inspo & info

Himeji Castle recently more than doubled the entry fee. Is it still worth a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto... or even from Tokyo? Here's why we think it is, why the entrance fee is justified, and how to get to Himeji castle.

But we were all wrong to have ignored Hamarikyu Gardens for so long. In a city that can boast some gorgeous parks, Hamarikyu really is special. This magnificent traditional Edo-era Japanese garden features a truly unique tidal pond, fed by the waters of Tokyo Bay, with meticulously manicured landscapes, quaint teahouses, and the glittering skyscrapers of Shiodome providing a dazzling, modern backdrop. It's easy to lose yourself completely in other Japanese gardens but this on

For some of the best views in Kansai, a pleasant hour or two in meticulously maintained gardens, complete with tropical greenhouse, a forest walk to a hidden waterfall and a gondola ride to boot, set aside an afternoon (or morning) to explore Kobe's Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Ropeway. If you do nothing else in Kobe, do this! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, ♡ at no extra cost to you ♡ *All

There's no doubt about it: sakura season in Japan is absolutely beautiful, and many tourists plan their Japan trip around it. But we're here to tell you about Japan's other blossoms - ume - and why they beat even the cherry blossoms in many ways! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, ♡ at no extra cost to you ♡ Jump to: (1) Japan's plum-blossom tradition (2) Why plum-blossom season is a great t

An island of open space and historical architecture in a city of dazzling high-rise buildings, the Imperial Palace is probably the first...

Historical Narita-san Temple is often overlooked by tourists but can be a wonderful first or last impression of Japan. Image courtesy of 663highland via Wikimedia Commons Just a few kilometres away from the busy, modern gateway to Japan that is Narita International Airport, a world of spiritual serenity and historic grandeur awaits at Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple (成田山新勝寺), a magnificent Buddhist temple located in the city of Narita. Narita-san is often overlooked by tourists,

Zojoji Temple has a unique backdrop and wonderfully peaceful gardens Prepare for a truly iconic Tokyo photo op, because Zojoji Temple (増上寺) offers a stunning blend of ancient serenity and modern marvels! This historically significant Buddhist temple, standing proudly in Shiba Park, is not only the main temple of the Jodo-shu sect but also boasts the magnificent Tokyo Tower as its dramatic backdrop. Imagine centuries-old temple architecture framed by a dazzling red-and-white t

Hello Kitty as a cultural treasure: Tokyo National Museum also stages pop cultural events. Photo by...

Nezu Shrine in Tokyo is enchanting at any time of year but is at its best in April, when the azaleas are in bloom Step off the bustling streets of Tokyo and prepare to be enchanted by Nezu Shrine (根津神社)! Nezu is a stunningly beautiful and historically significant Shinto shrine, dating back nearly 2,000 years. It's best known for its vibrant vermilion torii gates that create a tunnel-like path, much like Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha, but on a smaller, more intimate scale. As

This 400 year-old shrine is dedicated to the memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's first Tokugawa shogun Ueno Toshogu Shrine ( 上野東照宮) is a...

Lotus ponds, a boating lake, museums, a zoo: Ueno Park has something for everyone. Get ready to stretch your legs and dive into a world...

This beautiful park is extremely popular during sakura season but is well worth a visit at any time of year Shinjuku Gyoen National...

Cat Street is a fashion-lovers paradise with a bit more elbow room than Takeshita Street. Image Rs1421 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia...

Leave the urban sprawl behind at Meiji Jingu Prepare to escape the urban hustle and step into a world of profound tranquility at Meiji...

Miyashita Park rooftop garden is an oasis in the heart of Shibuya Welcome to Miyashita Park (宮下公園) , Shibuya's incredibly cool and unique...