Blog

Travel notes for Japan

LatestGuides

Arashiyama in a half day, away from the crowds

Arashiyama is busy at midday. Go early for the bamboo grove, walk the river and choose one temple garden. Here is a half day that avoids the worst crowds.

Updated Oct 10, 2026 · Guides · KyotoRead the post

Filter postsGuides +2 · Kyoto +3 · Results: 67

Filter posts✕

TypeGuides +2

All Guides Festivals Seasons Practical Clear

PlaceKyoto +3

All Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Fukuoka Sapporo Clear

Show posts (67)

Guides5 min readDazaifu from Fukuoka: a shrine, a plum tree and a sweet stopA calm day in Dazaifu from Fukuoka: the Tenmangu shrine, the plum trees, the old bridge and the sweet called umegae mochi.

Guides5 min readFurano and Biei: fields, hills and slow roads from SapporoA day or two in Furano and Biei from Sapporo: the flower fields, the hills and the roads, and why a car or a tour helps.

Guides5 min readGion after dark: how to walk it respectfullyGion at night is beautiful, and people live and work there. Here is how to walk its lanes, take photos and eat with respect for the neighbourhood.

Guides5 min readHimeji Castle: a day trip from Osaka or KyotoHow to spend a day at Himeji Castle from Osaka or Kyoto: the castle, the garden next door, the route and what to check first.

Guides5 min readHiroshima from Fukuoka: Peace Park and MiyajimaA day from Fukuoka to Hiroshima: the Peace Memorial Park and museum, a ferry to Miyajima and the tide check for the floating torii.

Guides4 min readHonmachi and the Osaka history trailHonmachi is a calm business district beside Osaka Castle. Here is a half-day history walk past the castle moats, a city museum and a quiet garden.

Practical5 min readSuica or ICOCA: which IC card to get on arrivalAn IC card lets you tap onto trains, subways and buses. Learn how Suica and ICOCA differ, where to buy one, and how to avoid gate problems.

Practical5 min readA break-even test for the JR PassMost first-time visitors need a clear test before they buy a Japan Rail Pass. Use this method to compare the pass with single tickets for your own route.

Guides5 min readKawaramachi and Pontocho: a shopping and evening walkA walk from the afternoon arcades to the Kamo riverbank and the lanes of Pontocho at dusk, with dinner, respect for the district and a plan for late nights.

Practical5 min readGetting to Kinkaku-ji without a taxi: buses and walkingKinkaku-ji is best reached by city bus, not by taxi. Here is how to plan the bus, board and pay, and when a walk makes sense.

Guides5 min readKinkaku-ji and north-west Kyoto: the Golden Pavilion areaKinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, sits in a quiet north-west part of Kyoto. Here is how to plan a visit with other temples, and how to avoid the crowds.

Guides5 min readKobe from Osaka: harbour, hills and a slow afternoonA slow day in Kobe from Osaka: the harbour, the old foreign houses on the hill, Chinatown and the food to try.