Features

Top 10 – Nara Day Trip

December 8, 2022

If you have only one day to sightsee in Nara, here is a list of the TOP 10 things to see! … More Top 10 – Nara Day Trip

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

Day Trip to Mt. Oyama for non-hikers

January 12, 2022

Hikers and non-hikers alike should consider a day trip to Mt. Oyama, Kanagawa Prefecture. … More Day Trip to Mt. Oyama for non-hikers

Kinosaki Onsen

January 5, 2022

Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the Kansai region’s top hot spring towns. … More Kinosaki Onsen

Kyoto 2022 – Without Inbound Tourists

February 18, 2021

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

What & Where is it? Kansai Explained

January 13, 2021

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

Living in Japan: Places to visit before international tourists return

June 12, 2020

If you are currently living in Japan, consider visiting these popular sightseeing spots before inbound tourists are allowed back into the country. Due to overtourism, the atmosphere of many of these locations has changed dramatically in recent years. They are currently more relaxed, but when the country opens up, they will, again, be inundated with … More Living in Japan: Places to visit before international tourists return

Shirakawa Mini-Walk, Central Kyoto

March 30, 2020

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

Obama – Asia’s Original Gateway to Japan and Kyoto

March 11, 2020

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

Experience Morioka-Hachimantai Iwate Prefecture

March 2, 2020

A number of small cities and towns make up a sightseeing region in Iwate Prefecture called Morioka-Hachimantai. In addition to historic sites, hot springs, pristine wilderness, etc. – there are many local experiences that can be enjoyed by visitors. Rinzai-ji is a lovely 360-year-old temple in the town of Shizukuishi. The head priest, his wife, … More Experience Morioka-Hachimantai Iwate Prefecture