A complete guide to Awaji Island, including getting there and getting around, attractions, historic sites, and natural features.
The Akame 48 Waterfalls of Mie are a unique natural phenomenon of exquisite beauty. To add to the appeal there are also giant Salamanders and a tradition of ninja training.
Osaka is often the butt of jokes for being in the Kinki area of Japan, humorously lost in translation but meaning ‘near the capital’, the former capital of Kyoto. Quite appropriately, the first love hotel to explicitly get its kink on was Hotel …
Yagyū Village and Yagyū Kaido in Nara Prefecture are historically intertwined with both legendary samurai and masterful swordsmanship.
As young Japanese seek moderm indulgences and the elderly refrain consuming in large volumes, Japanese saké, or Nihonshu, is gathering greater appreciation on foreign shores. This trend is driven by saké’s growing popularity in food pairing …
If you’re looking for an alternative day out in Nara, look no further than the Yagyū Kaidō. This ancient road with cobbled footpaths runs through primal forest, countryside vales, and rice paddy villages. Take the path less traveled and discover …
For those looking to avoid the crowds in Nara, Hasedera Temple is a great day trip from Nara, Kyoto or Osaka.
A rather long time ago, Nara was the imperial capital of Japan. While most people head off to the grand legacies of this past, we decided to take the by-paths of Nara Park and put our (Google) navigation skills to the test. The Nara Park Loop, …
Minō Park Falls is in the foothills of north Osaka just a 30-minute train ride from Umeda Station. While it's more crowded in autumn, spring is one of the best times to visit. Minō has something for everyone---especially hikers and families with …
Featuring an iconic horizontal pine tree, sweeping views of Kyoto, and some glorious cherry blossoms, Yoshiminedera is a magical escape to a quiet and more contemplative side of Kyoto.
Japan has an abundance of natural scenic beauty. It’s also a place where nature tends towards the unpretentious. You may not be awed by the grandest rivers, the tallest mountains, nor the most spectacular waterfalls. You will, however, be caught …
Japan is expensive, or so they say. When considering rent, utilities, or the cost of car ownership, they have a point. However, with Japan's competitive grocery retail sector, there’s no reason to cut down on your favorite foods. There’s almost …
