Our Kyoto packing list includes travel gadgets, unique items, and clothing suggestions that will improve your trip to Japan. Everything on this comprehensive ‘what to pack’ will save you money or make your Kyoto experience more comfortable and pleasant. The first part of our Kyoto, Japan packing list highlights things you never knew you needed […]
When to visit Kyoto to avoid crowds, experience the best seasons, and enjoy the top festivals is a common question for first-timers to Japan. There is no single worst or best time to visit, and when you should travel to Kyoto depends in large part on your priorities. In this guide, we’ll narrow down your […]
If you’re visiting California and want to visit the best beach cities near Los Angeles, this 1-day itinerary for a morning in Venice and afternoon and evening in Santa Monica will help you have a great day. This step-by-step Southern California touring plan is almost entirely walkable, with and will allow you to have a […]
Yosemite National Park’s Firefall at Horsetail Fall is a natural phenomenon visible for about 3 weeks each year in February. This post offers tips based upon my experiences, plus updates on the 2019 government shutdown, recent California weather patterns, and how both could effect the Firefall. (Last updated January 9, 2019.) First, the update. Despite […]
With over 1,600 temples and shrines, Kyoto is unquestionably the spiritual capital of Japan. This list of Kyoto’s 100 best temples and shrines is narrowed down from the 200+ that we’ve visited during our months in the city. From Kiyomizudera to Golden Pavilion to Fushimi Inari, Kyoto is home to some of the best places […]
Fushimi Inari is our favorite place in Kyoto, Japan. It’s a huge mountain shrine famous for its thousands of torii gates, but that’s just scratching the surface. It’s also home to myriad sub-shrines, natural beauty, and great hiking options around the mountain–and to nearby temples–via Kyoto Isshu Circuit Trail. In this post, we’ll detail one of […]
Our Los Angeles city guide offers tips to plan a Southern California vacation, including best things to do, transportation info, where to eat in L.A., hotel suggestions, and more. Los Angeles is one of our favorite cities in the world, and we’ll provide you insider tips to experience both the touristy highlights and hidden gems. […]
Our step-by-step Kyoto, Japan itineraries offer single and multi-day plans for Arashiyama, Higashiyama, and cover everything from the best-of temples & shrines like Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari to hidden gems you’ve never heard of. These Kyoto touring plans provide tips for what to do, where to eat, districts to see, and the most efficient […]
Our Tokyo, Japan travel guide offers info & tips, things to do, transportation info, where to eat, best hotels, avoiding crowds, itineraries for the city, and more. Whether you’re visiting this year or planning for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, we’ve got you covered! (Last updated January 2, 2019.) Tokyo can be an intimidating place […]
Our Kyoto, Japan guide offers planning tips & tricks, hotel recommendations, best temples & shrines, transportation hacks, where to eat, crowd info, and more. Before we get to the basics of planning, we’ll share some updates, and why we love Kyoto so much. (Last updated January 1, 2019.) If you’re already in Kyoto and are scrambling […]