I honestly didn’t realize it had two names until I recently was researching for a post. Kinki (yes, pronounced like “kinky” and therefore part of the reason for the change) is directly linked to the areas around Kyoto whereas Kansai refers to the area “west of the gateway”. Gateway sounds better than “toll gate”, which is what it was. It’s still known governmentally as Kinki but tourism wise, it’s Kansai!Himeji Castle: How to Discover the Beauty of the White Heron
Welcome to Himeji Castle 姫路城. Nicknamed the White Heron (or white egret, apparently they couldn’t decide on a white bird…) Castle for its coloring. She (are castles like ships? Female? …
12 Original Japanese Castles: Conquer These Masterpieces Now
If you have been following along for a while, it should come as no surprise to you that I love Japanese castles! If you’ve missed the articles and IG posts …
How to Use Buses in Japan: 5 Tips for Fearless Travel in Japan
As someone who never a day in her life in America rode a bus, they can be intimidating. Sure, I used the subway or metro in bigger cities, but let’s …
Epic Todaiji: Gain Enlightenment from Big Buddha’s Nostril
Todaiji (東大寺), which literally means “eastern great temple”, was first constructed in 752 and is a waif of what it used to be. It has some crazy history behind it. …
Feeding Deer in Nara Japan: How to have amazing fun!
You’ve probably heard about feeding deer in Nara Park while researching things to do in Japan. I’m sorry, Nara. The deer in Nara might outshine the UNESCO World Heritage sites. …
200 Famous Castles in Japan: How to Best Stamp Rally!
Oh, Japan. Land of got-to-collect-them-all, including hundreds of castles in varying levels of existence. There are thousands of ruins from almost indistinguishable mounds to castle walls with no castle structures. …
12 Wonderful Sights to Fall in Love with Nara
Nara is not just for the deer! A quick hour train ride from either Kyoto or Osaka, if you love history, you want to spend at least a full day …
Hikone Castle – 12 Original Japanese Castle Tour
We have a new second place castle! Hikone Castle (彦根城) in Shiga Prefecture! The main keep was finished in 1607. Sitting atop Hikoneyama, 彦根山, Hikone Mountain….it’s really just a hill. …
What is Obon? Japan’s Festival of the Dead
If you are in Japan in August, most likely you will stumble upon a festival in the evening time. Obon – Japan’s Festival of the Dead, was officially from August …
Burger Obsession at Sakura Burger in Nara Japan Now
Visiting Nara and need a suggestion for where to eat? A stone’s throw from Kintetsu Nara Station in 東向北商店街 (Higashimukita shopping district), Sakura Burger is a great place either pre- …