The 3 Most Notable Animals of Shinto Shrines
Visitors at Shinto shrines often see animal statues or motifs near the entrance, inside the shrine or on signs. What do the most notable animals symbolize?
How to Choose a Geisha Experience in Kyoto
From private dinners with maiko to evening walks to catch a glimpse of the famous entertainers, get the lowdown on the various ways you can meet Kyoto's renowned geisha!
Kyoto Kaiseki Chef Shrugs at Michelin Stars
This 400-year-old restaurant has been around since before Michelin stars existed, and may well remain long after they're gone.
Top 10 Local Train Rides
Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the most scenic train rides Japan has to offer.
Take a Tour of Nijo Castle on Minecraft
Want to visit Nijo Castle in Kyoto, but don't have the time or the money? You're in luck, because one Minecraft user is recreating Nijo Castle one cube at a time—but with an unusual twist on the design.
48 Hours in Kyoto on a Budget
This isn’t Kyoto for the faint-hearted. So lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to hit the pavement!
Japan's 8 Creepiest Shrines & Temples
Most temples and shrines will bring you a sense of harmony and peace. However, some also come with their share of unnerving events and creepy stories.
The Venice of Japan
Venice isn't the only place where you can see houses floating on the sea.
Astro Boy Meets the Rinpa School of Painting
The classic anime characters by Osamu Tezuka that gave birth to modern anime come to life in this exhibit thanks to breathtaking backgrounds provided by the traditional Japanese painting school, Rinpa.
9 Weird Japanese Christmas Trees
Tired of the tinsel? Are ornaments too ordinary? How about decorating your tree with some of these unique ornaments?
A Kyoto-Lover's Guide to the Ancient Capital
Get tips and local knowledge from Kyoto-obsessed travelers, from must-see spots to unforgettable food.
5 Stunning Temple & Shrine Videos
These five videos will instantly transport you to some of the most vivid temples and shrines in Japan!
Feast Like a Shogun for Breakfast
This full-course, balanced breakfast meal will leave your stomach feeling full—as you would expect from a three-star Michelin restaurant in Kyoto.
Bouldering + Karaoke = Boulkara
A Japanese operator of karaoke chains is combining bouldering with karaoke to create an entirely new and grueling activity called "boulkara."
The Force Awakens at Kiyomizu Temple
Witness folding screens inspired by the Star Wars trilogy at one of Japan's most iconic temples.
5 Popular Love Shrines
Check out these endearing shrines if you're looking for a love blessing!
10 Japanese Christmas Cakes—By Price!
There are plenty of kinds of Christmas cakes in Japan, and the limit may only be the size of your wallet!
Photograph Japan With the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is known widely as a rating system for restaurants, but that's not the only type of guidebook created by Michelin. They also produce tourism guidebooks for worldwide travel destinations—great for shutterbugs looking for a fresh angle!
No Trees, No Kiyomizu-dera
What are the three most notable woody materials used in the construction of Kiyomizu-dera?
6 Most-Visited New Year's Shrines & Temples
Check out these statistics to find out which temple or shrine has the largest number of attendees during New Year's—and maybe find out the spots to avoid!
