There are hundreds if not thousands of castles in Japan. I’m sure you’ve visited famous castles in Japan like Osaka Castle, Okayama Castle, or Hiroshima Castle. Truth is, these are all reconstructed and restored castles. The majority of castles have been destroyed due to either war, environmental disasters, or politics. A few castles scattered throughout Japan have survived these obstacles. There are only 12 original castles in Japan and I’ve visited them all. This post explains what makes a castle “original” and gives a first-hand account of my visits to Japan’s 12 original castles.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout…

Ishigaki is the second largest of the Yaeyama Islands, after Iriomote and is easily accessible via flight from Naha, Okinawa. Ishigaki is known for its world-class diving, beautiful beaches, and Ishigaki Beef. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island and view everything at your own pace. If you have plans to travel to Ishigaki, this post covers all the basics of getting to Ishigaki from Naha, places to stay, and must see attractions and sites for your perfect Ishigaki itinerary.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any…

If you are curious what a traditional Ryukyu Village used to look like then visiting Taketomi Island might be one of the best preserved villages in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, Japan. A quick 10-minute ferry ride from the Island of Ishigaki, is the small island of Taketomi. Rent a bicycle and explore the islands beautiful beaches, traditional houses, and enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my…

On the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan is the famous and highly visited district of Arashiyama. Arashiyama is a beautiful part of Kyoto renowned for the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Monkey Park, and streets lined with traditional shops and restaurants. This charming district of Kyoto offers visitors a little bit of everything when it comes to traditional Japan and is a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. My Arashiyama itinerary hits all the must see highlights so you can make the most out of your full day in Arashiyama.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page,…

Nara Park is a unique city park located in the city of Nara, Japan. This picturesque park offers visitors an opportunity to get close to and see the famous bowing deer while immersing themselves in the rich history of ancient Nara. Nara Park is home to thousands of deer as well as shrines and temples that date back hundreds of years. A day in Nara is a must, especially if staying in nearby Kyoto or Osaka. This post is ideal for those wanting to spend a day in Nara and highlights all my recommended places to see and how to make the most out of your visit to Nara Park. …

Do you have a long layover at Narita Airport? Or have a hotel near Narita Airport and want to experience a historical and authentic temple in Japan? I recommend a visit Naritasan Shinshō-ji. Naritasan Shinshō-ji is a stunning temple complex with a beautiful garden and the perfect destination for those that are passing through Narita. Forget staying at Narita Airport during a long layover. Head out to Naritasan Shinshō-ji for a peaceful respite.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to…

Located in the mountainous Prefecture of Tochigi, Nikko is a picturesque town known for it’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shinkyo, Nikko National Park, and authentic Ryokan hotels. For a town of its size, there is no shortage of things to do in Nikko. Nikko is a popular day trip from  Tokyo, but it is recommended to stay at least two days to get a feel for the town and take in the sites. This post shares my recommended things to do in Nikko to include where I stayed and can’t miss attractions.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page,…

Japan is renowned for its gardens that blend a perfect setting of nature, relaxation, and tranquility. There are hundreds if not thousands of Japanese gardens throughout the country. But there are three must-visit gardens in Japan that are considered the most famous. The three Great Gardens of Japan include Kairaku-en in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kenroki-en in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Koraku-en in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my…

The Ushiku Daibutsu, also known as the Great Buddha of Ushiku, is a Buddha statue located in Ushiku, Japan. Standing at 120 meters tall, Ushiku Daibutsu is the tallest statue in Japan and one of the worlds tallest Buddha statues. If you wish to visit Ushiku Daibutsu, it’s an easy day trip from Tokyo. Visitors can relax in the beautiful park surrounding the statue and can even venture inside Ushiku Daibutsu. This post is all about Japan’s tallest Buddha statue. Find out how to get here and what to expect when visiting Ushiku Daibutsu.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout…