Taiyo Park: A whimsical journey around the world – with heart
July 30, 2025
Discover Hakucho Castle at Taiyo Park: A whimsical journey around the world – with heart … More Taiyo Park: A whimsical journey around the world – with heart
Category: Weekend Trips
Wining & Dining in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture
August 9, 2024
A few of my favorite drinking and dining options when visiting Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture – one of Japan’s top lesser known sightseeing spots. … More Wining & Dining in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture
‘Little Kyoto’ – Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture
August 8, 2024
Many of Japan’s best tourist destinations have been preserved due to their locations well off the beaten path. The town of Tsuwano sits in a valley in western Shimane Prefecture near the border with Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is known as the Little Kyoto of the San-in Region and is highly recommended for travelers willing to … More ‘Little Kyoto’ – Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture
Soni Highlands, Nara Prefecture
June 6, 2024
Soni Kogen – stunning highlands deep within the mountains of Nara Prefecture. … More Soni Highlands, Nara Prefecture
Nara: Off The Beaten Path
April 8, 2024
Travel to lesser-known areas of Nara with a mission – the Junrei Stamp Rally! Visit four amazing temples, a museum, and an artistic cultural complex. On the journey, collect stamps and gifts – before earning a bracelet made of sacred wooden beads. … More Nara: Off The Beaten Path
Kyoto’s Ohara District
January 18, 2022
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
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