Planning a summer trip to Kyoto? Escape the city heat with the ultimate cool-down at Hirobun (京都貴船 料理旅館 ひろ文) in Kibune, the most famous spot for Nagashi Sōmen noodles (流しそうめん). This unique dining tradition served at a river terrace, involves catching chilled flowing noodles with chopsticks as they slide down a bamboo flume, will be […]
Catch Flowing Noodles in Kyoto: Nagashi Somen at Hirobun Read More »
The annual Shirakawago Winter Light-Up event is the most sought-after winter experience in Japan. For just a few exclusive nights each January and February, the historic gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawago village are blanketed in snow and spectacularly illuminated, creating a breathtaking, fairytale scene. Due to its popularity, attending requires careful planning. This ultimate guide breaks
Shirakawago Winter Illumination: Dates, Tickets, Guide Read More »
Amanohashidate is renowned as one of Japan’s “Three Most Scenic Views,” but this destination in northern Kyoto Prefecture is much more than a famous viewpoint. The true beauty of this “bridge to heaven” extends to its coastline, where two distinct beaches offer visitors different experiences. On the south end of the sandbar, you have the
Looking for Beaches Near Kyoto? Your Guide to Swimming at Amanohashidate Read More »
While increasing in popularity as a day trip destination from Naha, Aka Island (阿嘉島) remains a relatively less-visited inhabited island amongst the Kerama Islands group. And the good thing is that Aka Island is connected to Geruma Island (慶留間島) and Fukaji Island (外地島) by bridges, so that you can explore three islands with a single
The Ultimate Guide to How to Enjoy Aka Island Read More »
Nishibama Beach (北浜ビーチ) is Aka Island’s main beach. The spot is renowned for its stunning Kerama-Blue waters and soft, pristine white-sand beach. Many people would visit the beach for snorkeling to explore the gorgeous coral reefs spreading near the shore. Besides coral reefs, you might be able to swim with a sea turtle at Nishibama
Nishibama Beach: Th Best Beach on Okinawa’s Aka Island Read More »
When visiting Japan, experiencing the country’s unique culture and activities is a must for most international tourists. If that is the case for you, consider taking the Hozugawa River Boat (Hozugawa Kudari, 保津川下り) to Arashiyama. You are completely disconnected from civilisation once the boat starts floating on the Hozugawa River. Boarding a traditional boat and
The Ultimate Guide to Hozugawa River Boat Ride Read More »
Aside from Tokashiki Island (渡嘉敷島), Zamami Island (座間味島) is also considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Okinawa. Why? Because one of the beaches on Zamami Island was given a two-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan! In addition to the Kerama-Blue colored beaches where sea turtles linger, Zamami Island is another spot
A Guide to Zamami Island and the Michelin-Starred Beach Read More »
Zamami Island is one of the most popular Okinawa snorkeling spots near Naha, and the reason is apparent. The island with a Michelin two-star rated beach is just too hard to say no to! But is the Furuzamami Beach overrated? And are there other snorkeling spots worth visiting on Zamami Island? Before you hop onto
The Ultimate Guide to Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach Read More »
Yanagawa River Boat, also known as Donkobune (どんこ船) or Kawakudari (川下り), is a must-do in Fukuoka‘s Yanagawa City. Sitting on the traditional boat, you can spend a relaxing time gazing at the weeping willows, seasonal flowers, and beautiful white-walled townscape from the river. Depending on the season, you may also be able to see ducks
Yanagawa River Boat: The Must-Try Experience in Fukuoka Read More »
When looking for the ultimate souvenir from Fukushima Prefecture, nothing glows with local tradition quite like Aizu painted candles (Aizu Erōsoku, 会津絵ろうそく). Boasting over 500 years of history, these exquisite, eco-friendly candles are crafted from natural plant wax and beautifully adorned with hand-painted chrysanthemums, peonies, or wisteria. If you want to experience the absolute finest
Paint Your Aizu Candle at Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop Read More »
