The ultimate guide to Japan travel
Most of our readers will know Nara for its countless bowing deer, ancient temples and picturesque traditional streets. But did you also know Nara is famous for its local cuisine, in particular sake and some unique rice-based dishes? Well, let's …
Even the most famous cities in the world have some secrets hidden around the corner. Stray off the beaten path and into Nara's preserved Naramachi district.
Wakayama Castle is an architectural beauty one hour from Osaka. Make a day trip of it in spring or autumn for stunning sights.
Around the corner from Kyoto Station are the most important Japanese Buddhist temples, rich with tradition, stunning architecture and beautiful art.
Nara's Koriyama Castle Town is full of history and the perfect spot to capture cherry and plum blossoms photos.
With winter comes illuminations, and one of the most famous in Japan is Kobe Luminarie, attracting around 3 to 4 million people each year. Although not truly intended to be Christmas illuminations, their extravagant design and colours easily …
Uji is famous for green tea—one of Japan's most famous products. Find out what renowned tea houses to visit when you're in the city.
Although disasters in Japan rarely happen, it is best to be prepared and we hope these little tips and tricks may help you do so in confidence for your trip.
Read on to find out more about the unfortunate events to befall this off-the-beaten-path site in Kyoto.
Daikakuji in Kyoto is one of those lesser famous temples that has a mysterious appeal tempting you to pay it a visit.
From the ten-yen coin to the Tale of Genji, Uji's temples are known throughout Japan.
Experience the vibrant sights, sounds and tastes of Kobe Chinatown, from jovial Lunar New Year celebrations to irresistible street food options!
Kobe offers a great blend of small town atmosphere on one side and metropolitan convenience and charm on the other.
Just a stonethrow away from Nara, Imaicho is another great example of a preserved Edo-style town well worth taking a stroll through.
We tried 'em, you buy 'em. Our list of the best and cheapest yatsuhashi - Kyoto's souvenir sweets of choice.
Inside and around Kyoto Station you can find countless good-quality restaurants and bars for a decent price. The easy option for grabbing a bite to eat would be to head up to the top floors of the station’s building and hop into one of the …
Valentine’s Day, that crazy time of the year when men around to world rush to department stores and chocolatiers to find that one piece of sweet their (prospective) girlfriend or wife will adore. In Japan, this time appears even crazier because …
With an impressive name as “The Temple of the Peaceful Dragon”, Ryoanji has quite something to live up to. And so it does, this famous World Heritage Site with Zen garden in the northwestern corner of Kyoto easily rivals its most impressive …
In 1601, when the time of the warring states came to an end as the Tokugawa shogunate united all of Japan under its control on behalf of the Emperor, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the construction of Nijo Castle in the imperial capital of …
Staying in Kyoto for a few months is great and learning Japanese in Japan sounds amazing. Something you should realize, however, is the fact that Kyoto, Osaka and the rest of the Kansai region have their own dialect known as Kansai-ben but often …
Located near the banks of Lake Biwa, on the road from the ancient capital of Kyoto to the castle town of Hikone lies the region’s own miniature Venice that breathes an atmosphere of the Edo period. Omihachiman, with its beautiful historical …
Simply put, Kiyomizu-dera is the most popular attraction in Kyoto and no matter when you decide to go it will be crowded. Nonetheless, it is a must-see whenever you are in the city and you may come to severely regret not going if you would …
On the edge of the oldest geisha district in Kyoto—Kamishichiken—lies Kitano Tenmangu Shrine dedicated to the god of learning as well as the scholar and politician Sugawara Michizane. During the exam periods many students flock to the shrines …