Nagano’s Zenkoji Temple is one of the most famous and significant Buddhist temples in Japan. It was founded in the 7th century and has been visited by millions of worshipers looking for luck every year. It is said that in the inner chamber of the temple’s hall is an underground passage where visitors can walk…

There are three key dating spots around Tokyo that locals always talk about. The first is in Odaiba, the second in Yokohama and the third is the small seaside town of Enoshima – a short ride west of Kamakura. However, bustling with tourists and fishermen, the island is a beloved sightseeing spot for everyone. Even…

Head south of Tokyo Station and the chic Ginza district towards Tokyo Bay and you will arrive in a small area called Tsukiji. This neighbourhood, easily accessible from either Tsukiji Station or Tsukijishijo Station on the metro, is most famous as the home of Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market. With its proximity to…

Ryogoku is a district most commonly associated with the popular Japanese sport of sumo. Sumo tournaments have taken place in the Ryogoku Kokugikan (sumo stadium) and sumo stables in the area for over a century and attract visitors from far and wide who come to get a glimpse of the giant wrestlers. The neighbourhood is…

Kagurazaka is a small central district of Tokyo that is relatively undiscovered compared to the tourist-packed surrounding areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ueno. With a heavy French influence, the main street through Kagurazaka is brimming with French-inspired cafés, restaurants and shops. However, the history of this area dates back to the Edo period and you…

Kyoto is on the go-to list of most people who visit Japan. Coined “the most beautiful city in the country” and home to hundreds of historical sites, the former capital of Japan is the favourite of many and visited by millions of people a year. Kyoto is known as the place to see traditional temples,…

When you say the word “Chiba” or “Narita” to most foreigners, images of Japan’s largest international airport comes immediately to mind, along with that mad rush foreigners make to catch their plane. Yet, if you say Narita or Chiba to most Japanese, you might hear two diverse descriptions – the first, of course is the…

“夏草や　兵どもが　夢の跡”(`Natsukusa ya tsuhamonodomo ga yume no ato`) – “Grasses in summer, the warriors’ dreams… all that is left”. This poem, written by Master haikuist Matsuo Bashō after he visited the ancient temple complex of Hiraizumi, is one of the most famous writings in Japan. Located in Iwate on the banks of the Kitakami-gawa, these simple…

Eihei-ji is one of those temples that many Japanese have heard of but few have actually visited. On New Year’s Eve, the temple is featured on Japanese television ringing out the old year with 108 purifying tones. This classical temple is famous for its Zen style meditation, distinctive vegetarian meals and of course, as a…

Majestic shrines and temples loved by locals can be found on the way from Narita Airport to Ueno, Tokyo. Here we introduce two such temples that you should take a moment to see on your journey. 1. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple Kozo Hikage (Fuller, Inc.) The vividly colored three-story pagoda, beautiful temple architecture, and aroma of…