Morinji is a Zen Temple located in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. It was established in 1426 and is famous for its connection to a shape-shifting tanuki. Tanuki are dog-like raccoon animals, and they are often depicted as mythical creatures. If you walk from Morinjimae Station to Morinji Temple, you can see picture signboards that tell … More Morinji Temple & the Tanuki Tea Kettle
Kawasaki is only ten minutes by train from Shinagawa Station, but it seems worlds away. As one of the largest industrial areas of Japan, the city is not known for its sightseeing spots. However, the area around Kawasaki Station is well worth visiting, especially for anyone who enjoys bargain shopping. In addition, famous Kawasaki Daishi, … More Day Trip: Environs of Kawasaki Station
Aizu Wakamatsu is located in the center of Fukushima Prefecture and is nicknamed the ‘Samurai City’ due its prominence as a former castle town of the Aizu domain. The city is full of impressive historic sites and is one of my favorite sightseeing destinations. Here is a list (in no particular order) of many of … More Aizu Wakamatsu: The Samurai City
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
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
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’
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
One of my favorite Japanese cities, Nagasaki is a great tourist destination for foreign tourists. It is English-friendly, is full of historical attractions, offers delicious local specialties, and is easy to navigate. Here is some basic advice for a history-lover’s first visit. Sofukuji Temple Upon arrival at the airport, take a limousine bus to central … More Downtown Historic Nagasaki
There are a number of gardens in the Tokyo area where one can view Japanese water irises (花菖蒲, hanashobu) in bloom. The flowers are usually at their most beautiful in June. Below is a list of some of the best locations to see them. Hondoji, Chiba TOKYO Nezu Museum, Minato Ward Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Bunkyo … More Iris Gardens in & around Tokyo
I’ve walked these areas again & again, and never get tired of them. However, as a local, I do often skip the really famous sites and concentrate on the lesser-known spots nearby. Gion’s Kenninji Temple Kyoto ‘Top 3’ Recommended Courses for First Time Visitors 1) Philosopher’s Path Take a taxi or bus to Ginkakuji Temple. … More Kyoto ‘Top 3’ Recommended Courses for First Time Visitors
