inspo & info

We find Hozenji Yokocho charming. It has elements of Golden Gai in Tokyo and of Pontocho in Kyoto but unmistakably Osaka at the same time and is one of the few historical streets that the city still has. The moss-covered Buddha statue is much-loved among locals and is certainly one of the more unusual you will see in Japan. Personally, I find it a little creepy but maybe I watched too much Dr Who as a kid.

While Hiroshima Castle's main keep closed permanently in March 2026 due to seismic safety concerns, the site remains a must-see. You can no longer enter the tower, but the historic grounds, scarred by the 1945 bombing, remain open. Explore the reconstructed gates, the new Sannomaru cultural facility, and stunning cherry blossoms. Whether you're there for the history or the photos, the "Carp Castle" still anchors Hiroshima’s skyline. Here is everything you need to know for you