Japan Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
As those intrepid adventurers who have braved the journey already know, northern Japan is a wonder unto itself. This final frontier is home to an amazing assortment of rich culture and local folklore. Of the north’s allures though, perhaps nothing…
For those few intrepid individuals who opt to traverse the many wonders of northern Japan, the city of Sendai can be said to be the final bastion of metropolitan life before an endless bucolic countryside expanse. While there are certainly…
It’s no real secret that my favorite time of year in Japan is autumn. After all, I have been hammering this point almost daily now on social media. While spring may have its cherry blossoms and summer its festivals, these…
The clock struck 4:00 AM and my alarm went off with a bang. Still quite drunk from the night before, I rolled over to see what the commotion was all about. Through my alcohol induced stupor, I somehow managed to…
“Summer grass — all that remains of warriors’ dreams.” — Matsuo Basho When hankering for a unique historical experience, most foreign visitors immediately default to Japan’s former capital of Kyoto. After all, Kyoto is legendary across the globe for its rich and tangible…
Gather ‘round folks. For today’s article, I have something really special to introduce to you. I’ll be taking you on a journey far, far up north to the furthest reaches of Aomori Prefecture’s Shimokita Peninsula. Together we’ll explore a place…
Located deep in northern Japan, Yamagata Prefecture was once the kind of place that rarely welcomed foreign tourists. For years, it flew almost entirely under the radar, known mainly to domestic travelers and the occasional adventurous visitor. These days, however,…
In today’s post we’ll be examining one of the northernmost outposts of the Tendai Buddhist sect that has been on my bucket list for years. Officially known as Risshaku-ji, the temple is more colloquially known as Yamadera (lit. “Mountain Temple”)…