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
Hikers and non-hikers alike should consider a day trip to Mt. Oyama, Kanagawa Prefecture. … More Day Trip to Mt. Oyama for non-hikers
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
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
There are two main types of giant Buddhist statues in Japan, Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) and Dai-Kannon (Giant Goddess of Mercy). Older statues are made of bronze or stone. Newer ones tower over local landscapes, are made of reinforced concrete, and can be explored – internally. Five impressive ‘ascendable’ statues surround Tokyo and all are worth … More Best ‘Ascendable’ Tokyo Area Giant Buddhist Statues
Recently, many foreign tourists travel to Wakayama Prefecture to visit Mt.Koya and the famous Kumano Kaido. Most are unaware of Shingu, a lovely little city that has its own collection of impressive sightseeing spots, including sections of the famous path and other related World Heritage Sites. Most of Shingu’s attractions are centrally located and can … More World Heritage Site hunting in Shingu, Wakayama
The most ‘mystical’ place that I have ever visited in Japan is Bodai-ji in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. This temple sits beside a lake in the caldera of an eight-peaked volcanic mountain called Osorezan and is usually referred to by that name. Osorezan was founded in 862 by the famous priest, Ennin, when he enshrined … More Bucket List: Aomori’s Sacred Osorezan
The Seto Inland Sea’s ‘art island’, Naoshima, is now on the bucket list of many tourists. Most visit the island and then head off to another famous location on the Japanese main island of Honshu. Unfortunately, they miss the opportunity to explore many fantastic lesser known sightseeing spots in the rest of Kagawa Prefecture. If … More Touring Shikoku’s Kagawa Prefecture (after Naoshima)
There are many wonderful hikes in and around Tokyo, but my favorite is Nokogiriyama in Chiba Prefecture. Nokogiri means ‘sawtooth’ and is so named due to jagged rock face that was exposed in the Edo Era when it was a quarry. If you prefer an easier hike, travel by ropeway to the top of the … More Nokogiriyama, Chiba – ‘The Sawtooth Mountain’
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