Nagaoka City
Learn about Nagaoka, the second largest city in Niigata, home to fermented foods, sake, koi fish, and one of the best fireworks festivals in all Japan.
Konan City
Konan City is located in the southern part of Shiga Prefecture. Though a small town, Konan’s rich heritage and scenic landscapes offer a tranquil escape from the main tourist routes.
Buddhism and Budo: Historical Significance
Konan City is the home of three Tendai Buddhist sect temples whose main halls have been designated National Treasures. The city was also the site of many key events in Oda Nobunaga’s campaigns in the area during the Warring States period five hundred years ago.
Konan Sanzan
One of Konan’s most remarkable features is the “Konan Sanzan” , a trio of ancient Tendai Buddhist temples. These temples—Chōjū-ji, Jōraku-ji, and Zensui-ji—are renowned for their architectural beauty and spiritual significance. All three are said to have been founded in the eight or ninth centuries, though the current temples were all rebuilt in the fourteenth century due to a series of fires and disasters. The main halls (hondō) of these temples are designated National Treasures, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of feudal Japan.
Samurai Connections
During the Warring States period, warlord Oda Nobunaga put Konan on the national map when he established Ishibe-juku, the 51st post station on the Tōkaidō Road. This post station later became a vital stop for travelers during the Edo period, connecting Kyoto to the eastern provinces. Today, visitors can explore an open-air architectural museum that replicates the traditional buildings of this historic post town.
The temples of Konan also played a large role in Warring States history. Joraku-ji temple served as the battlefield base of Oda Nobunaga’s retainer Sakuma Nobunari from 1568-1570. Oda himself relocated the three story pagoda of Choju-ji to its present location.
Cuisine
Given the city’s connection to Buddhism, a strong tradition of shojin ryori was inevitable. Shojin ryori uses a variety of local ingredients to prepare a meal which both satisfies and purifies the body. Today, you can experience a truly delectable kaiseki shojin ryori meal during a local temple stay.
Nature and Artifice
Settled in a river valley between the Iwane and Ansei mountain ranges, Konan offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing. A particularly interesting hike leads from downtown Konan to the ruins of Mikumo castle, which was used as a base by the local Rokkaku forces when Nobunaga attacked the Rokkaku in 1568. This ruin offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
Friendly Locals
For those interested in experiencing Konan’s Buddhist history more deeply, temple homestays are available. If you are interested, please reach out via our contact form!
Access to Konan City
Whether exploring ancient temples, tracing the bloody history of the sengoku samurai, or enjoying outdoor activities, visitors to Konan City can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Konan’s heritage. All it takes is a quick 30 minute train ride from Kyoto to experience world heritage sites without the crowds of the well-trod Golden Route. Konan is easily accessible via the JR Kusatsu Line, with stations such as Ishibe and Kōsei connecting the city to major urban centers.
While there are no commercial links for tours or experiences with instant bookings, visitors who take the time to plan a trip here will be rewarded with an experience away from the crowds.
info@ds-k.site
Elsewhere in Niigata Prefecture
Southern Tohoku and Niigata Adventure Tour
Explore Niigata, Fukushima, and Yamagata on this 4-day, 3-night private adventure tour. Explore Niigata city’s history and sake, hike through the stunning natural onsen landscapes of Fukushima, and embrace your inner samurai in Yamagata: this tour is for adventurous spirits looking for authentic experiences off the beaten path.
Beyond the Sushi Bar: The foundations and future of Japanese cuisine Private Tour
A 5 day, 4 night private tour to experience the best of cuisine and craftsmanship in the Uetsu area of Japan. Observe and experience techniques for making outstanding kitchenware of the master craftsmen of Tsubame-Sanjo and enjoy cooking and dining experiences with chefs of Tsuruoka City, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Other prefectures
Samurai Armor Dressing Experience at Shiroishi Castle
Step into the world of samurai warriors and feel the spirit of history as you become a Sengoku warlord for a day.
Kurikoma Festival Float Behind the Scenes Tour
Although the floats can usually not be seen until the day of the festival, this year is different. From the end of the festival in July through the float dismantling in November, visitors can view the floats up close. This is a valuable cultural experience in which visitors can view the elaborate structure of the floats and brought to life through the passion of local residents, and hear directly from the local people themselves.
Mt. Zao
Rising over 1,800 meters along the border between Yamagata and Miyagi, Mount Zao is a popular ski, hiking, and hot springs destination.
Overnight Stay at KIBOTCHA
KIBOTCHA, a hands-on disaster preparedness and accommodation facility, opened in 2018 in a former elementary school damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The school, once slated for closure, has been thoughtfully renovated and reborn with a focus on learning through experiencing. Guided by the concept of “learning through play,” KIBOTCHA offers immersive, stay-based programs that combine lodging, hands-on activities, and training experiences.
Private Night Tour of Historical Zuihoden
In this special experience, make a night visit the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the samurai who built the foundation of Sendai. After a special viewing of the main hall, enjoy a performance of Japanese musical instruments in a solemn atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience at this remarkable place.
Geibikei Gorge River Cruise
Drift through the Geibikei Gorge, one of the most beautiful places in Japan, in a boat propelled by an oarsman maneuvering it with a single long pole. You may even get the chance to enjoy an “oarsman experience” in which you can try propelling the boat yourself!
Experience the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival
The Uesugi Festival commemorates the samurai clan who once ruled Yonezawa. The main event is a reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima. Join the fight as a member of the Takeda or Uesugi forces in a special one-day tour. Applications for this tour close April 18, 2026.
The Arcadian Journey
Embark on a journey to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Okitama region in rural Yamagata, Japan. Visit the places written about generations past, enjoying the sights, locals, cuisine and culture of the land.
Hidden Outdoor Okitama Tour
Interact with the abundant nature of the Okitama region- experience a hot air balloon ride, canoe in picturesque gorges and enjoy a night walking tour through the traditional Akayu onsen district.