Ohara is ‘countryside’ Kyoto – impressive temples, tasty cuisine, and interesting souvenir shops set among the rice paddies of a small village about an hour’s bus ride from Kyoto Station. For visitors who want to see a different Kyoto, Ohara is a great day or overnight trip from the city center. Ohara is split into … More Kyoto’s Ohara District
Shojuin is a small, but impressive temple hidden in the mountains of Ujitawara, Kyoto Prefecture. It has a lot to offer and is especially enjoyable to visit when it holds its wind chime festival. … More Hidden Treasure of Kyoto Prefecture: Shojuin Temple
With seventeen different locations recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, and many other incredible places not on ‘the list’, Kyoto is normally packed with tourists. With basic precautions (wear a mask, social distance, wash hands often…), a visit to Kyoto, before inbound tourists return, should be at the top of the list for anyone … More Kyoto 2022 – Without Inbound Tourists
The Kansai Region consists of Hyogo, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Osaka, Shiga, and Wakayama prefectures. The area is considered the cultural heart of Japan and is home to many World Heritage sites. Here is a short run-down, with regards to sightseeing, on each of the prefectures within Kansai – from a personal perspective. … More What & Where is it? Kansai Explained
Kinkakuji Temple underwent roof renovations in 2020. Kyoto’s most famous landmark is now more beautiful than ever. The brown wood roof will darken with time, but is currently a new ‘golden’ color. … More Kyoto’s Kinkakuji, the ‘Golden Pavilion’
A first for Excursions Japan, I hope you’ll enjoy this online exhibition of Japan-influenced paintings by a friend of mine, Lillian Oishi. If you would like information on purchasing a print, or commissioning an original one, e-mail me at excursionsjapan@gmail.com An emerging young artist to look out for, Lillian Oishi, has a love of music … More GLIMPSES OF GEISHA – A ‘VIRTUAL’ ART EXHIBITION
Kyoto’s Shirakawa, or ‘white river’, was so named due to fine-grained white sand that, in the past, was carried downstream from the mountains. A lovely section of the Shirakawa, which is now just a shallow stream, connects the Heian Shrine with Gion Higashi – where it runs into the Kamo River. There are cafes, restaurants, … More Shirakawa Mini-Walk, Central Kyoto
Located on the Sea of Japan, the city of Obama is the closest sea port to Kyoto. In addition to a variety of marine products, goods from Asia (and the cultures that created them) were carried through the mountains along a system of roads now called the Saba Kaido or ‘Mackerel Highway’. A deep connection … More Obama – Asia’s Original Gateway to Japan and Kyoto
Searching for a restaurant in Kyoto can be intimidating and/or overwhelming. Here are a few places that I have wandered into by myself, without prior reservations. They are also appropriate for couples and small groups. These restaurants are not famous, but they are authentic and very reasonable – especially considering the quality and quantity of … More Reasonable Dining – Central Kyoto
Kyoto is full of famous sightseeing spots, but wandering around in the evening, looking for just the right restaurant, is an attraction of its own. I strongly recommend that you do not eat dinner at your hotel or ryokan. The neighborhoods listed below have great atmosphere, are very safe at night, and are full of … More Kyoto: Best Neighborhoods for Dining
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