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!
Enkoji Temple (圓光寺, Enkōji) is located in northern Kyoto, Japan near Shugakuin Imperial Villa and the Silver Pavilion. Most beautiful during fall colors season in November and December, Enkoji is stunning year-round thanks to its diverse features, art, and architecture. In this post, we’ll share photos from our various experiences at Enkoji Temple. We’ll also […]
In some regards, Rurikoin Temple is about the furthest thing from a hidden gem in Kyoto. It’s famous for foliage–and not just fall colors–within Japan, and despite a pricey entrance fee, this renowned spot commands lengthy lines that can result in waits of 2-3 hours just to enter. Despite that, there’s a reasonably good chance […]
It is indisputable scientific fact that modern man has two passions: cars and dinosaurs. The Cabazon Dinosaurs’ creator, Claude Bell, knew this basic fact, and sought to capitalize on it by building his dinosaurs in the 1960s along the roadside in California. I can further corroborate this fact: while driving the I-10 to Palm Springs […]
Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji) is one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is located within walking distance of Kyoto Station. It’s famous for having the tallest pagoda in Japan, and that’s why most visitors are drawn to Toji. In this review, we’ll share info and our thoughts on visiting, including whether it’s worth the […]
Shinnyodo is an under-the-radar and free temple in Kyoto, Japan (officially known as Shinsho Gokuraku-ji Temple). It makes both our Top 10 Fall Color Spots and 10 Best Hidden Gem Photography Spots lists for Kyoto, an impressive feat as usually the best autumn foliage locations are among the most popular temples and shrines in Japan. […]
Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrine (or the Kamo Shrines) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Japan. In this post, we’ll share photos from the these ‘important’ (and free!) Shinto shrines and thoughts on whether they’re worth including in your itinerary. In terms of basic background and placement, Shimogamo Shrine, or the Lower Kamo Shrine, is located […]
Pantheon is a church-like building in Paris, France’s Latin Quarter that now serves as a tourist attraction and mausoleum. In this post, we’ll share photos from the Pantheon, tips & info for visiting, and review whether it’s worth your time and money. Originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve and to house the reliquary […]
Musée Rodin is a Paris, France museum home to sculptures and other works of French artist Auguste Rodin. In this post, we’ll share photos from Musée Rodin, tips & info for visiting, and review whether this museum is worth your time and money. Located in the 7th arrondissement, which is also home to the Eiffel Tower […]
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is located in northwest Kyoto, Japan. The free shrine is a popular place to visit during spring for its plum trees and fall for its autumn foliage, as well as during its monthly flea market. In this post, we’ll share photos from our experiences here, tips for visiting, whether it’s worth your […]
When it comes to fall colors, Fushimi Inari Taisha doesn’t make a lot of ‘best of’ lists for shrines & temples to visit in Kyoto, Japan during the autumn. This is really unfortunate, as I’d argue that it can be one of the better spots for fall foliage in Kyoto. I understand why Fushimi Inari is conspicuously […]