• Meissen At Simose Art Museum

    While browsing Google Maps one day, as my cartophilia has me do, a particular site in the area caught my eye. Mostly because I mistook it for my own name…

  • Inside Japan’s Largest Cave

    In the heart of Yamaguchi lies the city of Mine. With a population of just over 20,000, it’s one of the more rural areas of the prefecture. But what it…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • The Great Wisteria Festival

    About 80 km (49.7 mi) outside of Tokyo, there’s a 94,000 m² flower park, which is roughly the size of 17 American football fields. And inside the park, sits a…

  • A Walk Around Kobe Harborland

    A friend once told me that Kobe Harborland reminds him of Cape Town. Now, I grew up in Jo’burg, so I have no attachment to the V&A Waterfront, but anyone…

  • Nunobiki Herb Gardens

    Just ten minutes away from Kobe by ropeway, Nunobiki Herb Gardens offers a spectacular view of the city. Comprising of 12 spacious gardens, visitors can enjoy 75,000 herbs and 200…

  • Meet the Deer of Nara Park

    At the foot of Mount Wakakusa sits one of the oldest parks in Japan. Sprawling across 660 ha (1631 ac), Nara Park is home to temples, shrines, and a national…

  • Inside Nara’s Mall Museums

    Nara is best known for the four-legged locals that roam freely around its 660-hectare park. But friendly deer aren’t the city’s only animal attraction. Visitors can also get up close…

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