Beppu is the perfect destination in Japan for bathing. This city on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, is famous for its geothermal activity and range of hot spring bathing options. Clouds of steam rise from dozens of vents in the earth, creating a very unusual cityscape. There are large public bathing houses built of wood, private … More Beppu – an Illustrated Visit to Japan’s Onsen Spa City
Itsukushima (aka Miyajima, which translates to ‘the shrine island’), is a small, romantic island in Hiroshima Bay. It is known for its magnificent torii gate, an 800-year old monument standing in the middle of the bay, appearing to float on the waves. Miyajima has a lovely small town which is perfect for exploring, a World … More Miyajima – A Day Trip Exploring One Of Japan’s Most Scenic Islands
Okonomiyaki is the ultimate winter comfort food in Japan. A heavy savoury dish, it might be described as a fried cabbage pancake with additional meats, vegetables, or noodles. When translated, it means ‘cooked/fried how you like it’, giving away okonomiyaki’s status as the classic meal of many variations. Okonomiyaki is one of my favourite things … More Which Is The Best Okonomiyaki? Tokyo Monjayaki vs. Hiroshimayaki
Hiroshima is a vibrant, friendly and charming city. Of course, Hiroshima is best known for the atomic bomb which destroyed the city. But there’s a lot more happening in this city than just a tragic past. Hiroshima is amazing for foodies. Long shopping arcades seem to be endless. There’s a castle to explore, a museum … More Hiroshima, a Charming and Underrated City
Osaka is a large metropolis in Japan which can be compared to Tokyo’s bustling energy. It has busy subways lines, restaurants on every corner and the flashing neon signs of Dotonbori. But there’s more of a relaxed pace here. And, it is still packed with great things to do. The attitude is different, too – … More Osaka Tourist Traps and Must-See Sights
New Year’s Eve in Japan is known as Oshogatsu, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Osaka during Japanese New Year, you’ll find Dotonbori to be the craziest, liveliest place to celebrate the new year! There’s a fun, party vibe in the air, and is great for people of all ages to enjoy. I … More New Year’s Eve in Dotonbori, Osaka
Koyasan, a secluded temple town in the mountains, has a quiet, charming sense of mystery. The centre of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi’s tomb, the surrounding cemetary, and the temple complexes are a lovely trip away from modern Japan.
Near the top of the mountain, we walked into a perfect view of Fushimi Inari’s torii gates. We turned a corner, and there it was waiting for us, with no tourists or anything. A long tunnel of vermillion was being illuminated by a perfectly angled sun, turning every gate a different shade of bright orange, … More Fushimi Inari, Kyoto’s Wonderful Torii Gate Mountain
With Kyoto’s 1600 Buddhist temples, and 400 Shinto shrines to choose from, the choice of where to visit seemed overwhelming. After some research, we narrowed our visit down to just a few standouts. Kinkaku-ji Small, but certainly not lacking in opulence is Kinkaju-ji, the temple on the water, painted entirely in brilliant gold. A second … More Which Temples to Visit in Kyoto? A List of Some Favourites
Kyoto’s eye-catching bamboo forest is called Arashiyama, and you’ve probably seen photos of it before. The forest is dense and tall, and wandering through it is a lovely, elemental experience, feeling completely enveloped by these hollow giants.
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