Fushimi Inari Day vs Night: I Walked the Torii Gates at Both and Here's Which I'd Pick

Fushimi Inari Day vs Night: I Walked the Torii Gates at Both and Here’s Which I’d Pick

As for Fushimi Inari? A bit obsessive on my part… I walked the torii gates not just once but twice in a single day (once … Read more

Shirakawa-go in Winter vs Without Snow: I Visited the Village Twice and Here's the Difference

Shirakawa-go in Winter vs Without Snow: I Visited the Village Twice and Here’s the Difference

I went to Shirakawa-go twice: In December 2023 (no snow) and again in January 2025 (when the entire village was covered in it). How different … Read more

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens: I Took the Ropeway Up From Shin-Kobe Station

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens: I Took the Ropeway Up From Shin-Kobe Station

If you’ve been in Shin-Kobe Station as much as I have, you’ll know you pass by the ropeway behind it all the time and never … Read more

I Tried Kobe Beef Yakiniku in Kobe and Here's How It Compares to Regular Wagyu

I Tried Kobe Beef Yakiniku in Kobe and Here’s How It Compares to Regular Wagyu

Wagyu beef, while not ubiquitous across Japan, are pretty amazing. In fact, I’ve had some good ones in several restaurant here in Japan. And while … Read more

My Kobe Animal Kingdom Review: How Long I Spent and What I Actually Saw

My Kobe Animal Kingdom Review: How Long I Spent and What I Actually Saw

My Kobe Animal Kingdom Review: How Long I Spent and What I Actualy Saw I spent about four hours at Kobe Animal Kingdom, and frankly, … Read more

I Found the BE KOBE Sign at Meriken Park and Looked Up Kobe Port Tower

I Found the BE KOBE Sign at Meriken Park and Looked Up Kobe Port Tower

In Kobe, I spent the day (and night) wandering the waterfront area known as Meriken Park. It’s a pretty standard waterfront area with lots to … Read more

Osaka Castle Park in the Evening Was Peaceful

Osaka Castle Park in the Evening Was Peaceful

If you’re looking for a spot to just relax in Osaka then I think you’re going to love Osaka Castle Park. I was able to … Read more

The Dotonbori River Cruise in Osaka Gave Me a Different View

The Dotonbori River Cruise in Osaka Gave Me a Different View

Having experienced the Osaka Wonder Cruise, I think it’s quite possibly one of the most underrated attractions in Osaka. Now I know that it’s quite … Read more

The Hidden Garden Within Kasuga Taisha - Manyou Botanical Garden

The Hidden Garden Within Kasuga Taisha – Manyou Botanical Garden

While it might not have the same name recall as Kyoto, Nara does feature plenty of areas like Manyou Botanical Garden that can also be … Read more

The Most Beautiful Night Walk in Osaka - teamLab Botanical Garden

The Most Beautiful Night Walk in Osaka – teamLab Botanical Garden

I would argue that there’s no landmark in Osaka that best exemplifies its exciting mix of tradition and modern sensibilities than teamLab Botanical Garden. While … Read more

Whale Sharks, Penguins, and More at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Whale Sharks, Penguins, and More at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

If you enjoy marine life then I would highly recommend visiting Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan if you happen to be in the city. I had the … Read more