Insider guides, cultural deep dives, and travel tips from Kyoto
47 total articles
travelI've spent years watching people arrive in Japan with AI-generated itineraries that look great on paper. Then they hit the ground and find out the JR Pass doesn't cover their route, Nara is scheduled a...
accommodationWhile Kyoto draws visitors to its temples and Tokyo pulls in the pop culture crowd, Osaka is where Japan comes to party. The food stalls along Dotonbori smell like takoyaki and grilled squid. The bar...
travelJapan is building a pre-entry screening system called JESTA — Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization. If you hold a US, UK, Australian, Canadian, or EU passport, it will eventually apply to y...
travelJapan Travel Costs 2026: What's Actually Changed and What It Means for Your Trip You've seen the headlines. Japan is raising visa fees for the first time since 1978. The departure tax is tripling. Kyo...
accommodationKyoto Hotel Tax 2026: What the New Accommodation Tax Actually Costs You On March 1, 2026, Kyoto introduced a new accommodation tax structure that catches most visitors off guard. Not because it is pun...
travelFujiyoshida Cherry Blossom Festival Cancelled 2026 Fujiyoshida city cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival in February 2026. The announcement caught the attention of travel media worldwide becau...
cultureIt’s common to see first-time visitors freeze at the entrance to a Kyoto temple hall, unsure about what to do next. I've watched that same scene play out a hundred times, and it doesn't have to be you...
sightseeingYou're standing on the roadside along Kyoto’s old Marutamachi Street. The first imperial guards appear through the morning haze. Followed by five hundred figures in silk colored in indigo, crimson, and...
travelOsaka isn't Kyoto. There are no geisha gliding through temple gardens, no hushed reverence at ancient shrines. Instead, you get neon-lit streets, vendors bellowing "irasshaimase!" from food stalls, and...
sightseeingSeven days in Japan feels both impossible and inevitable — how do you compress an entire country into a single week? The good news is that with smart planning, a 7-day Japan itinerary can let you genui...
accommodationFinding family friendly hotels in Kyoto is easier than most of you will think. For many travelers visiting Japan, Kyoto might be the main highlight of your trip! But you may worry about child friendly ...
accommodationAs someone who lives in Japan with my wife and two young children, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find family hotels in Tokyo that work. Hotel rooms here tend to be compact—often built f...
travelTokyo is a city of quiet contrasts and vibrant surprises—a place where centuries-old temples sit beside shining skyscrapers. Tokyo city is home to around 14 million people. This metropolis offers a ble...
travelAlthough I really enjoy going to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), in Osaka city, my kids love it more than me! USJ consistently ranks among Japan's most visited theme parks, welcoming tens of millions ...
accommodationKyoto is not only Japan’s cultural heart—it represents Japan's ancient tradition and hospitality. And staying at a Kyoto ryokan (旅館 - ryokan - traditional Japanese inns) offers a completely different ...
travelWhen planning a trip to Japan, one of the most important decisions is how to get around. Should you buy a Japan Rail Pass for train travel or go for a car rental in Japan? With so many beautiful destin...
![Bullet Train vs Plane in Japan: Which Saves You More? [2025]](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fx0c10dda%2Fproduction%2F50d804c13ccafe75ad5655fb5875a64a44819576-1600x900.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
travelJapan's Rail Pass price jumped up 70% recently, making many travelers wonder about their best transport options. The 7-day rail pass now costs ¥50,000, pushing people to rethink their travel plans. Tru...
travel1. Is Universal Studios Japan Worth It? USJ is the only place on earth where you can ride a Mario Kart inside Bowser's Castle, walk into Hogsmeade for a Butterbeer, then catch a limited-run Evangelion...
sightseeingKyoto city isn’t just another stop on your Japan itinerary. It’s the soul of traditional Japanese culture… And I seriously advise you don’t miss it! I often see online, people planning their Kyoto tra...
travelI recommend a minimum 3 day itinerary in Kyoto city. Some people think that they can do Kyoto in a day or two. Well, I’ve lived in Kyoto for many years, and I can confirm that this is a city you need t...
sightseeingMany people don’t know this, but cherry blossom season in Japan only lasts a short time. Once those cherry blossom trees start to bloom, you’ve got about two weeks until it’s all over. Miss it by a few...
sightseeingI can personally confirm that SOME of Kyoto's popular tourist spots have become overcrowded. For example, the path leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) is the worst of these sightseeing spots. As ...
accommodationThe first time I walked into a love hotel (ラブホテル - rabuhoteru) in Japan, I was completely lost as to what to do. I stood in the lobby in front of the room selection panel for about two minutes before I...
travelWhen is the best time to visit Japan? Well, that depends on your preferences, travel goals, and tolerance for tourist crowds. My Japanese students used to proudly announce that “Japan has four season...
sightseeing1. Why Genkoan Temple is a Hidden Gem Resting on a steeply sloped road on a hill in the northern suburb of Kita-ku, is a Kyoto hidden gem, Genko-an Temple. Hands down, this is one of my favorite Zen B...
cultureUnderstanding Etiquette and Manners in Japan Visiting Japan is an exciting adventure, but you should be aware of local Japanese manners and customs. Otherwise, your lack of knowledge could lead to uni...
travelYou've been planning you trip to Japan for a while, and you've finally made it long-awaited dream holiday. You're excited, but a little nervous. You've heard about issues caused by overtourism in Japan...
travelDo you need a visa to go to Japan? That depends how long you wish to stay. Navigating the Japan visa requirements is crucial for anyone looking to either visit or start living in Japan, whether for tra...
sightseeing1. Discovering Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple: Kyoto's Hidden Gem Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a small but unique Buddhist Temple. It nestles into the side of a hill in the west of Kyoto city and is home to ...
sightseeing1. Discover Heian-Jingu Shrine: Kyoto's Iconic Red Shrine Heian-Jingu Shrine (平安神宮) stands proudly among Kyoto's many historical treasures as one of Japan’s most renowned shrines. Famous for its str...
travelWhen you say "Japan", for many it musters up traditional images like beautiful geisha or iconic sumo wrestling. However, for many it is the picturesque image of Mount Fuji, seen on so many Japanese-rel...
travelJapan is a top travel destination. In 2024, it welcomed a record 36 million tourists. This surge has led to overcrowding in popular spots like Kyoto and Tokyo. Such overcrowding affects both locals and...
transportation1. What are Prepaid IC Cards? A Japanese IC card contains a microchip that stores purchased credit in Japanese yen. Referred to as electronic money, or ‘e-money’, or even 'e-wallets'. Credit cards in ...
travelIf you’re staying in Tokyo and want a quick, easy way to pay for trains, buses, and small purchases, then the Suica card is your perfect cashless solution. And if you're living in Japan or thinking abo...
accommodation1. What is a Ryokan? A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a unique and authentic accommodation experience. Ryokans also provide visitors with a glimpse into the country's history and cus...
sightseeingKinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺 – Kinkakuji), often called the Golden Temple of Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular Kyoto things to do—for good reason. Known for its dazzling gold...
travelis It appears that the popularity of social media, led by a government tourism campaign, may be partially responsible for the modern overtourism trend in Japan. In the digital age, social media platfo...
sightseeingLocated in the south of Kyoto city, Japan, Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is one of the most iconic and revered Shinto shrines in the country. Its vibrant red tori gates, winding trails, and serene atmo...
travelWhen choosing between Japan's Shinkansen train and airplane, I'll take the Shinkansen every time! I've been traveling around Japan since the mid '90s and in my opinion, taking the bullet train from Tok...
sightseeingSurrounded by centuries of history and vibrant culture, Kyoto offers a window into Japan’s rich heritage. The city beautifully blends time-honored traditions with modern comforts, giving visitors an au...
sightseeing1. Best Things to Do in Osaka: Japan’s Food, Fun, and Cultural Hub Wondering what makes Osaka one of Japan’s must-visit destinations? Known for its lively neighborhoods, unbeatable street food, and vi...
travelYou finally start planning your dream trip to Japan. But you've heard news about the issue of overtourism in Japan and now you are worried. What do Japanese people really think about foreign tourists? ...
travel1. What is Overtourism? Overtourism, or the negative impact of unsustainable tourism on the environment and local communities, has become a growing concern in popular tourist destinations worldwide. T...
travelJapan's payment methods are not overly complicated. But, there are some noticeable differences from other countries. This article explains money in Japan and breaks down different payment options. Wh...
accommodationThere is a lot to see and do while in Japan. And let's face it, few people can afford to do it all. That's why it is important to think about reasonably priced accommodation options. Kyoto accommodatio...
travelDeciding on where to stay during your time in Japan can often depend on your budget. This article details the different types of accommodation you can book and save money while experiencing Japan as a ...
transportationI remember a time when the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) was an absolute steal. Over a decade ago, I used the pass multiple times and traveled to places I might never have visited otherwise. One of my fa...
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