A Hidden Gem That Feels Like the World of Your Name: A Visit to Hoshida Myoken-gu Shrine
Located in Katano City, Osaka, Hoshida Myoken-gu Shrine is known as a sacred place of star worship. Among fans of the anime film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), it has also become a popular spot due to its mystical atmosphere that evokes the film’s enchanting world. I recently visited the shrine and was surprised […]
Chinchillas, Hydrangeas, and Hidden Temples: Our Unforgettable Shiga Countryside Adventure
Whenever we chat with travelers planning their trips around Japan, they always rave about the hyper-efficient bullet trains and pristine subway lines of the major cities. And it’s true – public transit here is a marvel! But if you really want to experience the heart of Japan, you have to venture out into the countryside. […]
Discover Omihachiman: Shiga’s Historic Canal Town & La Collina
Located just an hour east of Kyoto along the shores of Lake Biwa, Omihachiman is a beautifully preserved castle town that offers a perfect blend of Edo-period history and whimsical modern design. Famous for its historic merchant architecture and scenic waterways, the town is also home to La Collina, a stunning, green-roofed confectionery paradise that […]
Quiet Ways to Enjoy Japan During the Rainy Season
When it rains during a trip, many travelers may feel a little disappointed.But in Japan, rain has a different kind of beauty : one that can only be experienced on quiet, cloudy days. Today, I’d like to introduce some uniquely Japanese ways to enjoy the rainy season, along with seasonal traditions that can only be […]
Golden Week in Japan: A Survival Guide for the Busiest Week of the Year
If you have been following the news or walking around any major Japanese city last week, you’ve likely noticed the surge of energy (and people) everywhere. That’s because we were in the midst of Golden Week, a cluster of four national holidays that creates the longest and busiest vacation period in Japan. For travelers, Golden […]
Maishima Seaside Park : Osaka’s Blue Flower Escape
Just a short distance from central Osaka, Maishima Seaside Park transforms every spring into a breathtaking sea of soft blue flowers. While the city is often associated with food, nightlife, and urban energy, this peaceful coastal spot offers a completely different experience, one that feels almost out of this world. I visited Maishima Seaside Park […]
Why I Love the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (And Why You Should Visit Any Time of Year!)
This week I would like to introduce one of my favourite day trip destinations from Osaka : the old district of Kurashiki in Okayama. I was lucky enough to visit this beautiful place during two of the best seasons of the year (in my opinion) : autumn and spring ! Let me tell you about […]
How Japan Tastes Spring
In Japan, people enjoy cherry blossoms not only by viewing them, but also by tasting them. When spring arrives, many cafés, restaurants, and shops offer special products inspired by sakura. From sweets and drinks to seasonal desserts, these sakura-flavored items allow people to experience the beauty of the season through taste as well as sight. […]
Experience the Pink Peaks of Mount Yoshino: Japan’s Ultimate Sakura Escape
Have you ever wanted to feel like you’re in a dream, entirely surrounded by sakura trees? As someone who has lived in Japan for several years, I’ve seen my fair share of cherry blossoms, but Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama) remains one of my most unforgettable hanami experiences. Located in Nara Prefecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site […]
A Bridge to the Sacred: A Conversation with an Esoteric Buddhist Monk Serving in Koyasan
As we work closely with temples and spiritual landmarks across Japan to offer the best, most authentic experiences to travelers, we recently had the profound opportunity to meet with a practicing Esoteric Buddhist monk currently serving in the sacred area of Koyasan. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to uncover the feeling and spirituality […]