So you’ve heard about the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, but you also heard about the crowds. Luckily, there are some less-crowded bamboo grove alternatives in Arashiyama. But I recommend not coming just for bamboo (and then leaving). Make a full day trip to Arashiyama to explore beyond the bamboo as there is much more to …
If you have two things on your bucket list in Kyoto — attending a tea ceremony and renting a kimono to wear — be efficient and do both at the same time. Where can you do both a tea ceremony and kimono rental in Kyoto? What is it like? I booked a kimono tea ceremony …
If you landed on this page, you are likely a Studio Ghibli fan planning to visit Ghibli Park in Nagoya, Japan, in the near future. I don’t want to waste your time and re-hash what you already know about Ghibli Park, since you have likely already scoured the official website for information. Instead, I want …
Visiting the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Kyoto is an amazing experience to get close to cute Japanese snow monkeys (well, close from at least six feet away). The snow monkeys are wild and free roaming, and I was honestly terrified before visiting the monkey park, thinking of all those wild monkeys running amok. So …
Looking for hidden gems in Nara Japan? Be sure to visit Yoshikien Garden, a classical Japanese garden that is completely free. I originally set out to visit Isuien Garden in Nara, but I stumbled upon Yoshikien Garden right next door. Yoshikien was free, so we walked in and were completely in awe. Yoshikien Garden is …
Most people walk through Magome on their way to hiking the Nakasendo Trail, an old samurai route from the Edo period in Japan. This was my plan, as well, until the day arrived near the end of my two-week trip to Japan, and I realized my legs were way too tired and sore to hike …
One of the best souvenirs I brought home from Japan was a manga portrait of myself drawn by a manga artist at the Kyoto International Manga Museum. How cool it was to watch the artist at work, capturing little details and turning me into my very own manga character. If you love manga or anime, …
Thinking of taking a day trip to Himeji Castle? Wondering if it’s worth visiting? Definitely yes. Himeji Castle is absolutely stunning and filled with historical significance. It’s a must see if you’re staying in Kyoto or Osaka. How do you get there? What is there to do or see? Let’s get into all the details …
Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo is known as the lucky cat temple because it displays hundreds of lucky cat figurines, remnants of wishes come true. Whether you’re a fan of those cute lucky cat figures or you simply like historic temples, you’ll enjoy visiting Gotokuji Temple while in Tokyo. It makes for a wonderful half-day trip …
Taking a day trip to Mt Fuji is not so simple, and you may have the same questions I had when I planned my trip to see Mt. Fuji: I took a day trip to Mt Fuji in the autumn, saw Mt Fuji clearly (and also saw it covered in clouds), but came away from …
