Soni Highlands, Nara Prefecture
June 6, 2024
Soni Kogen – stunning highlands deep within the mountains of Nara Prefecture. … More Soni Highlands, Nara Prefecture
Category: Seasonal
Kyoto’s Kibune: Reasonable Kawadoko Dining
July 6, 2023
Looking to enjoy kawadoko (platform over the river) dining in Kyoto’s Kibune, but not able to spend the time and money needed to eat a kaiseki meal? Here is a list of reasonable kawadoko dining options! … More Kyoto’s Kibune: Reasonable Kawadoko Dining
Hidden Treasure of Kyoto Prefecture: Shojuin Temple
July 6, 2021
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
Hydrangea Viewing in and around Tokyo
May 31, 2021
There are many places in and around Tokyo where one can view impressive hydrangea displays. The flowers are usually at their most beautiful in June. Below is a list of some of the best locations within Kanto where they can be enjoyed. Please note – many ajisai-related events and festivals are canceled this year (2021). … More Hydrangea Viewing in and around Tokyo
Kyoto’s Kinkakuji, the ‘Golden Pavilion’
October 16, 2020
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’
Tokyo Minato Ward History & Culture Walk
March 25, 2019
Although at its best during cherry blossom season, this walk through Tokyo’s Minato Ward can be enjoyed at any time of year. It will take you to a number of important shrines and temples, a completely overlooked observatory, and a beautiful garden that few visit due to its proximity to a larger, more famous, neighbor. … More Tokyo Minato Ward History & Culture Walk
Izu’s Kawazu-zakura Festival – Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms
February 21, 2019
Kawazu-zakura are unique hybrid cherry trees that bloom earlier, and for much longer, than the famous Somei Yoshino species. For an entire month, usually from around February 10 to March 10, a festival showcases 8,000 trees that line the Kawazu River in Southern Izu. Although it takes about 2 – 2 1/2 hours to reach … More Izu’s Kawazu-zakura Festival – Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms
Summer in Tokyo – Escape to the Beach
July 25, 2018
UPDATED June 2022. Spending a day swimming at the beach is a wonderful way to escape the heat and humidity of Tokyo’s summer. Suprisingly, Tokyo does has two beaches of its own. Special events, like beach volleyball tournaments, are held at Odaiba Beach and children play at the water’s edge. However, water quality is poor, … More Summer in Tokyo – Escape to the Beach
3 Nights/4 Days in Northern Tohoku
May 10, 2018
Filled with impressive sightseeing spots, both natural and man-made, Aomori and Akita prefectures are perfect for anyone wanting to ‘get away from it all’. Even during Golden Week, crowds are minimal and cherry blossoms are often still in bloom. This is a recommended 4 day, 3 night trip that can easily be adapted or shortened. … More 3 Nights/4 Days in Northern Tohoku
Azelea Viewing in Tokyo & its surroundings
April 15, 2018
There are many places in the Tokyo area where one can view azeleas (つつじ, tsutsuji) in bloom. The flowers are usually at their most beautiful in mid-April to mid-May; and at higher elevations, into early June. Below is a list of some of the best locations to see them. CENTRAL TOKYO 1). Nezu Shrine, Bunkyo … More Azelea Viewing in Tokyo & its surroundings