Although he has lived in both Tokyo and Kyoto for quite some time now, Bjorn continues to explore Japan's less well-known corners for the country's endless beauty and delicious local dishes. By sharing his experience he hopes to inspire others to create their own cherished memories of Japan.
Even though it originally started as a “pop-culture” in the age of samurai, today the art of singing and dancing, or kabuki, has become one of Japan’s most significant performing arts.
As the largest Imperial villa in Kyoto, Shugakuin has an excellent view over Kyoto throughout the year, Autumn being the best.
Like many art forms, wagashi making is an effort of practice and instructions, two things you can experience yourself in some of Japan’s most renowned wagashi shops. In Kyoto you have the chance to do make tradition with your own hands at Kanshundo Honten.
According to some, had it not been destroyed by bombardments in World War II, the Nagoya Castle would have surpassed Himeji Castle, as Japan’s most impressive feudal castle. Nonetheless, its current ferroconcrete reconstruction from 1959 and surrounding Meijo Park with over 2,000 cherry trees makes for a marvelous sight in early spring. But the castle is a picturesque vision throughout the year with a variety of blooms.
Fishing is deep-rooted in Japanese culture and fishing trips to the countryside are quite popular during the weekends and holidays, but for those living in the heart of Tokyo or for those who do not really want to have to go out of the city, Ichigaya Fishing Centre is an amazing alternative.
Said to be one of the finest examples of Japanese architectural and design tradition in its purest form, Katsura Imperial Villa truly is a sight to behold for those who love architectural and traditional arts. As one of Japan’s most cherished treasures, a visit to Katsura is a truly enriching experience.
Daikakuji is what one would consider “slightly off the beaten path” as although it is located near Kyoto’s popular Arashiyama district it hardly attracts any visitors outside the autumn and spring season. Featured in the Tale of Genji, the first Japanese novel, Daikakuji was originally a palace for Emperor Saga from which it derived its second name “Saga Imperial Palace”.
With a unique technique called "vintage sold by weight" imported from its main store in Paris you can get amazing value on brand clothing and accessories in Tokyo’s Kilo Shops.
Abounding in beautiful bonsai, this neighborhood of Omiya, Saitama is accessible to both knowledgeable enthusiasts and those new to this traditional art, and is just a short train ride from Tokyo.
Measuring over 240.000 square meters and filled with 12.000 different varieties of plantlife, Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden is counted as the best in Japan.
Navigating around a city or region you have never been to can be quite tricky and knowing about the special discounted passes used for the public transport is one of the first steps to learning how to get around. Within Kansai there are numerous options for bus, train and subway lines that will help moving around a lot easier and significantly cheaper.
Twins tend to resemble each other but each of them is unique in their own way. Kyoto’s twin pavilions Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, although they are not exactly twins, they perfectly exemplify this thought.
