Kyoto has the most glorious gardens in all of Japan. From karesansui Zen rock gardens to stroll gardens, the best exemplars of the art of Japanese gardening can be found in Kyoto. In this post, I’ll share my favorite gardens in Kyoto. Fair warning: it was difficult to narrow down Kyoto’s garden highlights to a […]
It’s difficult to narrow down the best fall colors locations in Kyoto down to a top 10 list. From foliage dotting the hillsides of Arashiyama to tree-lined temples of Higashiyama and everywhere in between, autumn in Japan’s ancient capital is a veritable sea of koyo (colorful leaves). The Japanese maple trees seem especially deep and vibrant in […]
Sagano Scenic Railway or “Romantic Train” is a sightseeing railway in Kyoto, Japan that runs along Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and Kameoka with beautiful mountain views. The slow-moving, 25-minute ride is aboard an old-fashioned train. It’s the Sagano ‘Romantic’ Train to the extent that this classic railway is romanticized, not because there are make-out cars […]
Miyajima is an island near Hiroshima famous for the giant floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which is ranked as one of Japan’s three best views. This Miyajima Island touring plan offers a step-by-step itinerary for seeing the giant torii at both low and high tide, the ropeway to Mt. Misen, temples, great food, and […]
Beyond reading that it’s Tokyo, Japan’s Hello Kitty theme park, I couldn’t find a lot of info about Sanrio Puroland before our visit. In this post, we seek to rectify the dearth of info and planning tips, covering whether it’s worth your time, how to save money on tickets, and other tips for avoiding lines […]
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 […]
This 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 […]
Bishamondo 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 […]
Our 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 (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 […]