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…

Tōdai-ji or simply Todai ji is a Buddhist Temple located in Nara, Japan. Home to one of the world’s largest sitting bronze statues of Buddha and one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, Tōdai-ji is a must visit temple in Japan. When visiting Tōdai-ji, make sure to walk through the Namdaimon (Grand South Gate), go to the Tōdai-ji Museum, take photos at the Tōdai-ji Kagami-Ike Pond, and pay the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) a visit. **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…

Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land, is the official name given to five historic sites in Hiraizumi, by UNESCO. Hiraizumi is a town located in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. Hiraizumi is home to five sites that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the 11th and 12th centuries, Hiraizumi was a cultural and political center among practicing Buddhists. Today, visitors can see the Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi by visiting Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji, Kanjizaio-in Ato, Muryoko-in Ato, Mt. Kinkeisan, and the historic and unique temple of Takkoku-no-Iwaya.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners…

Located in northeastern Japan, Sendai is an evolving city with a nice blend of historical attractions and modern features. Being the largest city in the Japanese region of Tohoku, there are countless things to see and do in Sendai that cater to all types of visitors from exploring temples and castle ruins to shopping and dining. Whether you are looking for things to do in Sendai at night, in winter, or just on a quick visit, this guide to Sendai has some of the top activities and attractions that are a must when visiting Sendai.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners…

Aizuwakamatsu, a city located near Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture, is an underrated city in Japan that no one talks about. Aizuwakamatsu has a rich samurai culture and history that is sure to peak the interest of any visitor. Aizuwakamatsu offers plenty of attractions to include the stunning Tsuruga Castle, beautiful Oyakuen Garden, and unique Sazaedo Temple. A day in Aizuwakamatsu offers enough time to see these magnificent sites, grab lunch, and discover more of the surrounding area.  **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…