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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Remarkable Landmarks, Part 1: Senso-ji Temple Senso-ji Temple is one of the most famous and historically significant temples in all of Tokyo. Located in the Asakusa district, this impressive Buddhist temple dates back to the 7th century, making it the oldest temple in the city. As you approach this majestic site, you’ll first pass through …
Why Kyoto? To North Americans, Asian culture and history is not as familiar as the European equivalent. This is completely understandable. North America was settled by Europeans. (Respective of native cultures and peoples, European norms, values, and beliefs are the overwhelming majority in today’s North America.) High schools often require western civilization studies or world …
Eat Like a King, for the Price of a Joker Japan is a foodie’s paradise. Even the Michelin organization recognizes this country’s dominance in fine cuisine. As expected, if you’re looking to dine at an internationally-endorsed restaurant, you’ll be looking at an internationally-sized bill. But access to fine dining does not always mean high price. …
Gifting Culture The Japanese are a formal bunch. Even when being casual, they’re dressed up, groomed, and polished. This is not the land of PJ-wearing Walmart shoppers. Part of that formality is the giving and receiving of gifts, or omiyage. It’s not the cost or size of the gift, it’s the act of thinking of …
The Battle of Two Religions and their Messengers Japan’s faith structure primarily consists of the indigenous Shinto faith and imported Buddhism. Shinto can trace its history beyond 10,000 b.c.e., with millions of individual deities co-existing in the physical world. Buddhism, as a natural-law faith, came from China (via Korea) in 552 c.e. When Buddhism arrived …
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Public Restrooms and Wet Hands Most public restrooms in Japan are modern, fastidiously clean, and sport washlets on every toilet. But you’ll rarely find a paper towel in a public facility. Outside of higher end hotels, disposable, single-use paper towels are rarely seen in public restrooms. While many public restrooms have high-tech air dryers, this …