Category / Japan / Kansai / Kyoto / Quick Guides / Walking Tours
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A Quick Guide to Kyoto’s Sake District
The Fushimi area in southern Kyoto is one of Japan’s major sake production sites. Located at the junction of the Uji, Katsura, and Kamo Rivers, it’s blessed with high-quality springs ideal for…
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Kinkakuji: The Golden Pavilion
One of the most famous images associated with Kyoto is that of a golden temple. Kinkaku-ji, as it’s known, is indeed completely covered in gold leaf—the top two floors, at least. The…
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Heian Shrine and Gardens
On the 1,110th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto, which was once known as Heian, a shrine was built to mark the occasion. Heian Shrine is dedicated to the spirits of the…
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Inside MUCA: ICONS of Urban Art
Kyoto’s KYOCERA Museum of Art recently hosted the Kansai leg of the MUCA: ICONS of Urban Art—From Banksy to KAWS exhibition, which is currently on tour in Japan. As a big fan…
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Insho Domoto: The Art Museum Designed by an Artist
In the northwestern part of Kyoto city, near Kinugasa Hill, lies a unique art museum dedicated to the works of Insho Domoto. It was founded in 1966 by the artist himself, who…
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Hatsumode at Fushimi Inari Shrine
While most of the world rings in the New Year with partying and fireworks, celebrations in Japan are a little more subdued. That’s because shōgatsu, as it’s known here, is the most…
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Tomogashima: Japan’s Real Castle in the Sky
“Do you see the jellyfish?” Mark pointed excitedly into the water. I mumbled an acknowledgement, afraid that if I opened my mouth, something other than words would come out. We had been bobbing…
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A Quick Guide to Osaka’s Korea Town
As we stepped out of the train station and into the attached undercover market that snakes towards the centre of Tsuruhashi, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I was literally dripping,…
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A Quick Guide to Osaka’s Hipster Town
There is no Japanese word for ‘hipster’, which, ironically, is about as hipster as you can get. The closest you’ll find to the Western pejorative here is “ultra individual” (超個性的) or “one who loves novelty”…
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Osaka’s Instant Ramen Museum
Like most South Africans, I grew up snacking on Maggi Two Minute Noodles. Before the contamination scares and poison scandals and MSG controversy, the instant ramen favourite was a quick, tasty treat…
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Inside Abandoned Nara Dreamland
“There’s no way my butt is going to fit through there.” Mark and I were staring at the small hole in the fence and I wondered nervously if this was such a good…
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