Points of interest and things to do when you travel. Includes photos, tips and tricks for making the most of each location so you know how much time to spend there and more!
Cool Japan is an anime and pop culture special event held from January until June each year in Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan. In this post, we’ll share info and tips for visiting, attraction strategy to save you time, and provide our Cool Japan review. Each year, the details and properties featured in Cool Japan, but […]
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the top sights in Kyoto, Japan, with its dense pathway of bamboo that stretches as far as the eye can see. This post features serene photos of the Kyoto’s bamboo forest and tips for visiting this bucket list destination. In terms of basic background, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove […]
Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所) is the former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved to Tokyo. In this post, we’ll share photos from inside the palace and the Imperial Park, offer info & tips for visiting, and share our somewhat contrarian perspective on this popular spot in Kyoto. […]
Chion-in (知恩院) is a large, free temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area. It is one of the most popular Jodo Buddhist temples in Japan. In this post, I’ll share photos from Chion-in (including of its ongoing construction), history, info & tips for visiting, and thoughts on the current experience at Chion-in Temple. The free grounds at […]
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a temple in Arashiyama with a collection of 1,200 Rakan Buddhist statues. It’s one of Kyoto, Japan’s most unique and, frankly, bizarre temples. In this post, we cover whether this off-the-beaten path temple is worth your time, details about its fascinating history, and also offer some tips for visiting. Honestly, I’m still […]
Daikaku-ji (大覚寺) is a partially-free temple complex near Kyoto, Japan’s Sagano and Arashiyama districts. In this post, we’ll share photos of the temple, thoughts on our visit, tips & info for visiting, and whether it makes sense to simply experience the free areas or splurge to enter the paid buildings. In terms of those buildings and […]
Okochi Sanso Villa (大河内山荘) is a garden and the former residence of Denjirō Ōkōchi, a famous Japanese actor, located in Kyoto, Japan. In this post, we’ll share photos from Okochi Sanso Villa & Gardens, plus thoughts from our visit, and whether it’s worth the money. For many visitors to Japan, a stop at one of […]
Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji Temple) is one of Kyoto, Japan’s most popular zen temples and gardens located at the edge of the Higashiyama mountains. In this post, we’ll offer tips for visiting Ginkakuji Temple, photos of the silver pavilion and its beautiful gardens, and whether it’s worth your time to make the trek out to the […]
Kennin-ji (建仁寺) is the oldest Zen temple Kyoto. Located in Gion, which is renowned as Japan’s most famous geisha district. In this post, I’ll share photos I took at Kennin-ji Temple, its history, info & tips for visiting, thoughts on our experience, and whether Kennin-ji is worth your time. Despite Kennin-ji’s claim to fame as […]
Higashiyama District is a historic neighborhood in Kyoto, Japan nestled between Kiyomizudera and Maruyama Park. The area features restored traditional townhomes (machiya) with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, in a picturesque setting evoking the look of “Old Kyoto.” In this post, we’ll share photos of the Higashiyama District and offer tips for what to […]