Japan Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
Recently when I was slowly making my way back to Tokyo from Komatsu up in Ishikawa Prefecture, I had the shocking revelation that I’ve yet to feature the famous town of Hida-Takayama on this blog. Despite using a photo of…
In today’s article, I am going to take you to the artisanal town of Tokoname. Located on the western side of Aichi Prefecture’s Chita Peninsula, Tokoname has long been famous as one of Japan’s six ancient kilns. As far back…
Today, I want to showcase a different side of Hiroshima than most people envision when they think of the prefecture. While the likes of the Atomic Bomb Dome and Miyajima are indeed great (and I do encourage first-timers to Japan…
When I started producing travel content back in the spring of 2016, Iwate’s town of Tono was one place that I knew I was going to need to feature. Known nation-wide for its local legends, Tono has often been described…
In the years since I started writing about Japan, I’ve been down to the Izu Peninsula a shockingly high number of times. Somehow though, I never managed to make it to Ito. Located a mere stone’s throw past the timeworn…
It’s been a while since I featured a truly off of the beaten path location so this week, we are going to do just that. The topic of this piece will be the Buddhist temple complex of Kongosho-ji. As you…
Well folks, it’s that time of year again! As the sultry summer finally comes to a close and the temperatures gradually start to drop, the autumn leaves are again about to grace us with their magnificent presence. Beginning in October,…
Today, I’d like to introduce you to a part of Hiroshima Prefecture that not many tourists know about. Known as Takehara (lit. “Bamboo Field”), this locale was an important port town on the Seto Inland Sea during the Edo period…
Ever since I first visited the timeworn hot spring town of Atami, I’ve wanted to venture out to Hatsushima. Located just off of the coast, this small island is the first of a long chain that collectively is known as…
As many readers will already know, I’ve long been fascinated by Fukushima. Normally neglected by international visitors due to the stigma surrounding the March 11 triple disaster, the prefecture just can’t seem to shake its lingering bad rap. Alas, much…
Welcome back to yet another one of my Japan area guides. Like with all other installments, we’ll be taking a look at an oft-neglected part of the country. This time, the topic at hand will be Wakayama’s hot spring town…
“I’m pretty sure that by now, I can hit the age verification button at every convenience store chain with my eyes closed…” — Donny Kimball Greetings dear readers! In a second, I’ll get to how Kumano Nachi Taisha and the gods of…
Welcome back to another off-of-the-beaten-path adventure in Japan. This time, we’ll be taking a look at Oiwa Shrine. Located up in the northernmost part of Ibaraki Prefecture, this sanctum has existed deep in the mountains of the Hitachi Alps since…
As anyone who has ever had the pleasure of visiting Japan during the sultry months of summer already knows, things can get downright unbearable here. In addition to the intense heat, the humidity combines with the sweltering temperatures to create…
Despite being one of the most popular places in all of Japan, few international visitors realize that Kyoto City itself is but one part of a much, much larger prefecture. Confusingly called Kyoto Prefecture, this slot of land is simply…