Japan’s Kansai region is best known for attractions such as the USJ, Osaka Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji. While these spots are surely stunning in the fall, the areas are now considered overcrowded and touristy. So if you are planning your second or even third visit to Osaka and Kyoto, how about venturing out of the […]
Japan 2 Week Itinerary: Explore Kansai’s Less-Visited Spots Read More »
Vegetarian-friendly restaurants are hard to come by in Japan. It might be easier in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, but in less visited areas like Mt. Shosha (書写山), we vegetarians must do our homework to find the best dining options available and to ensure we have enough energy to explore!
How to Enjoy Mt. Shosha’s Unique Vegan Cuisine Read More »
While millions of tourists flock to Hyogo Prefecture for the iconic white walls of Himeji Castle, few realize that an ancient, spiritual destination awaits just 25 minutes away. Rising quietly above the city, Mt. Shosha (書写山) is home to Engyōji Temple (圓教寺), a breathtaking 1,000-year-old Buddhist complex nestled deep within a dense, mossy forest. Famously
Mt. Shosha: How to Visit Himeji’s Hidden Mountain Temple Read More »
While the famous Kōrakuen Garden in Okayama was chosen to be one of the Three Greatest Gardens in Japan, we really think Kōkōen Garden (好古園) deserves a lot more publicity overall. Compared to Kōrakuen, Kōkōen Garden in Himeji has a lot more features, including nine small unique gardens that were constructed in line with Edo
The Ultimate Guide to Kōkōen Garden: Himeji’s Hidden Gem Read More »
As Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s 12 remaining original keeps, Himeji Castle (姫路城), tops almost every traveler’s bucket list. Known as the “White Heron Castle Shirasagi-Jō (白鷺城)” for its brilliant white plaster walls and elegant, wing-like architecture, this 400-year-old masterpiece is the ultimate day trip from nearby Osaka or
Himeji Castle Guide: Attractions, Tickets, & Vegan Tips Read More »
