Visiting Meiji Shrine- Tokyo’s Most Important Shinto Shrine
Early on an August morning, while Tokyo was just beginning to wake up, I was already standing in front of the large wooden torii gate marking the entrance to Meiji…
How to Spend 4 Days in Tokyo- Our Itinerary
Ah, Tokyo. Just hearing the name conjures up images of densely packed skyscrapers, streets lined with larger-than-life advertisements and crowded public spaces. Yes, that vision is correct, but as we…
Visiting Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park- One of Japan’s Largest Flower Parks
I love visiting gardens on my travels, so it’s no surprise that the Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park was a highlight of my 3 day trip to the Tottori prefecture of…
Japan Rail Pass Guide- How to Buy and Use the JR Pass
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you may have heard about the Japan Rail Pass. It’s a convenient, easy to use pass designed for tourists who will be travelling…
Visiting the Edo-Tokyo Museum
UPDATE: The Edo-Tokyo Museum will be temporarily closed for renovations from April 1, 2022 until possibly the spring of 2026. The entire facility will be renovated including displays, equipment and…
The Tottori Sand Museum- Around the World in Sand
Walking into the Tottori Sand Museum I was dripping with sweat, having spent the last hour or so across the street exploring Japan’s largest sand dunes. I was eager to…
The Tottori Sand Dunes- Enjoying Japan’s Largest Dunes
Wait a minute…I’m still in Japan, right? I scan the scenery surrounding me- it’s all sun, sand and sea. This looks nothing like what I saw on my first trip…
Climbing Mount Mitoku- The Trek to Nageiredo
Walking up a smooth, well-worn stone staircase to Sanbutsuji Temple, I instantly hoped the whole trail up Japan’s Mount Mitoku wasn’t going to be this steep. Looking back now, that…
How to Spend 3 Days in Tottori, Japan- My Itinerary
Stretching along the Sea of Japan, in the Chugoku region of Western Honshu, is a coastal prefecture that’s largely untouched by foreign visitors, at least for now. But once the…
Feeding Deer in Nara Park, Japan
Entering into the heart of Nara Park we are greeted by a small, friendly deer wandering freely throughout the grounds. Approaching us, the deer bows its head down, as if…
Exploring Nara Park- Temples, Shrines and Deer!
Our one day in Nara was spent almost exclusively at Nara Park. I usually like to explore as much of a city as possible, but there were so many places…
Nikko Toshogu Shrine- Japan’s Most Lavish Shrine
When I hear a place described using the words “best” or “most”, I become skeptical of the claim. Sometimes I’m even disappointed upon visiting, since not every place warrants such…
A Day Trip to Nikko, Japan
For our last day in Japan, we decided to ditch the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo, and head to the forested area of Nikko for one last opportunity to…
Photo of the Week: Sake Barrels at Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine
During our two weeks in Japan, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful sake barrels that were piled on top of each other at Shinto shrines. Called kazaridaru, these “decoration…
Himeji Castle- A National Treasure of Japan
“Ooh…it’s so elegant,” I exclaimed as we approached Himeji Castle, the largest castle in Japan. Its bright white walls, delicate decorations and grey roof tiles gleamed brightly, even through the…
Visiting Iwatayama Monkey Park in Kyoto
As a big animal lover, I am always thrilled when I get to see wildlife on my travels. As educational as zoos can be, nothing compares to seeing an animal…
Photo of the Week: Ryozen Kannon, Kyoto
Ryozen Kannon is a temple honouring the Japanese soldiers and citizens who died during World War II. It’s located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto and features a huge concrete…
How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto- Our Itinerary
A trip to Japan would not be complete without visiting Kyoto. It’s a city full of enchanting sites- geisha hurrying down dark streets, ancient temples rich with spiritual tradition, a…
Kyoto’s To-ji Temple- By Day and By Night
The rain was coming down hard during our visit to To-ji Temple, but not enough to conceal its simplistic beauty. Finding shelter under our umbrella, we dodged puddles as we…
The Path of Philosophy- Kyoto’s Prettiest Cherry Blossom Walk
Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms, so soon after arriving we eagerly headed off to one of the most popular sakura (cherry…