Jinguji

Scenic temple with a thatched roof building

One thing I've really come to appreciate after living here is thatched roof buildings. It was always one of my dreams to visit Shirakawago which I ticked off my bucket list, but it's only one of many destinations where you can savor just how impressive those roofs are. Tokamachi's Jinguji Temple has a stunning thatched roof main building, and it really is quite awe-inspiring to explore up close. It's surrounded by tall cedar trees, too, which add an extra layer of charm. It's under 5 minutes by car from the Echigo-Tsumari Museum of Art if you have any interest in visiting there -- it's one of my local favorites and well worth checking out. If you're visiting via public transport, the temple is around 25 minutes on foot from Tokamachi Station.