A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Japan has a long history of brewing. Before it was the modern paste, miso was brewed as a sauce from fermented grain and fish during the Neolithic era (14,000-300BCE). Rice wine, commonly referred to as sake outside Japan, was first brewed around 500 CE. Tea was introduced to Japan from China during the Nara period (710-794 CE), and Japanese soy sauce brewers have been in operation since around 1580 CE.
You could cover a lot of ground on a trip to Japan, or very little, and still get to experience the best of what the country has to offer. Centrally located Kansai has it all: not just Kyoto, but also a vibrant city in Osaka, plus fantastic hiking and hot springs.
After a series of visits to Japan over the years, I’ve compiled this Kyoto temple & shrine guide to assist you in discovering the best ones! Kyoto, recognized as Japan’s ancient capital and cultural heart, boasts numerous famous shrines and temples that are must-see attractions.
After numerous visits to Japan over the years, I’ve compiled this Japanese temple & shrine guide to help you discover some of the best ones!
Snacking on the go is generally frowned upon in Japan, a fact that might disappoint travelers seeking authentic culinary experiences at small stalls and food carts. The strict rules of Japanese etiquette forbid eating and walking simultaneously, which contributes to a less widespread street food culture compared to other Asian regions.
Kyoto’s westernmost district of Arashiyama has been a local getaway for hundreds of years. Stepping into the Sagano Bamboo Forest, you’ll quickly understand why Japan’s ancient elite chose this peaceful landscape for their summer retreats. The forest spans a vast area of 16 square kilometers and features a pedestrian path that leads to several temples and shrines nestled in the foothills of surrounding mountains. The cooling effect of the dense bamboo grove provides a refreshing escape from the summer humidity that characterizes Kyoto in July and August.
Gion is Japan as we imagine it: It’s a place where you can dine with geisha, drink tea in an old woodenmachiya, and savorkaisekimade by Michelin-star chefs. It’s also a place that yields the most picturesque stock photographs of Kyoto, where #travel Instagram truly shines. However, the result of this is unwieldy throngs of tourists, who crowd the nostalgic alleyways with chunky backpacks and unfathomable selfie sticks. But don’t let the crowds stop you from fully enjoying this quintessential Kyoto neighborhood. Knowing the following insider tips makes it easier to see and appreciate all of Gion’s sites, capture some enviable photos, and perhaps even get you a table with Kyoto’s most elusive kimono-clad entertainers.
If Kyoto is not at the top of your bucket list, it should be. The Japanese city is one of the rare destinations you can count on to constantly exceed the hype built around it. This is not surprising when you consider that walking its streets exposes you to more than a millennium of history, most of which saw Kyoto as Japan’s imperial capital.
With a plethora of activities and attractions such as witnessing the cherry blossoms in full bloom, enjoying tea ceremonies in traditional tea houses, and walking through Zen gardens, you will find Kyoto to be an unforgettable destination. Known for its remarkable history, Kyoto has preserved its authenticity and ancient traditions, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past. As one of the most visited destinations in Japan, Kyoto serves as a cultural and spiritual heart, with an impressive array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Himeji Castle, also known asHimeji-jo, is the biggest medieval Samurai castle in Japan, and arguably one of the coolest and most photogenic places in the entire country.
Kyoto is the 7thmost populatedcity in Japan,and a beloved destination for many visitors. With a harmonious blend of modern conveniences and a rich tapestry of historical and cultural attractions, Kyoto captivates travelers from around the globe.
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, originally started as a villa before being transformed into a Zen temple in the 1400s. Although many of the buildings were destroyed during the Onin War, the pavilion remarkably survived intact.