Places to Visit on a Walking Tour of Gion in Kyoto

Aug 18, 2021 By Justin Hanus

Gion is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kyoto. It is famous for being the entertainment district of the city and for the presence of real geishas that you can often see walking along the streets. There are many interesting sites to see in Gion, all of which you can...[ Click to read more ]

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Your Guide to the Kansai All-Access Travel Passes

Jul 19, 2021 By Justin Hanus

You’ll be able to see more of Kansai while spending less if you purchase one of the all-access travel passes. These are a great alternative to a JR Pass as they tend to be more cost-effective than buying something that covers the entire country. Plus, you can choose a pass...[ Click to read more ]

Great Places to See a Sunset in Kansai

Jun 22, 2021 By Justin Hanus

Watching the sunset on the horizon is a fantastic way to cap off the day, make lasting memories, and take some great pictures to show off to friends. The Kansai region is full of varied locations offering breath-taking natural scenery and a chance to watch the sun disappear into the...[ Click to read more ]

Skate Parks in Kansai

Apr 19, 2021 By Justin Hanus

Skateboarding has grown in popularity across Japan in recent years increased by the fact that it is due to make its debut as a sport at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Skate parks are not as common as in the US or in Europe, where they can be found in...[ Click to read more ]

Road Trips in Kansai

Mar 15, 2021 By Justin Hanus

The Kansai region is a great part of Japan to discover by car. Beyond the big cities Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, many great destinations don’t take too long to get to and take in great scenery and wondrous cultural attractions along the way. From one-day excursions to lengthy road trips...[ Click to read more ]

Where to Camp in Kansai

Feb 18, 2021 By Justin Hanus

As the weather starts to warm up, what better way to make the most of the great outdoors than camping? This fun pastime is popular in Japan, and you will find a variety of great camping locations across the Kansai region. These include an abundance of nature resorts such as...[ Click to read more ]

Kyo-yuzen Workshops in Kyoto

By Justin Hanus

Kyo-yuzen dates back to the Edo period when Miyazaki Yuzen (a fan painter from Kyoto) developed the dyeing technique to paint designs onto kimonos. Today, you can learn the technique yourself at one of the several Kyo-yuzen workshops in the city, all of which are run by expert artisans. Whether...[ Click to read more ]

Festivals in Kyoto You Should Know About

Dec 25, 2020 By Justin Hanus

For more than a thousand years, Kyoto was the capital city of Japan. Today it is a major cultural center. The historic city holds numerous festivals, some of which date back hundreds of years. There are a few, in particular, you should know about. Ouka-sai Festival One of the best...[ Click to read more ]

Harvest Time in Kansai

Sep 24, 2020 By Justin Hanus

Harvest time in autumn/fall is important across the world. Each region has different rituals associated with this time of year (September – November). In Japan, the autumn harvest is celebrated with festivals and events in each region, many of which aren't that different from those you'd find in the US...[ Click to read more ]

Water Sports in Kansai

Aug 20, 2020 By Justin Hanus

Are you looking for a chance to try your hand at some water-based activities in the Kansai region? You can find plenty of lakes, rivers, and beaches where qualified instructors offer the chance to try a range of sports ranging from the relaxing to the nerve-racking. Sumo Tubing on Lake...[ Click to read more ]