Kyoto’s October Festivals
Sep 27, 2016 By Justin Hanus
October’s cool temperatures and changing fall landscape makes it the perfect month to enjoy the rich history and beautiful natural scenery of Japan. Luckily, if you’re around the Old Capitol at all in October, you’ll be overwhelmed with options for getting outside and experiencing the culture and beautiful traditions preserved...[ Click to read more ]
Bicycle tours of Kyoto
Jul 27, 2016 By Bert Wishart
Kyoto, in summer, is famed for its stifling humidity, but now as we head towards autumn and the weather cools it is a good time to visit the Imperial City and see some of the many sights - seventeen of which being UNESCO World Heritage Sites - for which it...[ Click to read more ]
The Kyoto Gion Festival – Biggest Festival in Japan
Jun 08, 2016 By Bert Wishart
Summertime in Japan is all about festivals, or matsuri, and one of the most popular summer festivals is Kyoto’s Gion festival, known in Japanese as Gion Matsuri. In fact, running through the entirety of the month of July, it is not only one of Japan’s best known festivals, it is also perhaps the...[ Click to read more ]
Kyoto and Nara – The One-Time Capital Cities are Storehouses of Japanese Heritage
May 23, 2016 By Justin Hanus
It is quite possible that you may detect some good-natured, chest-puffing sparring between the denizens of Nara and Kyoto over their respective heritage as one-time capitals of Japan. Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan but the government was uprooted after less than one century. When the capital moved...[ Click to read more ]
Special Extended Hours and Light-Up Events for May in Kyoto
Apr 22, 2016 By Justin Hanus
As if the incredible weather and the vibrant greens of springtime weren’t enough to get you out of the house, Kyoto’s May calendar is filled with exciting events and special openings to help you make the most of this iconic season. Although temperatures tend to hover at cool and comfortable...[ Click to read more ]
Enoshima, Kanagawa’s Island Goddess
Mar 28, 2016 By Bert Wishart
Just 50 km southwest of Tokyo city center there lies an exquisite island of such natural beauty you wouldn't be surprised to find it inhabited by celestial beings. So be not surprised, because that is precisely what you will find. The island of Enoshima is the jewel in the crown in...[ Click to read more ]
Toyohashi Demon Festival 2016
Jan 20, 2016 By Bert Wishart
There are many elements of Japanese folklore that instantly grab the attention, but at this time of year, thanks to the upcoming Setsubun celebrations it is probably the 'oni' - roughly translated as demon or ogre - that is the greatest focus. At the beginning of Spring you can often find depictions...[ Click to read more ]
The First Month of the Year, Kansai Style!
Dec 24, 2015 By Justin Hanus
With the holidays over and the winter cold setting in, it can be difficult to find reasons to leave your house in the first month of the new year. Fortunately for people living in the Kansai region, there are too many exciting traditional events and festivals in January to risk...[ Click to read more ]
Sightseeing in Kobe
Oct 16, 2015 By
If you find yourself in the Kansai region, the lovely port city of Kobe offers interesting history, colorful culture, architectural marvels, and delicious cuisine! Here are a few sightseeing options in Kobe! [spacer height="20px"] Anyone hungry for a taste of the rich historical culture that Japan has to offer will certainly...[ Click to read more ]
Tsushima Tenno Festival – Japan’s Most Spectacular Summer Festival
May 28, 2015 By Bert Wishart
If Kyoto’s Gion festival is the biggest of the summer festivals, the Owari Tsushima Tenno Matsuri in Aichi is perhaps the most spectacular thanks to its beacon of shining lights floating down the Tenno river. What is the Tsushima Tenno Festival? For 500 years people have been braving Aichi’s mid-summer...[ Click to read more ]
