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 […]
Do you know the Kerama Islands — a world beyond Okinawa?
A 3-Day Journey into the “Kerama Blue” When people think of Okinawa, they think of beautiful beaches.But among them, the Kerama Islands stand out with some of the clearest and most stunning waters in Japan. This time, I visited Zamami Island, one of the islands in this group. The ocean, known as “Kerama Blue,” is […]
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 […]
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 […]
Autumn Lights in Japan: Evening Illuminations for the Season
As summer fades and autumn sets in, Japan’s forests, gardens, and temples are transformed not only by color—but by light. Evening illumination events (ライトアップ／夜間ライトアップ) are one of the most magical ways to experience Japan in autumn: the glowing leaves, historic architecture, and carefully placed lighting combine to create a new way of seeing places you […]
Discover the Enchanted Island of Tomogashima
A Mysterious Blend of History and Nature Just a Day Trip from Osaka For those seeking a quick escape into nature with a touch of adventure, Tomogashima is the perfect destination. Floating off the coast of Kada in Wakayama Prefecture, this group of uninhabited islands is steeped in both history and natural beauty—an unforgettable place […]
Visiting a Shrine or Temple in Japan: Do’s and Don’ts for Foreign Visitors
Japan’s spiritual landscape is shaped by two primary religious traditions: Shinto and Buddhism. Scattered across the country, shrines and temples offer peaceful sanctuaries that reflect the depth of Japanese history, philosophy, and ritual. For many foreign visitors, stepping into these sacred spaces is a highlight of their trip. Yet, understanding the cultural etiquette and distinctions […]
Wisteria in Japan: Where to See These Dreamlike Flowers in Full Bloom
In the springtime, Japan becomes a canvas of blooming beauty—cherry blossoms may take center stage, but there’s another floral treasure that quietly steals hearts: wisteria, or fuji (藤) in Japanese. With its delicate, cascading blooms and sweet fragrance, wisteria season brings an enchanting, almost fairytale-like atmosphere to gardens and parks around the country. What is […]
Hanami in Japan: A Magical Celebration of Cherry Blossoms 🌸
Hanami (花見), or “flower viewing,” is one of Japan’s most beloved traditions. Every spring, the country transforms into a pastel wonderland as cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom in parks, along riversides, and even in city streets. But Hanami is more than just admiring flowers—it’s about enjoying the fleeting beauty of nature, spending time with loved ones, […]