The Magic of Removing Your Shoes If there’s one rule that surprises North Americans more than almost anything else in Japan, it’s that your shoes come off before you go any further. Walk into someone’s home, a traditional ryokan, a temple’s tatami room, or even some restaurants and clinics, and you’ll hit a genkan—a slightly sunken …
Why Japan is Different From Everywhere (Yes, Everywhere) Every traveler has the moment, usually somewhere between the airport and the hotel, when they realize Japan isn’t just “another country.” It’s an entirely different operating system. The streets are spotless, yet without a trash can in sight. Trains glide into stations at the exact second the …
Remarkable Landmarks, Part 9: Kyoto Gosho Kyoto Gosho, or the Kyoto Imperial Palace, is a truly remarkable and historically significant site that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s imperial past. Located in the heart of Kyoto, this expansive palace complex was the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan for over a millennium, from the …
Remarkable Landmarks, Part 8: Toji Temple Toji Temple, or the “East Temple,” is one of the most iconic and historically significant temples in Kyoto. Located just a short distance from the city center, this impressive Buddhist temple is renowned for its magnificent five-story pagoda, which stands as the tallest wooden structure in Japan. Entering the …
Remarkable Landmarks, Part 7: Himeji Castle Himeji Castle, also known as the “White Heron Castle,” is one of the most impressive and well-preserved feudal castles in all of Japan. Located in the city of Himeji, just a short train ride from Osaka, this magnificent castle is renowned for its striking white exterior and its intricate, …
Remarkable Landmarks, Part 6: Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the “Floating Torii Gate,” is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in all of Japan. Located on the island of Itsukushima (also called Miyajima) in the Seto Inland Sea, near Hiroshima. This stunning Shinto shrine is renowned for its dramatic setting, …
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Remarkable Landmarks, Part 5: Todaiji Todaiji, or the “Great Eastern Temple,” is one of the most impressive and historically significant temples in the world. Located in the city of Nara, just a short train ride from Kyoto, Todaiji is renowned for housing the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue and for its magnificent temple architecture. As …
Remarkable Landmarks, Part 4: Kiyomizudera Kiyomizudera, or the “Temple of the Pure Water,” is one of the most iconic and beloved temples in all of Kyoto. Perched on the side of the Higashiyama mountains, this stunning wooden temple offers breathtaking views over the city and is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Kyoto. The …
Remarkable Landmarks, Part 3: Kinkakuji Kinkakuji, is the famous Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. One of the city’s most iconic and breathtaking landmarks. This stunning Zen temple is renowned for its magnificent golden pavilion that seems to float atop the tranquil waters of its surrounding pond. Arriving at the temple, the first thing that catches your …
Remarkable Landmarks, Part 2: Fushimi Inari-taisha Fushimi Inari-taisha is a stunning Shinto shrine located in the southern part of Kyoto, just a short train ride from the city center. This shrine is renowned for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that wind up the mountainside, creating a truly mesmerizing and otherworldly sight. Approaching the …
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