Heian Shrine (平安神宮, Heian Jingū) was built in 1895 for the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as capital of Japan. This modern re-creation is a 5/8 scale replica of the original Hiean Palace. In this post, we’ll discuss whether this free shrine is worth your time, if the paid gardens are worth the money, and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Perhaps 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 […]
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 […]
Fall 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 […]