There are hundreds of festivals taking place during summer season in Japan. Gion Matsuri is the most famous among them and draws the greatest number of spectator from Japan and overseas. Like many oth [...]

Ise Jingu Shrine has six hundred priests, two thousand years history, and seven million visitors per year. The Japanese prime minister pays an official visit for a new year’s prayer. It is the m [...]

Ukai, a traditional fishing method using cormorant, is demonstrated to tourists during summer season. There are twelve such shows across Japan and you can enjoy two of them in Kyoto, one in Uji and th [...]

Tired of the sprawling cityscapes of Osaka or Kyoto? It’s a good idea to head for Arashiyama, an area of scenic beauty and historical importance on the western fringes of Kyoto. From here it is [...]

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At 3911 meters in length, the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is the longest (as well as tallest) suspension bridge in the world. Located just west of Kobe in Hyogo prefecture, the bridge spans the picturesque A [...]

The Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) and nearby Nijo-Jo Castle are well worth a visit. While the Palace is an elegant complex, Nijo-Jo is an imposing construction, reflecting the lifestyle of power [...]

Bunraku is a classic theatrical art using puppets. A half life-sized puppet with elaborate costume is manipulated by three puppeteers to make a fluid move and express amazingly various emotions of a c [...]

Each spring the geisha community of Gion in Kyoto puts on a spectacular dance known as the Miyako Odori. Shows are held several times a day throughout April at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo. Timed to coinci [...]

Seishun Juhachi Pass allows five days unlimited use of local train (not express) for the nationwide network of Japan Railways. This is sold both to Japanese and foreign visitors. Five days validity ca [...]