Encounter Pure Land Buddhism in Hiraizumi
After arriving at Iwate-ken, we enjoyed a calming cruise down Geibikei, a gorge with impressive limestone features stretching two kilometres long. As we sailed down the river, we took the chance to soak in...
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...
Nara National Museum
The Nara National Museum, situated in the Nara Park, is one of the four prominent national museums in Japan, along with Tokyo, Kyoto and Kyushu. It houses about 1,400 collection items which are extensively...
Japan`s World Heritage Sites: Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto: A treasury of temples and shrines
With so many gems gathered here, the sightseer's dilemma is knowing where to start! So for the time-strapped tourist, here are the top three "must see" spots.
1....
World Heritage (10): Shurijo Castle
Japan is a land of castles, some like Himeji Castle, which is also registered as World Heritage. But to see the country's most visited castle, you'll have to travel all the way down to Okinawa, for a...
The History of Yokohama: Perry, Ports, and Progress
Yokohama is a modern day city filled to the brim with originality, a mixture of innovation, and history.
Walking along its streets you'll be struck by any number of features that make it unique, from...
Travel back in time to Kawagoe, the little Edo. A day trip for art...
Have been to almost all major tourist attractions in Tokyo and have no idea where else to go? If you want to escape from Tokyo's hustle and bustle, visiting Kawagoe in suburb Tokyo will...
A day in Sumida Ward： Following in the footsteps of Hokusai
For the typical foreign tourist to Tokyo, a stop at Asakusa’s temples and souvenir shops is a must. Visitors tend to stop by the edge of the Sumida river and take pictures with the...
Kyo Karakami by Maruni Stationery
What is Kyo Karakami?
Simply put, Kyo Karakami refers to a type of woodblock print, using hand-carved printing blocks made from magnolia wood with traditional patterns from days of old. The characters for Karakami mean...
Journey with Matsuo Basho: Haiku master and adventurer
Spanning 2,400 kilometres, the trail mentioned in Oku-no-hosomichi consists of roads that lead to Nikko ( 日光 ), Oshu ( 奧州 ), Dewa ( 出羽 ) and Hokuriku ( 北 陸 ). Two of...
