Kyoto, Japan has some of the world’s best restaurants, great teahouses, coffee shops, and more. This dining guide covers where to eat in Kyoto, listing the top spots for a variety of price points, from cheap ramen to high-rolling kaiseki multi-course dinners. This includes the best izakaya, tempura, soba, udon, ramen, katsu, unagi, sushi, and okonomiyaki […]
Learn From Our Mistake: Sainte-Chapelle is a Paris Must-Do!
/17 Comments/in Things to Do France, Paris /by Tom BrickerSainte-Chapelle is a Gothic chapel in Paris, France, about a block from Notre Dame Cathedral. In this post, we’ll cover tips for visiting, offer our review, share photos, and also where we’d slot Sainte-Chapelle into an itinerary of Paris. First, an admission that we goofed. We had visited Paris many times before finally stopping at […]
Tips for Surviving Crowds in Kyoto, Japan
/5 Comments/in Tips & Tricks Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerNo city has been as impacted by Japan’s rising tourism numbers as Kyoto. Crowds during cherry blossom and fall colors seasons can be oppressive, as can national holidays and school breaks. In this post, we’ll offer a sober appraisal of the congestion you might face in Kyoto, plus ways to survive and avoid the worst […]
Kyoto on a Budget: Money-Saving Japan Tips
/2 Comments/in Tips & Tricks Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerVisiting Japan is not cheap. Kyoto, in particular is known for ritzy restaurants, luxury hotels, and a level of personalized service via teahouses, ryokan, and geisha performances that are expensive. With that said, it is possible to do Kyoto on a tighter budget, and in this post we’ll cover money-saving tips for that. The easiest way to […]
Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom & Sakura Season Tips
/23 Comments/in Things to Do Japan /by Tom BrickerDuring spring sakura season, Himeji Castle’s cherry blossom viewing parties and nighttime illuminations are one of the best events in all of Japan. In this post, we’ll offer some hanami at Himeji tips and our thoughts on the Himeji Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you […]
Best Coffee Shops in Kyoto, Japan
/3 Comments/in Dining Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerSome of Japan’s best independent coffee shops and cafes can be found in Kyoto, which is one of the world’s hottest places for third wave coffee. While Kyoto is famous for its tea ceremonies and matcha, locals are actually more coffee-obsessed. This list features our favorite coffee shops in Kyoto, including a couple that are must-do […]
Where to Eat in Kyoto, Japan: Best Restaurants & Dining Guide
/10 Comments/in Dining Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerKyoto, Japan has some of the world’s best restaurants, great teahouses, coffee shops, and more. This dining guide covers where to eat in Kyoto, listing the top spots for a variety of price points, from cheap ramen to high-rolling kaiseki multi-course dinners. This includes the best izakaya, tempura, soba, udon, ramen, katsu, unagi, sushi, and okonomiyaki […]
1-Day Brickers’ Perfect Kyoto Itinerary
/0 Comments/in Itineraries Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerThe beginning of our 1-Day ‘Best of’ Kyoto, Japan Itinerary is basically just why you should not use it. In that diatribe, we promised this itinerary, a superior option that would offer fewer of the greatest hits, but better balance between popular and hidden-gem temples. We’re dubbing this alternative touring plan the Brickers’ 1-Day Perfect Kyoto, Japan Itinerary because […]
The Ahwahnee Hotel Photo Tour
/2 Comments/in Hotels National Parks, Yosemite /by Tom BrickerThe Ahwahnee Hotel is the flagship National Park lodge at Yosemite National Park, designed with a blend of rustic architecture and luxury. It’s a National Historic Landmark that was designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. The Ahwahnee was temporarily renamed the Majestic Yosemite Hotel three years ago due to a legal dispute between the National Park […]
What to Pack for Kyoto, Japan & Clothing List
/4 Comments/in Tips & Tricks Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerOur 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 […]
Fushimi Inari Shrine Tips: Kyoto, Japan Info
/33 Comments/in Things to Do Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerFushimi Inari is a free shrine in Kyoto, Japan with vermilion torii gates stretching endlessly. This post details our experience hiking through over 10,000 torii gates, shares photos of the experience, and offers tips for visiting Fushimi Inari, sometimes known as the “Fox Shrine.” This post also offers a “review” of Fushimi Inari, but if […]