Clik here to view.
1-Day Kyoto Cherry Blossom Walking Itinerary
During sakura season, Kyoto is bursting with cherry blossoms in full bloom, and wherever you go, you’re going to see them. However, there are a few points of interest, including free walks and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Eikandō Zenrinji Temple Review & Tips
Eikandō Zenrin-ji is a sprawling Buddhist temple located at the base of the northern edge of the Higashiyama mountain range in Kyoto, Japan. This post offers our thoughts on whether Eikando is worth a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Nanzen-ji Temple Tips & Review
This post offers my review of Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, along with tips and photos from our visits to this popular spot. I was tempted to dub Nanzenji “underrated” or a “hidden gem” in the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Kiyomizudera Temple Photos & Tips
Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto is one of the most popular temples in Japan. This post features my photos from the Temple, plus tips and other assorted info about it. This Temple is another of Kyoto’s...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Golden Pavilion Temple in Kyoto, Japan
The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji, 金閣寺) in Kyoto, Japan is a world-renowned temple named (and famous) for its pure gold leaf finishing. In this post we’ll cover some of the pros and cons of visiting the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Yasaka Shrine Info & Tips
Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Yasaka Jinja) or Gion Shrine, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. The shrine is located between Gion District and Higashiyama District, making it a spot that’s relatively...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Toji Temple Review & Tips
Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji) is one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is conveniently located a short walk from Kyoto Station. It’s famous for having the tallest pagoda in Japan, and that’s why...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Todaiji Temple Review & Tips
Todaiji Temple (東大寺, Tōdai-ji) in Nara is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and houses several National Treasures of Japan. In this post, we’ll share...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fushimi Inari Shrine Photos & Tips
Fushimi Inari is a free shrine in Kyoto, Japan with vermilion torii gates stretching endlessly. This post details our experience hiking through over 10,000 torii gates, shares photos of the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Kamakura Great Buddha & Kotokuin Temple Review
An hour south of Tokyo lies the seaside town of Kamakura, which is a popular side trip for visitors to Japan thanks to its “Daibutsu” Great Buddha of Kamakura statue and gorgeous Kotokuin Temple,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fall Colors at Tofukuji Temple
Tofukuji Temple, particularly the valley below Tsutenkyo Bridge, is one of the best spots for fall colors in Japan. In terms of its autumn foliage, it’s not just a top spot in Kyoto (and it is), but...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tips for Tian Tan: Hong Kong’s “Big Buddha”
Tian Tan Buddha is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic and popular attractions. In this post, we’ll offer tips for visiting “Big Buddha,” share photos from our experiences, and offer ideas for other things...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Hasedera Temple Review & Tips
Hasedera (長谷寺, Hase Kannon Temple), is located south of Tokyo, Japan on Mount Kamakura with an ocean view. It’s home to a giant statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. In this post, we’ll share our...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Ninnaji Temple Info, Tips & Review
Ninnaji Temple (仁和寺) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northwest Kyoto, Japan. It’s one of the few high-profile with free admission to the grounds, and it’s near popular spots in Arashiyama. In this...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Top 10 Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan
As Japan’s “cultural capital,” Kyoto has no shortage of things to do and places to see. Its temples and shrines alone number over 1,600, with a dozen of those being UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Castle to Castle: Himeji to Hikone – Japan Trip Report
Our original plan for our first full day in Kyoto was to relax and decompress. It was a weekend during foliage season, meaning all of the tourist spots with fall colors would be crazy-busy. The day...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tenryu-ji Temple Review & Tips
Tenryu-ji Temple (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is the most important Zen temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city’s Five Great Zen Temples, and is now registered as a UNESCO World...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Kyoto Fall & Winter Trip Report – Part 2
It’s been a while since our two months in Japan ended (and since Part 1 of our Kyoto Trip Report), and this recap seems to be losing steam, both on my end and in terms of reader interest. Rather than...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Daitokuji Temple Info, Tips & Review
Daitokuji (大徳寺) is a walled temple in Northern Kyoto with a number of subtemples that feature some of Japan’s finest zen and rock gardens. In this post, I’ll share photos I took at Daitokuji, history,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Honen-in Temple Info, Tips & Review
Honen-in (法然院) is a free temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, located along Philosopher’s Path just south of the Silver Pavilion. In this post, I’ll share photos of the temple, offer brief history,...
View Article
