• Inside the Enchanting Sanzenin

    Just an hour north of central Kyoto is a small village nestled in the mountains. Ohara is known for its gorgeous scenery, pickled cucumbers, and beautiful Buddhist temple.

  • Cosmos in Kameoka

    Cosmos, which bloom from early to mid October in Japan, always remind me of home. The flowers aren’t native to South Africa, but they might as well as be. Brought…

  • A Walk Around Kobe Harborland

    A friend once told me that Kobe Harborland reminds him of Cape Town. Now, I grew up in Jo’burg, so I have no attachment to the V&A Waterfront, but anyone…

  • Nunobiki Herb Gardens

    Just ten minutes away from Kobe by ropeway, Nunobiki Herb Gardens offers a spectacular view of the city. Comprising of 12 spacious gardens, visitors can enjoy 75,000 herbs and 200…

  • Meet the Deer of Nara Park

    At the foot of Mount Wakakusa sits one of the oldest parks in Japan. Sprawling across 660 ha (1631 ac), Nara Park is home to temples, shrines, and a national…

  • Inside Nara’s Mall Museums

    Nara is best known for the four-legged locals that roam freely around its 660-hectare park. But friendly deer aren’t the city’s only animal attraction. Visitors can also get up close…

  • A Quick Guide to Kyoto’s Sake District

    The Fushimi area in southern Kyoto is one of Japan’s major sake production sites. Located at the junction of the Uji, Katsura, and Kamo Rivers, it’s blessed with high-quality springs…

  • Kinkakuji: The Golden Pavilion

    One of the most famous images associated with Kyoto is that of a golden temple. Kinkaku-ji, as it’s known, is indeed completely covered in gold leaf—the top two floors, at…

  • Heian Shrine and Gardens

    On the 1,110th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto, which was once known as Heian, a shrine was built to mark the occasion. Heian Shrine is dedicated to the spirits…

  • Inside MUCA: ICONS of Urban Art

    Kyoto’s KYOCERA Museum of Art recently hosted the Kansai leg of the MUCA: ICONS of Urban Art—From Banksy to KAWS exhibition, which is currently on tour in Japan. As a…

All posts are shown