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…

Tokyo, Japan’s capital city is known as the largest city by metropolitan area. Tokyo is also known for iconic landmarks and its impressive skyline. Dominating Tokyo’s skyline are two iconic structures, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. As these two towers compete for attention many visitors are torn between deciding whether to visit Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, or both. I recently visited the observation decks for both the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree and had a completely different experience at each attraction. In this post, I’ll dive into my experience and thoughts of visiting each tower and compare and contrast Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree, so you can decide which attraction…

Taito City or Taitō is a district in northeastern Tokyo. Taito City is known for Ueno Park which is home to many world class museums, Tokyo’s largest Buddhist Temple, Senso-ji, and Ameyoko, a shopping street full of shops and restaurants. If you are traveling to Tokyo and looking for an authentic Japanese experience, this must visit district in Tokyo is full of historical landmarks, traditional shrines and temples, genuine Japanese food, with a  lively atmosphere and bustling nightlife. Looking for fun things to do in Taito City? I spent three full days exploring Taito City and this post is a list of my recommendations and must visit places. **This post…

Japan’s Beckoning Cat, also known as the Maneki-neko, is considered a cultural symbol in Japan. Believed to bring fortune and good luck to its owners, the Beckoning Cat has long been celebrated in Japan and can be found in shops and households throughout the country. With its raised paw gesture and cat like appearance, no wonder why the Maneki-neko is adored throughout Japan. In this post, we’ll explore what the Beckoning Cat even means in Japan, the origins of the Beckoning Cat, and must see Maneki-neko attractions.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com.…