No trip to Tokyo for a Studio Ghibli fan is complete without tasting one of the iconic, officially licensed Totoro Cream Puffs (トトロのシュークリーム) from Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory Kichijōji (白髭のシュークリーム工房 吉祥寺店). Tucked away near the vibrant Inokashira Park, the Shirohige Kichijoji branch is the perfect, convenient pitstop to pair with a visit to the nearby […]
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory Kichijoji: Totoro Puff Guide Read More »
The Chūbu Region (中部地方), located in the center of Japan’s main island – Honshu (本州), is one of the most scenic parts of Japan. The best thing about the Chūbu Region is that many of its stunning destinations are located quite near each other. And there are multiple discounted transportation tickets and passes for you
The Best Guide to Chūbu Japan’s Discounted Transport Deals Read More »
Miyakoyasai Kamo (都野菜 賀茂) is a restaurant located in Karasuma, Kyoto, that focuses its menu on fresh vegetables sourced locally in Kyoto. Depending on your appetite, the good or bad thing is that it is a you-can-eat-style restaurant.
The Cutest Vegan Temari Sushi at Miyakoyasai Kamo Read More »
Looking for vegan or vegetarian street food in Japan? Finding authentic, vegan, gluten-free okonomiyaki can be one of the biggest challenges for travelers in the beautiful country. However, located in the heart of Osaka‘s Shinsaibashi district, OKO Fun Okonomiyaki Bar (遊べるお好み焼き屋 ＯＫＯ) has become a legendary destination for travelers with or without dietary requirements. Known
OKO Fun Okonomiyaki Bar: The Ultimate Vegan & GF Osaka Spot Read More »
Looking to experience Japan’s iconic spring beauty without the overwhelming Kyoto crowds? While most travelers flock to the packed parks of Arashiyama, the best-kept secret of the cherry blossom season is just a 10-minute train ride away in Shiga Prefecture. Boasting breathtaking lakeside views and historic castles, Shiga offers a peaceful, authentic alternative for those
Shiga Sakura Spots: 19 Spots to Escape Kyoto Crowds 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 »
If you are not in a hurry, an activity that you have to try is coral dyeing! While coral fossils seem to be something that can be easily obtained in Okinawa since the island is surrounded by ocean, picking up or buying natural coral is forbidden by law. So there is only one place you
Shuri Ryūsen: Where You Can Experience Coral Dyeing Read More »
Did you know that there is a jungle-like area in Naha City? The area is also incredibly close to Yui Rail’s Shiritsubyōin-mae Station (市立病院前駅) and Gibo Station (儀保駅)! Sueyoshi Park (末吉公園) has a very spacious ground of around 19 hectares. Taking many by surprise, a large part of the park looks just like a tropical
Sueyoshi Park: The Hidden Jungle Park in Okinawa’s Capital Read More »
In addition to the buildings in the Shurijō Castle Park, Shikina-en Garden (識名園) was another spot that was registered as a part of the World Heritage, Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryūkyū (琉球王国のグスク及び関連遺産群) in 2000. The villa complex, also a designated Special National place of Scenery Beauty, has architecture and gardens
Shikina-en – Okinawa’s World Heritage Garden Read More »
A nice spot to stop by after your visit to the Shurijō Castle Park is the Shuri Kannon-dō (首里観音堂). The temple just a 10-minute walk from Tamaudun (玉陵) is one of the six temples around the castle that survived the turbulence in the last 400 years. In addition, the temple that the Ryūkyū imperial family
Shuri Kannon-dō Temple and Its Famous Paw-Joining Dog Read More »
