Tag: travel
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The Unique Features of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto
September 24, 2025. Kyoto, Japan. After almost two months in Japan, it’s hard to find a temple that stands out from the rest. The architecture and design are often very similar, and visits can start to feel monotonous. However, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a bit different. This is one of Japan’s most famous and historically…
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Exploring Nara: Japan’s Historic Capital and It’s Sacred Sika Deer
September 22, 2025. Nara, Japan. Today we took the train from Kyoto to Nara, Japan. Nara is a city steeped in history and culture. It served as Japan’s first permanent capital from 710 to 784, a period known as the Nara period, which saw a flourishing of Buddhist culture. The city is home to numerous…
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Experiencing Authentic Noh Theater in Osaka: A Journey Through Time with Miwa
September 21, 2025. Osaka, Japan. Today we returned to Osaka to attend a Noh theater performance at the Yamamoto Noh Theater. We purposely took the express train this time and noticed it was half the cost of the day before—perhaps due to weekend rates. Noh is a major form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has…
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Exploring Kyoto: A Walk Through Temples and Crowds
September 19, 2025. Kyoto, Japan. Today we traveled from Osaka to Kyoto. Mistakenly taking the semi-rapid train made for a pleasant and hassle-free transition to a new city in Japan. Upon arrival, we found a quiet city with narrow streets and a very calm vibe. After checking in, we decided to head to the nearby…
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Surviving a Tire Blowout in Rural Japan
September 15, 2025. Akan, Japan. When you’re driving in the middle of nowhere, the last thing you want is for disaster to strike. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when a rear tire on our rental car exploded, leaving a gaping hole in its side. The country road was eerily quiet, with no cars in sight.…
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Akan National Park: Exploring Hokkaido’s Hidden Gems
September 14, 2025. Akan, Japan. Today, we drove from Shiretoko to Akan. We’re now in the center of Akan National Park, staying at the wonderful and accommodating Forest Akan Hotel on the shores of Lake Akan and at the foot of Mount Meakan. Along the way, we made several stops. Near Shiretoko, we stopped at…
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Exploring Shiretoko: A Day at Two Unique Museums
September 14, 2025. Shiretoko, Japan. The winds were hauling all night, the power went off twice, and the emergency lights in our room woke us up. The rain outside pelted our windows and it continued all through the night and into the morning. Since there was nothing to do outside, we decided to visit the…
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A Day in Shiretoko National Park and a Visit to Rausu.
September 12, 2025. Shiretoko, Japan. Today, we embarked on an exploration of Shiretoko National Park. The journey began by traversing the sole mountain pass in the heart of the Shiretoko Peninsula, which leads to the Pacific Ocean and the town of Rausu. Our first stop was the Shiretoko Nature Center, a large and well-staffed facility…
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Day One at Shiretoko: Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
September 11, 2025. Shiretoko, Japan. Today we drove from Sounkyo to Shiretoko. Our 3.5-hour drive took us through the mountains before descending to the Sea of Okhotsk. The journey took us through thousands upon thousands of acres of farmland, with the fields bustling with activity as farmers harvested their crops. Shiretoko, meaning “the end of…
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A Day for Waterfalls in Sounkyo, Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan
September 11, 2025. Sounkyo, Japan. Any exploration of the Sounkyo area should begin at the Daisetsuzan National Park Visitor Center, located in the center of town. The center has a wealth of resources for park visitors and a well-curated exhibition with many interpretive displays. If you only have one day and the weather is good,…