Insider guides, cultural deep dives, and travel tips from Kyoto
74 total articles
lifestyleMaybe you're making the leap to move to Japan or simply planning an unforgettable Japanese holiday. Here are some crucial points for you to know to better understand about Japan's cost of living. 1...
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 ...
cultureSumo wrestling is more than just a competitive sport—it’s a living tradition rooted in Japan’s ancient Shinto rituals. With a history spanning over 1,500 years, sumo embodies both cultural heritage and...
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...
sightseeingLocal officials in Kyoto city, Japan, banned tourists from entering the narrow backstreets of the famous Gion district from April 2024. These steps have been taken to protect the local geisha, known lo...
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...
cultureI first discovered manga (Japanese comics) while living in Japan as a teenager. At the time, I was still learning Japanese and had plenty of free time, so I picked up a Dragon Ball volume out of curios...
cultureJapanese animation, known as anime (アニメ), is a unique and popular form of storytelling that has gained fans worldwide. With its recognizable art style and engaging stories, anime appeals to people of a...
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...
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