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
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
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
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
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
Updated April 2021. Kamiyacho is a small business district in central Tokyo’s Minato Ward. It is filled with government institutions and foreign companies. For anyone living or working in the area, here is a list of where to eat, and what to see, on a walk toward the Tokyo American Club (TAC). Within a minute’s … More Walk for Locals: Kamiyacho Station to the Tokyo American Club
Although there is plenty of information about Japan online, do you enjoy holding an actual magazine in your hands? If so, there are three top quality magazines to consider: Kateigaho International, D Design Travel, and Rurubu Omotenashi Travel Guides. There are also many free publications that are filled with up-to-date event & travel information. … More Top 3 ‘Must Buy’ Magazines on Japan
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
Located just one stop from Meguro Station on the Namboku and Mita Subway Lines, Shirokanedai is an upscale, mostly residential neighborhood. Although it does contain wonderful sightseeing spots, it is unknown to tourists and is a great place to explore in relative peace. Shirokanedai is very easy to get around as almost everything is located … More Tokyo Neighborhoods: Shirokanedai
When in Kyoto, Gion Mametora is a fantastic choice for those looking to dine on unique local cuisine. The restaurant serves kaiseki ryori, an elegant course menu based on what’s in season. However, its speciality is mamezushi – small, roundish, bite-sized sushi. Also called ‘maiko-zushi’, they were originally designed for Maiko (Kyoto’s apprentice geisha) so … More Kyoto Restaurant: Gion Mametora
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