• 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • A Quick Guide to Osaka’s Korea Town

    This article is available offline on GPSmyCity . Download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to all the attractions featured. As we stepped out of the train station and into…

  • A Quick Guide to Osaka’s Hipster Town

    This article is available on GPSmyCity. Download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the all the attractions featured. There is no Japanese word for ‘hipster’, which, ironically, is about as…

  • Osaka’s Instant Ramen Museum

    This article is available on GPSmyCity. Download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to all the attractions featured. Like most South Africans, I grew up snacking on Maggi Two Minute…

  • 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…

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