Insider guides, cultural deep dives, and travel tips from Kyoto
37 total articles
accommodationIf you really want to experience modern Japan, then I recommend some time in a Japanese ‘love hotel’ (ラブホテル - rabuhoteru)! Love hotels are also referred to as a 'adult only hotel', ‘couples hotel’ or ...
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 Japa...
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...
The latest Japan travel tips, guides, and insider recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Join 2,000+ subscribers. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.