Saihoji, also known as Kokedera or the “Moss Temple,” was established over 1,300 years ago, when Prince Shotoku’s villa was transformed into a Buddhist temple. Today, it is one of Kyoto’s most treasured gardens, known for its ethereal beauty and over 120 varieties of moss that carpet the landscape. Visiting Saihoji has always been challenging. … More A Visit to Saihoji: Kyoto’s Moss-Covered Temple
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
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
Gunma is one of Japan’s most underrated prefectures. Located close to Tokyo, it is filled with interesting and unique sightseeing spots. Here are a few of my favorites! … More Top Gunma Sightseeing Spots
If you have only one day to sightsee in Nara, here is a list of the TOP 10 things to see! … More Top 10 – Nara Day Trip
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
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, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the Kansai region’s top hot spring towns. … More Kinosaki Onsen
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
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
