Night Lights & Sacred Spaces: Discovering the Timeless Charm of Kyoto
There is a unique magnetic pull to Kyoto that is hard to put into words. Strolling through the streets, you realize quickly that nearly 70% of the people walking alongside you are international travelers—all drawn to the same place. Kyoto possesses a mysterious power to captivate people from every corner of the world. What makes […]
Kamigata Beer: A Brewery Like No Other in Osaka
An Unexpected Discovery In Japan, you will often stumble upon the most unusual places—hidden gems you could never have imagined. Today, let me introduce you to one of them: Kamigata Beer, a craft brewery unlike any other, located inside a former public bathhouse. At first glance, it may look like an old neighborhood sento, but […]
Chogosonshi-ji Temple: Discover Kansai’s Hidden Tiger Temple
Looking for a unique day trip from Osaka? Just over an hour away, Chogosonshi-ji Temple (朝護孫子寺) is a vast temple hidden on the slopes of Mount Shigi in Nara Prefecture. Known as the “Tiger Temple,” it is famous for its impressive tiger statues, peaceful mountain setting, and centuries of history. Far less crowded than many […]
A Place I Will Always Want to Return To: Amami Oshima & Kakeromajima
Working for a travel company gives me the opportunity to learn about many wonderful destinations across Japan. Every place has its own unique charm, but there are only a few that truly make me think, “I absolutely want to come back.” For me, that special place is Amami Oshima and Kakeromajima, a small island located […]
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 […]
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 […]
Seeing Mount Fuji for the First Time – Japan’s most sacred ground
After 4 years in Japan, I finally had the opportunity to go see Mount Fuji from up close. If you’re living in Japan, you probably get to see Mount Fuji at some point pretty rapidly. However, I have spent most of my time in Kansai and I always used the night bus to go to […]
Bear Encounters in Japan: What Travelers Should Know Before Exploring Nature
Japan is widely known for its vibrant cities, reliable public transportation, and rich cultural heritage, but beyond the urban areas lies a vast natural landscape of forests, mountains, national parks, and rural countryside. For travelers interested in hiking, countryside walks, or exploring less-touristy regions, Japan offers incredible natural beauty throughout the year. However, these natural […]