Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
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 »
When most travelers picture Kyoto, they imagine the brilliant orange gates of Fushimi Inari or the crowded bamboo groves of Arashiyama. However, the true soul of the region lies far beyond the city center, tucked away in the misty mountains, historic samurai castle towns, and floating coastal villages of greater Kyoto Prefecture. Exploring these spectacular,
17 Best Hidden Gems in Kyoto: Off-the-Beaten-Path Guide Read More »
After an off the beaten path destination in Japan near Kyoto? Just a short, 10-minute train ride from the bustling streets of Kyoto lies Ōtsu (大津市), the historic capital of Shiga Prefecture and the peaceful gateway to the majestic Lake Biwa. While most travelers skip this lakeside gem in favor of its famous neighbor, Ōtsu
Best Things to Do in Ōtsu: The Perfect Day Trip From Kyoto Read More »
Amanohashidate (天橋立), one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), is just stunning throughout the year. The 3.6 km sandbar with 5,000 pine trees growing on top is what makes Amanohashidate so famous. When you view it from the observation decks on top of the hill, Amanohashidate looks like a flying dragon and
The Best Ways to Get to Amanohashidate from Osaka and Kyoto 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 »
When people talk about Himeji, they talk about the beautiful all-white Himeji Castle and the castle’s garden – Kōkōen. Both attractions can be easily accessed from the Himeji Station and are highly recommended. But if you have a day to spend in Himeji, extend your visit to one of Japan’s hidden gems – Engyōji Temple
Mt. Shosha – The Beautiful Mountain Overlooking Himeji 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 Best Guide to Kōkōen – Himeji Castle’s Stunning Garden Read More »
Nowadays, many Japanese castles have been included in the World Heritage Register. But, when it comes to the ranking determined by the Japan Castle Foundation, there can only be ONE castle that is ranked first place. Himeji Castle (姫路城) in Hyōgo Prefecture was nicknamed the White Heron Castle or Shirasagi-Jō (白鷺城) in Japanese because the
Himeji Castle – The Most Elegant Castle in Japan Read More »
