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 […]
Fushimi 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 […]
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 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 […]
Taizoin Temple is home to some of Kyoto, Japan’s best gardens, and is the oldest and most famous subtemple of the even more famous Myoshinji. In this post, we’ll take a stroll through this stunning garden, past the iconic weeping cherry tree, karesansui, and Yoko-en Pond, sharing photos of all these beautiful features of Taizoin […]
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 […]
Our 1-day Kyoto, Japan itinerary is an efficient step-by-step plan of attack for visiting the best of the city’s temples and shrines, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a jam-packed day that crisscrosses Kyoto, and will take you to some of the city’s top temples and, by extension, the best of Japan. Before we […]
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 […]
The Voigtländer 10mm f/5.6 Hyper Wide Heliar E is a revolutionary lens, and as a member of the ultra wide angle “cult,” it was one of my motivations for jumping back into mirrorless photography with the Sony a7 III. This photography review weighs the strengths and weaknesses of the lens, with sample photos I’ve shot while […]