Category Archives: Japan, Travel & Culture

Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto

Tofukuji Temple, one of five primary Zen temples in Kyoto, boasts another National Treasure: the oldest Sanmon (main Zen temple gate) in Japan. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Orbite Bar, Kyoto Hotel Granvia

It’s the kind of room where you are invited to keep your own bottle of whiskey—if you have the good fortune to be that regular here. I wish. Continue reading

Posted in Food, Wine & Restaurants, Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Kyoto Depaato

A depaato is a mercantile microcosm not unlike a museum which truly reflects Japanese culture. The main difference is that it contains artifacts of the present rather than the past. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Archery Competitions at Sanjusangendo

Today, as in the past, Sanjusangendo remains the site of annual archery competitions. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sanjusangendo (Rengeo-in), Kyoto

There’s something other-worldly and even spine-tingling about the sight of 1001 Buddha statues stretching to infinity. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Ginkakuji, The Silver Pavilion, Kyoto

I arrive at Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion) late in the day, my enthusiasm for one more heritage site flagging. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Heading to Kyoto to Relax: Part 2

But most important, Kyoto is an epicurean’s delight. Bursting with temples, gardens, museums, galleries, restaurants, spas, artisan shops of every kind, boutiques and department stores—you can overdose on any one of them multiple times in a single day. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Heading to Kyoto to Relax: Part 1

Japan’s outstanding attention to detail and superb levels of customer service make it the perfect place to place yourself in someone else’s capable and selfless hands. Japan will take care of you. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sayonara, Rinda-san

Before leaving Kyotamba, Kyoko and I return to the Hiyoshi Springs onsen (hot spring bath) one last time. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Famous crackers and bean cakes

Senbei (crackers) are ubiquitous in Japan. Like senbei, bean cakes, too, are regional specialties. Continue reading

Posted in Food, Wine & Restaurants, Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments