This 2-day Tokyo itinerary provides our touring plan for visitors to Japan to visit the city’s best districts, museums, parks, temples, and other things to do, all in a time-saving manner. In so doing, this veritable ‘best of’ Tokyo plan of attack provides an efficient framework for seeing as much as possible, while also not […]
2-Day Tokyo Highlights Itinerary
/13 Comments/in Itineraries Japan, Tokyo /by Tom BrickerThis 2-day Tokyo itinerary provides our touring plan for visitors to Japan to visit the city’s best districts, museums, parks, temples, and other things to do, all in a time-saving manner. In so doing, this veritable ‘best of’ Tokyo plan of attack provides an efficient framework for seeing as much as possible, while also not […]
1-Day Nara, Japan Itinerary
/4 Comments/in Itineraries Japan /by Tom BrickerThis Nara touring plan offers a step-by-step itinerary for seeing the top temples, the Great Buddha, and devious deer as a day-trip from Kyoto, Japan. In it, we detail the must-see points of interest, what can be skipped, and where you should do lunch and dinner in Nara. We’ll also include a few diversions along […]
Anthony Bourdain’s Inimitable Legacy
/14 Comments/in Things to Do /by Tom BrickerI found Anthony Bourdain at roughly the same time I found both food and travel. It was when he was hosting No Reservations on Travel Channel, and I was first expanding my horizons, voraciously consuming as much as I could about all things travel. His show was different, but not in the sense that he played […]
Hong Kong Hidden Gem: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
/5 Comments/in Things to Do Hong Kong /by Tom BrickerPerhaps calling the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery a “Hong Kong Hidden Gem” is a bit of hyperbole. Also known as Man Fat Tsz, the temple is listed in most guidebooks to the city and makes some ‘best of’ lists. However, it doesn’t crack TripAdvisor’s top 30, has a fraction of the Google Reviews of Tian Tan […]
FlyOver Canada Review: Soarin’ Over the Great White North
/6 Comments/in Things to Do Canada /by Tom BrickerFlyOver Canada is a soaring attraction at Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal that is so similar to Soarin’ that Disney fans might feel a sense of deja vu when riding. In this post, we’ll review FlyOver Canada, assess whether it’s worth your time and money, and offer basic information about the attraction experience. Located in the multi-purpose […]
Bishamondo Temple Review, Info & Tips
/0 Comments/in Things to Do Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerBishamondo is a secluded temple in Kyoto, Japan’s Higashiyama Mountains within walking distance of Yamashina Station. Unlike other locations near it, Bishamondo Temple is an uncrowded hidden gem due to it being relatively difficult to access. In this post, we’ll share photos of the temple, info on how to get there, and our brief review […]
1-Day Southwestern Kyoto Itinerary
/4 Comments/in Itineraries Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerOur Southwestern Kyoto Itinerary offers a touring plan for our ideal day on the outskirts of the city, hitting a few places that are simultaneously highlights of Japan and also hidden gems due to their location. As with our other Kyoto itineraries, this one tries to balance efficiency with sufficient time to wander, explore, and […]
Byodoin Temple Review, Info & Tips
/8 Comments/in Things to Do Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerByodoin (平等院, Byōdōin) is a Pure Land Buddhist temple with some of Japan’s most eye-catching architecture. A short train ride from Kyoto on the JR Nara Line, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. In this post, I’ll share photos from Byodoin (including night shots!), history, info & tips for visiting, and thoughts on […]
Eikando Temple Fall Colors Night Lighting
/6 Comments/in Things to Do Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerFall foliage is illuminated at Eikando Zenrinji Temple in Kyoto, Japan during a special autumn night lighting. We’ve attended this special event, and will share our experience, night photos of the leaves, and some tips for visiting based upon our observations. With over 3,000 maple trees, this temple is so famous for its fall foliage that it’s […]
Best Ramen Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan
/7 Comments/in Dining Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerYeah, there are over 1,600 temples and shrines in Kyoto, but did you know there are over 200 ramen shops?! While many tourists make the pilgrimage to Japan’s cultural capital of Kyoto for the temples and shrines, the city’s culinary culture should not be overlooked. There’s no shortage of lists compiling the “best ramen restaurants in […]