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5 Lesser-Known Temples in Kyoto
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Kyoto is historical, cultural, and the most popular city to visit within Japan after Tokyo. But what makes Kyoto so popular amongst the tourists both within and beyond Japan? Is it the food? The nature? Or the temples and historical buildings such as Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. My guess is the latter. This cultural capital has many hidden and lesser known temples that are tucked away in neighborhoods, located in mountainous areas, or in places that are more difficult to get to. These 5 lesser known temples in Kyoto offer visitors a chance to escape the busy crowds at some…
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Visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
If you are interested in seeing the Japanese Macaques but don’t have the time to wander around the wilderness looking for them, then I’d recommend visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Kyoto. Everyone is familiar with the famous snow monkeys soaking it up in the hot springs in Nagano Prefecture. But visiting the snow monkeys there can be time consuming and you have to be there during the appropriate season. Arashiyama Monkey Park is open all year long and is easily accessible, especially if visitors are already in Kyoto. From Arashiyama Station, it’s a quick walk to the park. Visitors can then hike to the top of the mountain and be…
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Visiting the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area is a name given to Japan’s first World Cultural Heritage Site. These sites were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area consists of several temples and sites at Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji in the town of Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture. Some of the buildings and structures at Horyu-ji are considered to be the world’s oldest wooden structures and are more then 1,300 years old. Getting to Hoyryu-ji and Hokki-ji Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji are not exactly well known tourist attractions in Japan. It does take a little bit of planning to visit these temples. The Buddhist Monuments…
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What to do During a Long Layover at Singapore Changi Airport
At any other airport, travelers want to minimize their layover times. I mean after a long flight, who wants to waste even more time at an airport, where there is nothing to do. This is true for most airports, but a Layover at Singapore Changi Airport is an exception. Changi Airport is renown as being the “World’s Best Airport.“ There is so much to do and see at this airport, where a short layover just isn’t enough. Changi Airport is home to the tallest indoor waterfall, spectacular gardens, great food, an abundance of rest areas, high end shops, and world class dining experiences. 🇸🇬 ✈️ **This post contains affiliate links.…
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What to Know about Okinawa’s Shisa: The Guardian Lions
This is post 15 of 18 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Zamami Island, Okinawa Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves Okinawa Night Hike,…
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Our Favorite Restaurants in Iwakuni
This is post 5 of 5 in the series “Guide to Iwakuni, Japan” Iwakuni is not on everyone’s radar when visiting Japan. After all, it’s far from the typical places tourists visit like Kyoto and Tokyo. But Iwakuni is easily accessible from Hiroshima and deserves a visit. Iwakuni has one of Japan’s prettiest historical bridges at the foot of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle sits upon. For a city of its size, Iwakuni has a lot to offer. Check out the Kintai Bridge, learn about the famous White Snakes, and try some local cuisine. Iwakuni’s location makes it a popular outdoor destination. Surrounded by both mountains and oceans, there are…
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8 Recommended Hiking Trails Near Iwakuni
This is post 4 of 5 in the series “Guide to Iwakuni, Japan” Iwakuni is not on everyone’s radar when visiting Japan. After all, it’s far from the typical places tourists visit like Kyoto and Tokyo. But Iwakuni is easily accessible from Hiroshima and deserves a visit. Iwakuni has one of Japan’s prettiest historical bridges at the foot of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle sits upon. For a city of its size, Iwakuni has a lot to offer. Check out the Kintai Bridge, learn about the famous White Snakes, and try some local cuisine. Iwakuni’s location makes it a popular outdoor destination. Surrounded by both mountains and oceans, there are…
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10 of the Best Day Trips from Iwakuni
This is post 3 of 5 in the series “Guide to Iwakuni, Japan” Iwakuni is not on everyone’s radar when visiting Japan. After all, it’s far from the typical places tourists visit like Kyoto and Tokyo. But Iwakuni is easily accessible from Hiroshima and deserves a visit. Iwakuni has one of Japan’s prettiest historical bridges at the foot of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle sits upon. For a city of its size, Iwakuni has a lot to offer. Check out the Kintai Bridge, learn about the famous White Snakes, and try some local cuisine. Iwakuni’s location makes it a popular outdoor destination. Surrounded by both mountains and oceans, there are…
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6 Things to Do in Iwakuni that Can’t be Missed
This is post 2 of 5 in the series “Guide to Iwakuni, Japan” Iwakuni is not on everyone’s radar when visiting Japan. After all, it’s far from the typical places tourists visit like Kyoto and Tokyo. But Iwakuni is easily accessible from Hiroshima and deserves a visit. Iwakuni has one of Japan’s prettiest historical bridges at the foot of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle sits upon. For a city of its size, Iwakuni has a lot to offer. Check out the Kintai Bridge, learn about the famous White Snakes, and try some local cuisine. Iwakuni’s location makes it a popular outdoor destination. Surrounded by both mountains and oceans, there are…
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Guide to Iwakuni, Japan – Our Second Home
This is post 1 of 5 in the series “Guide to Iwakuni, Japan” Iwakuni is not on everyone’s radar when visiting Japan. After all, it’s far from the typical places tourists visit like Kyoto and Tokyo. But Iwakuni is easily accessible from Hiroshima and deserves a visit. Iwakuni has one of Japan’s prettiest historical bridges at the foot of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle sits upon. For a city of its size, Iwakuni has a lot to offer. Check out the Kintai Bridge, learn about the famous White Snakes, and try some local cuisine. Iwakuni’s location makes it a popular outdoor destination. Surrounded by both mountains and oceans, there are…
