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Why Foreigners Should NOT Wear Kimonos!
Amongst each national monument, Buddhist temple and historic avenue in modern-day Japan, men and women from across the world come to play out their little fantasies of living as 16th-century nobility by dressing up in authentic rented kimonos. Many say that it’s a beautiful sight to behold and blends so perfectly amongst the narrow brick lanes and high-rising pagodas. Of course, those who wear kimonos think they look utterly fantastic and truly lose themselves in their mythical fantasies. Yet the cold hard reality is that these tourists look absolutely ridiculous, and some even find the practice to be offensive! So before you mark down this tired cliché onto your itinerary,…
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The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Kyoto in 4 days
For many travellers and locals alike, Kyoto is considered the pinnacle of Japanese cities. For centuries, the ancient capital played host to Japan’s elite rulers and aristocrats who forever imprinted themselves in the nation’s history. The undeniable spirituality and powerful cultural influence of the city have had a lasting effect on the greater nation. Kyoto also holds more treasures than any other, boasting some of the most iconic images in all of Japan. In a city with so much to offer, it would take months to tick everything off the list. When time is of the essence, choosing which sites to visit becomes a daunting task. So here’s the perfect…
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The 20 Best Highlights to See in Kyoto
The ancient capital of Kyoto may not catch the eye as much as the bright lights of Tokyo or Osaka, but do not be mistaken, this humble cultural goldmine is the beating heart of Japan. This living encyclopedia has been the core of the nation’s spiritual and cultural life for centuries, and continues to do so to this day. Whilst hosting some of Japan’s historic elite, the city has held onto more treasures and artefacts than any other place in the country. More importantly, many travellers and locals see Kyoto as the truest representation of Japan. So in that case, here are the 20 best things to see in Kyoto!…
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The Ultimate Travel Guide: Kyoto
Before Tokyo reached the monumental heights to which it has today, the centre of Japan lay somewhere else. The ancient capital was right here in the city of Kyoto, serving as the Imperial family’s residence under Shogunate rule from 794 to 1868. The city is thought to be the spiritual centre of the country, with over 2000 separate temples and shrines found throughout its expanses. Kyoto achieves a perfect balance between tasteful modern development while keeping to its ancient roots and undeniably strong cultural influence. This article may contain affiliate links which I may be compensated at no extra cost to you, dear readers! The Geography of Kyoto Kyoto is…
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Kyoto: The Highlights
The ancient capital of Kyoto is the home to some of the finest examples of spellbinding attractions, being some of the most gorgeous and serene of any attraction in the country. Two of these stand above all else. Two attractions which are some of the most iconic images Japan has to offer, attracting people from throughout the world to walk amongst the sites unparalleled tranquillity. Those are the gorgeous sites of Fushimi-Inari and the Bamboo Groves of Arashiyama. During my stay in Kyoto I knew full well these would be the highlights of my time there. Whenever one of my hostel’s guests asked what do you recommend seeing? it would always…
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Kyoto: A Welshman’s Memoir of a Geisha
One very notable aspect of Japanese culture has to be it’s Geishas. Although they can be found throughout Japan, the roots of Geisha culture began right here in the city of Kyoto. This is where it began and where it holds strong to this day, remaining as the best place throughout Japan to be able to experience this extraordinary phenomenon. They’re role in society has changed along with the tides of history. Today they remain as a living embodiment of the fascinating Japanese cultural past. I was determined that I’d get to see one. Geisha Hunting Being in the birth-place of Geisha culture, it was the most appropriate location to…
