Bridge, the Start of the Journey” After taking a bus, we arrived in Arashiyama and disembarked in front of the park. ...

When travelers think of Osaka, the first place that comes to mind is ‘Dotonbori,’ located in the south. However, I heard from locals that as time passes, the commercial focus is gradually shifting towards the Umeda area. Umeda is also a central area in Osaka, forming a pair with Dotonbori. While Dotonbori may be more well-known among tourists, Umeda is ...

Heading south in Osaka, you can find a temple built in the Baekje architectural style called “Shitenno-ji.” This temple was established by Prince Shotoku, who embraced Buddhism from Baekje. “Scenery Around Shitenno-ji in Osaka” The surroundings of Shitenno-ji in Osaka offer a somewhat different atmosphere from the bustling areas of Dotonbori and Namba, which can be considered the central districts ...