You may have heard of the great gardens of Japan, Genkyuen is a hidden gem worthy of a visit.
Genkyuen Garden, Hikone
Top 5 cherry blossoms spots in Japan
Sakura season is already ramping up in Japan with big brands such as Starbucks and Asahi having released their sakura themed products for this spring. Although the cherry blossom front hasn't started yet, here are my top 5 places to view the cherry blossom this spring! 5. Nakameguro , Tokyo Nakameguro is usually just visited … Continue reading Top 5 cherry blossoms spots in Japan
Chureito Pagoda: the most famous view of Mount Fuji
This image is probably one of the most famous and well known images of Japan, sakura flowers, Mount Fuji and a vermillion structure all in one place! What is the Chureito Pagoda? Chureito pagoda is part of Arakura Sengen shrine, sitting on the side of Mount Arakurayama. The shrine itself get's little press but it … Continue reading Chureito Pagoda: the most famous view of Mount Fuji
Exploring Japan after dark
In most countries great tourist attractions or areas of great beauty close at 5pm, tourism is over for the night and everything is barred shut, this is especially true in the UK where I live. So with this mentality I traveled to Japan, visiting the tourist destinations during the day and used the evenings for … Continue reading Exploring Japan after dark
Fushimi Inari Taisha: The never ending gates
When you think of Japan a few images may come to mind, towering sky scrapers, robot waiters, sushi, or the bright vermillion gates of shinto shrines. One place in Japan is especially famous for these gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha which is for the shinto shrine of Inari, goddess of the harvest, situated in Kyoto. … Continue reading Fushimi Inari Taisha: The never ending gates
The white heron castle of Himeji
You might not know the name but you probably recognise the image. Himeji castle is one of the top tourist destinations in Japan and the most visited castle in Japan! Himeji castle is often said to be the finest Japanese castle. Himeji castle was first constructed in 1333 and expanded over the years, even being … Continue reading The white heron castle of Himeji
The black crow castle of Matsumoto
Japan has a rich history of castle building, it is estimated that at one point there were 5,000 castles across Japan. The castles were originally built as fortifications for military defense along important routes or in strategic locations. These castles were traditionally made of a wooden frame with stone fortifications. Many Japanese castles were destroyed … Continue reading The black crow castle of Matsumoto
The most disappointing “waterfall” in all of Japan
Japan is well known for its mountains, streams and general amazing nature so you would expect to find great sights around every corner. In April of this year we climbed Mount Takao (climbed may be a bit of an exaggeration) to try and see the elusive Mount Fuji and maybe find a tengu! Mount Takao … Continue reading The most disappointing “waterfall” in all of Japan
Renting a car in Japan
I thought it might be helpful to write a little about renting a car in Japan, in April this year we hired a car and self-drove for 4 days in Yamanashi prefecture. Japan arguably has one of the best transportation systems in the world and so for many people renting a car wouldn't cross your … Continue reading Renting a car in Japan
My Nihon 