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
Category: Photo Stories
Kinosaki Onsen
January 5, 2022
Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the Kansai region’s top hot spring towns. … More Kinosaki Onsen
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
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
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’
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
Specialty Dining in Obama, Fukui Prefecture
March 28, 2020
As a fishing port with historic ties to Kyoto, the city of Obama offers wonderful dining options for travelers visiting its sightseeing spots. It is also possible to build your meal into an experience that involves observing how local foods/drinks are produced and how fish are raised. Seafood lovers can dine on the freshest local … More Specialty Dining in Obama, Fukui Prefecture
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
City Explorations: A Day in Morioka
March 4, 2020
The Morioka-Hachimantai region, Iwate Prefecture, is filled with interesting sightseeing spots, fantastic ski resorts, beautiful hiking trails, unique historic sites, and more. Many tourists transit through Morioka Station, but the city itself is definitely worth a visit – especially if you have an interest in architecture. There are two reasonable and easy ways to get … More City Explorations: A Day in Morioka
Atami – Hot Spring Resort by the Sea
February 8, 2020
For almost 1000 years, Atami has been known for its hot springs. During the 1980’s, the city was booming and many giant resort hotels and condominiums were built. In the 1990’s, Japan’s economic bubble burst and Atami began a long slide into disrepair. However, with a gorgeous location, ever-flowing hot springs, and easy access from … More Atami – Hot Spring Resort by the Sea