Maple Hunting in Kyoto: Tofukuji
Sacred temple leafs
As one of Kyoto's best spots for autumn foliage, Tofukuji temple should be high on the list of anyone that calls him/herself a "maple leaf hunter".
You will be overwhelmed by the myriads of...
Japan`s World Heritage Site: Buddhist Monuments in Horyuji
Horyuji Temple: The World's Oldest Wooden Building
While Kyoto may be home to many of Japan’s most famous and photographed temples, it was nearby Nara Prefecture’s Horyuji Temple that captured UNESCO's attention to become Japan's first...
Osaka’s Over-The-Top Billboards
From Deep Sea Creatures to Cheese Puff s' Uncle Karl
In Osaka, people are loud and things tend to get larger than life - especially their billboards.
These flamboyant and extravagant advertisements show how Osaka has always been a city...
Themed Izakayas To Experience Japanese Culture
It's all about theme-work!
Experiencing Japanese summer is not complete without going to themed restaurants and Izakaya (bars). Savory food and refreshing drinks are alluring to start with, but these venues offer great entertainment such...
World Heritage (2): Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle: Japanese castle architecture perfected and preserved
After 5 and a half years of renovations, Himeji Castle reopened to the public in March in blazing white glory, with not just repainted walls and new roof tiles,...
Tenkawa Shrine, Japan’s Most Seclusive Power Spot
Simultaneously valuing traditions and welcoming the new
What exactly does religion mean in Japan? What is Shinto and how important is it to the Japanese? Never during my 10 years in Japan did I ask myself...
Japan`s World Heritage Sites: Kumano Pilgrimage Route
The World's Most Picturesque Pilgrimage
If you take just one pilgrimage - or perhaps just a long hike - in your life, you won't find a more scenic one than here.
Though a slight trek off the...
Picturesque Japan: Engetsu Island
Japan's most magical sunset display at Nanki Shirahama
Engetsu Island is a small rock island just off Nanki Shirahama's coast in Wakayama Prefecture, and it's almost as if it was created for postcard-perfect photos.
Nanki Shirahama is...
Akafuku, Mochi Heaven
The inside-out mochi
It is not exactly known when Akafuku - one of the oldest mochi (Japanese rice cake) brands still going strong today - was founded, but the oldest document referring to its existence...
Ise Grand Shrine: Japan’s Top Power Spot
A Shrine For The Bucket List
Since days of old, there has been a saying about the Ise Jingu, or Ise Grand Shrine: isshoni ichido wa omairi o, meaning one should worship there at least once...
