The Yokai Benches of Fukusaki
Just 25 minutes north of Himeji City by train lies the town of Fukusaki. Surrounded by mountains with the Ichikawa flowing through it, it’s just far enough off the beaten…
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Inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (USJ)
I still remember the first time I read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (as it was titled in SA). The book was a gift for my 11th birthday, and…
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Katsuoji: The Temple of Winning Luck
In the mountains of Minoh, Osaka, is a centuries-old Buddhist temple decorated with thousands of red daruma dolls. Known as “the temple of winning luck,” visitors from around the world…
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Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest
Is Arashiyama worth it? It’s a question I, and many other travellers, too, I’m sure, have pondered. Kyoto’s iconic bamboo forest gets mixed reviews. You’ve probably already seen pictures of…
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Mimurotoji: The Hydrangea Temple
Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu, isn’t my favorite time of year. Starting in mid-June, it’s a long period of rainfall and humidity that lasts until mid-July (followed by the…
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Inside Kobe’s Art Aquarium
Atoa Aquarium (stylized as átoa) is one of Kobe’s newest attractions, having opened just a few years ago in 2021. Located in Kobe Port, just across the water from Kobe…
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A Stroll Through Kokoen
Just southwest of Himeji Castle, lies a beautiful Japanese garden that offers gorgeous views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kokoen is 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres) in size and consists…
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Himeji Castle: The White Heron
I’ve seen a fair amount of Japanese castles on my travels (there are over 200, so this is no hard task) and while they’re all interesting and unique in their…
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The Temple on the 10-Yen Coin
Less than an hour outside of Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous temples. So famous, in fact, that it appears on the 10-yen coin. Byodoin was originally built in…
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Inside the Enchanting Sanzenin
Just an hour north of central Kyoto is a small village nestled in the mountains. Ohara is known for its gorgeous scenery, pickled cucumbers, and beautiful Buddhist temple.
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Cosmos in Kameoka
Cosmos, which bloom from early to mid October in Japan, always remind me of home. The flowers aren’t native to South Africa, but they might as well as be. Brought…
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