Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kyoto- Our 6 Favourite Locations
Every spring, cherry trees all across Japan explode into soft shades of pink, making it one of the most beautiful (and popular) times to visit. The landscapes become irresistible for…
Miyajima Island- Exploring One of Japan’s Most Scenic Spots
Less than an hour from Hiroshima is Miyajima, a small island selected centuries ago as one of the Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan (Nihon Sankei). A claim like that…
Kinkaku-ji Temple- Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion
A late afternoon rain gently pattered down on my umbrella as we walked along a tree-shaded path in northwest Kyoto. The light was dim, the day’s last remaining sunlight unable…
Hiking Mount Misen- Miyajima, Japan
One of the fondest memories of our trip to Miyajima Island was hiking Mount Misen. Seeing as Mike and I both love nature, history and experiencing the culture of a…
Itsukushima Shrine- Miyajima Island’s “Floating” Shrine
Miyajima may be known as “shrine island”, but there is just one that takes centre stage- Itsukushima Shrine. You may not know Itsukushima Shrine by name, but you probably have…
Photo of the Week: Tokyo International Forum
The Tokyo International Forum is one of the most unique and distinctive buildings in central Tokyo. Forget your typical city skyscrapers, the International Forum resembles a large ship! Its glass…
Koyasan- Guide to Visiting the Sacred Sites of Mt. Koya
Koyasan- sacred, traditional and somewhat mysterious- was one of the most rewarding places we visited in Japan. In this quiet mountain town, we not only got a glimpse into the…
Visiting the Okunoin- Koyasan’s Ancient Cemetery
The stone path was dim and moody. Centuries old cedar trees towered above us, shading the moss-covered tombstones below. We didn’t say much as we quietly wandered deep into this…
Danjo Garan- Koyasan’s Central Temple Complex
As a sacred site for Buddhism in Japan, Koyasan features many temples dedicated to the practice of Shingon Buddhism. While each is important in their own way, none is as…
Kongobuji Temple, Koyasan- Headquarters of Shingon Buddhism
As soon as we arrived at Mt. Koya, I was excited to begin exploring the temples and shrines of this sacred Buddhist site. We started our day in Koyasan by…
Yoshino- Cherry Blossoms and a Whole Lot More!
All it took was a seeing a single photo and I was hooked on visiting Yoshino. The picture showed a perfect vista- a vast valley full of pale pink blossoms,…
Fushimi Inari Shrine- A Mountain Path Like No Other
It was unlike any mountain path we had walked before. Thousands of vermilion coloured torii gates lined the way, sheltering us from the forests of sacred Mount Inari. On and…
Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima, Japan. August 6, 1945. 8:15 am. A bright flash lights up the sky. A fireball 300 metres wide burns with intense heat, 4000°C. Morning commuters disappear, vaporized or turned…
Hiroshima Castle- History, Photos and Tips for Visiting
At the mention of Hiroshima, most people immediately think about the first atomic bomb and the devastation it caused. It will forever be what Hiroshima is known for. It also…
Tokyo at Night- Photo Series
Bright neon signs, flickering video screens, illuminated towers, glowing skyscraper windows, a vibrant energy on the streets- this is Tokyo after dark. Tokyo at night is a bustling, lively place….
What to Expect on Your First Trip to Japan- A First Time Visitor’s Guide
It’s hard not to love Japan. Beautiful and evocative, Japan awakens your imagination and captures your heart. Japan is a nation that’s not afraid of innovation and progress, yet is…
Photo of the Week: Asahi Breweries Headquarters in Tokyo
After visiting Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple, we walked through the Asakusa district towards the Sumida River. Arriving at the riverbank, we were met with this view of unique and intriguing architecture….
Two Weeks in Japan- Our Itinerary’s Hits and Misses
Japan is a country I have wanted to visit ever since I was in the seventh grade. Learning about it in social studies class, I was fascinated by the history…
Photo of the Week: Sunset at Miyajima’s Great Torii
I had never heard of Japan’s Miyajima Island until I started seeing photos of its famous floating torii gate. Once we booked our two week trip to Japan, this iconic…