Experience Kabuki Performances at Tokyo's Kabukiza
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.
May 27, 2017
Writer: Bjorn Koolen
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.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
As the largest Imperial villa in Kyoto, Shugakuin has an excellent view over Kyoto throughout the year, Autumn being the best.
October 11, 2016
Wagashi Workshop: Making Tradition With Your Hands
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.
July 20, 2016
Nagoya Castle, the Rival Not-to-be
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.
ArchitectureMuseumSceneryTraditionAichi
July 4, 2016
Gone Fishin' In The Heart of Tokyo
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.
June 15, 2016
Katsura Imperial Villa
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.
ArchitectureHeritageParksScenerySightseeingTravel GuideKyoto
May 30, 2016
Overlooked by Mystery: Daikakuji Temple
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”.
May 25, 2016
Kilo Shop and Café
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.
GoodsSouvenirsTravel GuideTokyo
April 27, 2016
Omiya Bonsai Village
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.
April 22, 2016
Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden
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.
ParksSceneryTraditionTravel GuideKyoto
April 16, 2016
Getting Around Kansai
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.
TransportationTravel GuideKansai
April 8, 2016
Kyoto's Silver and Golden Twins
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.
April 2, 2016
A Hidden Delight, Kyoto-style Sushi
When people think of Japanese food, sushi is one of the first that comes to mind. A little known fact about sushi, however, is that it has various regional styles, such as the Kyoto-style sushi offered by the restaurants Izuju and Izuu in Kyoto`s famous Gion district.
Food & DrinkJapanese CuisineKyoto
March 25, 2016
Sapporo Snow Festival
As one of Japan’s most recognizable events of the year, the Snow Festival in Sapporo turns this far northern city into a prime attraction during its cold winter times.
February 15, 2016
Bunny Café Mimi, Tokyo
Most of you will have heard about cat café’s and perhaps even the occasional owl and bunny café’s in Japan, which if anything must make you curious to what they actually are.
January 31, 2016
Bishamondo, Kyoto
After having been reduced to ashes by wars and fire Izumo-dera, which was located north of the Imperial Palace at the time, moved to Yamashina valley in eastern Kyoto in the early 8th century.
January 18, 2016
Enjoying Kurama with an Onsen Afterwards
Tucked away in the Kitayama Mountains north of Kyoto, lies the small mountain temple and onsen village Kurama. It truly is a hidden retreat for pilgrims, hikers and onsen, hot spring, enthusiasts alike and is a popular half-day trip out of Kyoto.
January 9, 2016
Mochi Making in Nara
Mochitsuki is something that requires both staff members to be perfectly in sync in terms of speed and order of actions as one wields a massive hammer while the other continuously needs to add glutinous rice into a wooden mortar.
January 6, 2016
