Japan Archives - Page 2 of 6

The significance of Japanese cranes – origami and otherwise

Visitors to some popular destinations in Kyoto may wonder: what’s with all the cranes? Known as the “tsuru,” the crane’s historical and cultural significance can be traced back to ancient…

Feature Story Kyoto

Traditional Japanese clothing: kimono and yukata

While visiting Japan, the first thing you might notice is a lot of people styled and dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos and geta (wooden clogs). In Kyoto, this might be…

Feature Story Kyoto

Locating the perfect shops in Kyoto

Kyoto is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern cultures, which makes it a wonderfully versatile place to go shopping. Like Tokyo, Kyoto has areas with completely different vibes within…

Feature Story Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera: The temple on the hill

In Japan, there are two main religions: Buddhism and Shintoism. In Buddhism, the main place of practice is a temple, for Shintoism it is a shrine. Kiyomizu-dera is labeled as…

Feature Story Tokyo

The magical world of MUJI Tokyo

To most Americans, MUJI is just another stationery company, but its flagship stores are so much more than that. The MUJI Ginza flagship store in Tokyo has five floors of…

Wooden Starbucks sign out in the front of the building.

Feature Story Kyoto

Kyoto’s traditional take on Starbucks

Located a mere 10 minute walk away from Kiyomizu-dera, Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya mashes traditional Japanese style with international coffee shop sensation, Starbucks. While it’s similar to most other…

The emperor's quarters in the Imperial Palace.

2023 Daily Blog Posts

A royal day in Kyoto

Day eight was a decadent experience for the team. We visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and attended a traditional tea ceremony before attending our official farewell dinner. Impressive…

Feature Story Tokyo

How to get lost in the wonders of Don Quijote

Amongst the city lights of Tokyo lies Don Quijote, the famous retail store that offers an array of products. Don Quijote greets customers with a vibrant interior that keeps true…

Feature Story Tokyo

Gardens fit for a princess: the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are the gardens that can be found next to the palace in Tokyo. Although found on palace grounds, it is not private. Anyone…

Feature Story Tokyo

Hasedera Temple: hydrangeas and the Eleven-Headed Kannon

Travelers looking to visit Japan during June shouldn’t be discouraged by the rainy season. The plants in the region flourish most when it’s raining, and Hasedera Temple is a beautiful…