Transport systems in major cities of Japan have undergone a huge change over the past decades – be it the introduction of timely and reliable high-speed trains, the construction of subway tunnels, etc. However, there are some train or tram networks that were once extensively spread and used but are now confined to just a…

The Gion Festival, locally known as Gion Matsuri, is one of the most important festivals in Kyoto. With a history of more than 650 years, this festival originated as a part of the purification ritual to appease the god that caused plagues, earthquakes, etc. Author’s photo Today, the Gion Festival continues to be held annually…

In case you did not know, Kyoto’s biggest annual festival, Gion Matsuri, is actually held throughout the whole month of July, with the main parade falling on the 17th. Here is a complete guide to the one-month Gion Festival so that you don’t miss out on the fun! July 1 to 5 From the 1st…

When one hears of Kyoto, the rich history and culture of Imperial Japan come to mind. Another thing that Kyoto is well known for is its Japanese sweets shops and cafes, with matcha or green tea as the most popular choice. This article lists some of the best sweets shops and cafes that Kyoto has…

When people go to pray at a shrine or temple, it is usually a given that they would ask for positive things such as blessings or good fortune in their lives. However, did you know that there is a shrine in Kyoto that is widely reputed for being extremely effective in enkiri (縁切り) i.e. cutting…

Are you familiar with kanji? They are logographic Chinese characters that have been adopted into the Japanese writing system a long time ago. In June 2016, the Japan Kanji Museum & Library opened in Gion, Kyoto in the hope of becoming a place where people can learn more about kanji. Find out more about it!…

Kyoto is a beautiful city because of its temples and traditions, and attracts many visitors every year both from Japan and overseas. However, regarding art, there are not a lot of museums where you can enjoy a day of cultural understanding and really spend a whole day admiring the art of Japan. The Miho Museum…

Forget food served in wooden bowls as this restaurant in Kyoto has taken the art of dining to another level by using ice bowls. Now, you can just sit down and wait for your ice bowl to come to your table with delicious Japanese noodles in it. Check out this restaurant and find out what…

With many places to visit and activities to do during winter in Japan, this cold season is popular among tourists. One of which is to visit Shirakawa-go and marvel at old, snow-covered thatched roof houses illuminated at night. Unknown to many, there’s actually another place in Japan that has traditional thatched roof houses as beautiful…

If you’re a huge fan of Sanrio’s Hello Kitty and Japanese tea, you’ll be glad to know that you can now enjoy both of them together at a special teahouse in Kyoto. Japanese Tea House Hello Kitty Saryo allows customers to enjoy Hello Kitty-themed food and tea in one place. They have an incredible food…