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
The town of Oya, near Tochigi Prefecture’s capital, Utsunomiya, is relatively unknown but is an excellent day trip from Tokyo. Oya-ishi, a porous stone created from ash and lava, has been quarried in the area for centuries. It is mostly extracted from underground, so the town’s landscape has not been scarred. However, man-made arches, holes, … More ‘The City of Stone’ Oya, Tochigi
Clematis-no-oka opened in 2002 and is a collection of four museums and four restaurants spread around a large nature park & garden in the city of Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture. In addition to indoor exhibits, many beautiful works of art can be seen throughout the compound – similar to Hakone’s Open Air Museum. The first museum, … More Garden & Museums of Clematis-no-Oka
Kodaiji is one of Kyoto’s best temples, established in 1606 by Kita-no-Mandokoro in memory of her late husband, the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Kita-no-Mandokoro’s nickname was ‘Nene’, and the cobblestone street lined with traditional shops and restaurants that runs just below the temple bears her name ‘Nene-no-michi’ (Nene’s street). Kodaiji is open daily from 9:00 … More Kyoto ‘Must See’ Kodaiji Night Illuminations
Musashi Kosugi is an area of Kawasaki that has recently been redeveloped. There are a number of giant high-rise apartments surrounding new shopping complexes built just outside the train station. The Grand Tree Mall is especially impressive and is just 30 minutes by direct train from Azabu Juban. Shopping there is relaxing and enjoyable. Here … More Musashi Kosugi’s Grand Tree Mall
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