inspo & info

It's no secret that Kyoto is severely overcrowded with tourists, and, seeing those videos of jam-packed streets and buses, many visitors to Japan are starting to wonder if putting Kyoto on their itinerary is worth it at all. First it was: walk further into the Arashiyama bamboo forest or the Fushimi Inari torii tunnel to avoid the crowds. But then that didn't work anymore. Then it was: get up at 6am and you'll have the popular spots like the Yasaka Pagoda all to yourself. Now

You're a Shinkansen pro and have navigated your way down from Tokyo to Kansai without breaking even a slight sweat. But working out the easiest, cheapest route from Osaka to Kyoto or ( Kyoto to Osaka transit for that matter ) is causing headaches? No wonder, because you're spoiled for choice when travelling between these two cities. Read on to find out what your options are, how to buy tickets and why you shouldn't take the Shinkansen! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate

Just a 16-minute train ride from the shrines, temples and inevitable crowds of Kyoto lies a town where the air smells faintly of toasted grass and the river flows with a thousand years of history. Welcome to Uji , the undisputed "Matcha Capital" of Japan. Most travellers have a bucket-list of attractions that they want to speed through while in Kyoto, but not setting aside time for a day trip – even a half-day trip – to the town of Uji means missing out on UNESCO World Herita

So, you're venturing beyond Tokyo, and heading down to Kansai is the natural choice. But choosing where to base yourself is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a trip to Japan’s cultural heartland. For most travellers, the debate quickly narrows to two cities: Kyoto vs Osaka. Both offer exceptional experiences, but each city offers something completely different in terms of vibe, price, convenience and attractions. If you’re wondering whether to stay