Japan

How to get from Himeji Station to Mount Shosha and Engyoji Temple

The ropeway to Mount Shosha, Himeji, Japan

Located about 30 minutes from Himeji Station is Mount Shosha, home to Engyoji, a beautiful temple complex with over 1,000 years of history. The many buildings of Engyoji are scattered around a dense forest along Mount Shosha, linked by peaceful, tree-lined trails. The area is a popular destination when the leaves start to change during the fall. Mount Shosa is easily accessible by bus and ropeway from Himeji Station. Along with Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden, Mount Shosha makes for …

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Day trip to Himeji: What to do with one day in Himeji

Himeji Castle, one of Japan's twelve original castles

If you are looking to take a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, then look no further than Himeji. Himeji, located less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka by shinkansen (bullet train), makes for a great day trip. The main reason for visiting Himeji is to see the magnificent Himeji Castle, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s twelve original castles. For over 400 years, the castle has remained intact even with the threat of war, earthquakes, …

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Tonki: For 80 years, serving the best tonkatsu in Tokyo, Japan

Rohsu-Katsu Teishoku. 160g of perfectly fried loin cutlet at Tonki Tonkatsu in Tokyo, Japan

Whenever a friend visits Tokyo for the first time, I send them to Tonki, which serves one of the best tonkatsu in Tokyo. This popular dish consists of a pork cutlet breaded in Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy. It may be old-fashioned, but Tonki is an institution in Tokyo. Since 1939, Tonki has served tonkatsu to many die-hard fans of the traditional Japanese dish, including locals and tourists like myself. Many will debate whether Tonki or Maisen is …

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Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass? Important things you need to know

A 7 day Japan Rail Pass

If you are planning to travel to Japan, and want to explore this beautiful country by train, then purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a must. These train passes, good for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days of travel, will allow you to move around the country effortlessly, and most importantly, economically. When traveling to a new country, and using a new form of transportation, you probably have questions such as: What is a Japan Rail Pass? How …

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13 amazing Buddhist temples in Japan you should not miss

Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

13. Nanzenji Temple – Kyoto Not far from one end of the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto is Nanzenji Temple, an extensive temple surrounded by smaller sub-temples. While the main grounds are free to enter, the surrounding temples require an entrance fee. Hard to miss is San-mon Gate, an enormous wooden gate first constructed in 1628. Just outside Hojo is a unique site that seems out of place: a large brick aqueduct. This aqueduct was built during the Meiji Period between …

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Tori no Ichi Festival at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Each November, the Tori no Ichi Festival takes place at Hanazono Shrine, a Shinto shrine located not far from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. At Tori no Ichi festivals, held all over Japan, lucky charms or rakes known as Kumade are available for sale. The festival held at Hanazono Shrine is one the most important in the Kantō region of Japan. In Tokyo, you can find these festivals at many other temples including Asakusa Temple and Chokoku Temple. 2023 Dates: …

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Fuunji in the Shinjuku Ward of Tokyo, Japan: Tsukemen Ramen

Large Deluxe Tsukemen, Fuunji, Tokyo, Japan

The first time I tasted a bowl of tsukemen was at Fuunji, a small ramen shop hidden on a quiet street near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. Fuunji is considered by many, including me, to serve the best bowl of tsukemen in Tokyo. Every time I return to Tokyo, I stop by Fuunji first. Even with its hidden location, Fuunji is no secret. You should always expect a line out the door, and even once inside, the line continues. Don’t …

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Sushi Kyotatsu inside Tokyo’s Narita International Airport

Nigiri Miyako

Sushi Kyotatsu is my go-to spot for sushi every time I find myself on a layover at Terminal 1 of Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. Delicious and fresh sushi in the most unlikely of places: the airport. When I think of airport food, the last thing that comes to mind is sushi. But Sushi Kyotatsu is different. It’s good. I take that back, it’s great. It’s better than most of the sushi I have ever had. Though pricey (you’re in an …

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Harajuku Gyoza Lou: Some of the best dumplings in Tokyo

Pan Fried Dumplings with Garlic and Chives, Harajuku Gyoza Lou, Tokyo, Japan

Harajuku Gyoza Lou is a casual dumpling restaurant in Tokyo, famous for its pan-fried and steamed gyoza, served at an affordable price. The small eatery in the busy Shibuya Ward off Omotesandō Street has perfected the art of Chinese-style dumplings, or gyoza. It’s no secret why Harajuku Gyoza Lou has recently become so popular with locals, tourists, and foodies for their pan-fried and steamed dumplings. While the menu is small, where else can you get six freshly made, perfectly cooked …

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How not to be rude in Japan: Japanese manners and etiquette

Izakaya in Tokyo, Japan

What I love about Japan is how friendly the people are to visitors. As a traveler, it is a great idea to know about simple Japanese manners and etiquette. Respecting the local culture and customs is something you should try to practice, no matter what country you may visit. This list may seem intimating to first time visitors to Japan, but the list is not set in stone. While some of these social customs are expected during business situations, many …

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