The ultimate guide to Japan travel
Maiko, or apprentice geisha, have become a symbol of Kyoto (as the apprentices dress more colorfully and elaborately than their seniors), such that getting a maiko makeover is a touristy but worthwhile must-do when in Kyoto. The experience is anywhere […]
If you're looking for adult goods in the Kansai area, visit Nobunaga Shoten, which has branches in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Anyone who goes to Kyoto these days knows about Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and if you don’t, this video guide and report will give you most of the information you’ll need. Fushimi Inari Shrine has been listed as one of the […]
For the second year running, Kyoto has been named as the world’s top travel destination by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Although the magazine targets travelers at the other end of the spectrum from Japan Cheapo, their readers do get around […]
The Kyoto City Official Tourist Guide has produced an etiquette guide for foreign tourists featuring an array of unfriendly locals with tips on how not to annoy them. Among the tips are to remove hats and sunglasses when visiting shrines […]
How’d you like to meet a living legend? 86-year-old Joe Okada, better known as Samurai Joe, is Japan’s oldest living tour guide and, as he calls himself, Japan’s last samurai. Of course, the samurai from feudal Japan are long gone, […]
Let me first be clear about what you should not imagine these flea markets to be. No they are not the garage or lawn sales you might know from back home, neither are they the classical markets which fill up […]
Kyoto is the most popular tourist destination for foreign visitors to Japan by far and it should be no surprise that every attraction easily gets crowded. But what if I told you there is an ancient great temple and recognized […]
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 dedicated to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
We tried 'em, you buy 'em. Our list of the best and cheapest yatsuhashi - Kyoto's souvenir sweets of choice.
Kyoto is known for its temples and shrines. But with entrance fees, temple-hopping adds up. What's the cheapo way to go sightseeing? Shrine-hopping!
From the ten-yen coin to the Tale of Genji, Uji's temples are known throughout Japan.
Amanohashidate (or "bridge to the heavens") is considered one of Japan's "Three Great Views".
Some major festivals worth checking out among the many 2016 Japan summer events being held from July to August. Think lights, dancing and parading.
Walking around is, without a doubt, the cheapest way to go sightseeing. Here are the top five cities in Japan for wearing out your sneakers.
Daikakuji in Kyoto is one of those lesser famous temples that has a mysterious appeal tempting you to pay it a visit.
Read on to find out more about the unfortunate events to befall this off-the-beaten-path site in Kyoto.
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.