kansai


  • Kyoto Kamanza Hotel: A review (Kyoto, Japan)

    Kyoto Kamanza Hotel: A review (Kyoto, Japan)

    About Kyoto Kamanza Hotel Kyoto Kamanza Hotel is a hotel located in the heart of Kyoto near Nijo-jo (Nijo castle). A small botique hotel, it caters more to small families and couples than to larger groups and business people. It is only 3 floors and each floor has about 5 rooms per floor. In fact…


  • Kyoto Tower Hotel: an honest review (Kyoto, Japan)

    Kyoto Tower Hotel: an honest review (Kyoto, Japan)

    About Kyoto Tower Hotel Situated right in front of Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower Hotel is a four-star hotel that stands in a central location convenient for touring Kyoto. As the name suggests, it is located in Kyoto Tower and has a special door to access the hotel, which sits approximately halfway up the tower on…


  • bnbplus Sarasa Nara: A full review (Nara, Japan)

    bnbplus Sarasa Nara: A full review (Nara, Japan)

    About bnbplus Sarasa Nara bnbplus Sarasa Nara (yes the first b is lower case) is a one-star hostel located in central Nara, Japan. It is located on the third floor of a multi-storey building. The lifts will take you directly there. I normally would not have stayed in a hostel. However I went during the…


  • The OneFive Osaka Sakaisuji: A review (Osaka, Japan)

    The OneFive Osaka Sakaisuji: A review (Osaka, Japan)

    About The OneFive Osaka Sakaisuji and Location The OneFive Osaka Sakaisuji is a three-star hotel chain with its headquarters in Fukuoka, Japan. It operates hotels in several cities across Japan, each with “OneFive” and the city and district in the name, including this location. Set in Osaka’s Chuo (central) district, popular points of interest near…


  • Hello Kitty Haruka Express

    Hello Kitty Haruka Express

    Are you planning a trip to Japan and dreaming of whisking your way to adorable adventures? Then look no further than the Hello Kitty Haruka Express, a limited express train that takes you on a journey straight into kawaii paradise! Planning Your Purrfect Trip: This charming train whisks you from Kansai International Airport to three…


  • Kyoto River Walk: Kamo River Amidst Cherry Blossoms

    Kyoto River Walk: Kamo River Amidst Cherry Blossoms

    Unfolding like a beautiful Japanese painting, Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, exudes a timeless charm. This city, where history resonates in every corner, is graced with the tranquil Kamo River, the heart of many cherished moments and memories. When cherry blossom season adorns Kyoto, the river walk along the Kamo River, often referred to…


  • Maruyama Park: The Jewel of Kyoto

    Maruyama Park: The Jewel of Kyoto

    Maruyama Park, widely known as Kyoto’s most beloved park, is the quintessential destination for locals and tourists alike. Nestled in the historic Higashiyama district, the park serves as a remarkable testament to Japan’s commitment to harmony between nature, culture, and urban life. The Unparalleled Beauty of Maruyama Park Maruyama Park is a tapestry of exquisite…


  • A Weekend in Nara: From Nature’s Bliss to Architectural Mastery

    A Weekend in Nara: From Nature’s Bliss to Architectural Mastery

    Packed with natural splendour, historical depth and spiritual sanctity, Nara is a city that compels one to pause and ponder. This ancient capital of Japan, nestled in the Kansai region, is home to some of the country’s most significant temples and awe-inspiring gardens. Let’s not forget to mention the friendly deer who freely roam in…


  • Kenninji: A Journey Through Zen in Kyoto’s Oldest Zen Temple

    Kenninji: A Journey Through Zen in Kyoto’s Oldest Zen Temple

    Kyoto, the city of a thousand temples, resonates with the echo of ancient chants, the fragrance of incense, and the sight of age-old traditions and architecture. In this city, where culture and history intertwine, one finds a quiet oasis of serenity known as Kenninji. As Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kenninji beckons to those seeking to…


  • Osaka Castle Park and Cherry Blossoms: A Match Made in Heaven

    Osaka Castle Park and Cherry Blossoms: A Match Made in Heaven

    When it comes to cherry blossom season in Japan, Osaka Castle is a must-visit destination. This magnificent castle has stood for centuries, bearing witness to important moments in Japanese history and culture. But during cherry blossom season, the castle and its surrounding grounds take on a special kind of magic. The air is filled with…


  • Mount Wakakusa: A Moderate Hike with Major Payoff

    Mount Wakakusa: A Moderate Hike with Major Payoff

    Nestled in the heart of Nara Prefecture (near the city of the same name) in Japan, Mount Wakakusa is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, hiking trails suitable for all levels of experience, and a rich cultural history, there is something for everyone. From the annual…


  • Ukimido and Ara Pond: Nara’s Hidden Gem

    Ukimido and Ara Pond: Nara’s Hidden Gem

    Nara, Japan’s first capital city, is a cultural and historical treasure trove that attracts visitors from all around the world. One of the most serene and picturesque spots in Nara is Ara Pond and Ukimido, a tranquil pond with a small temple in the middle. The pond is said to have been created in the…


  • Kofukuji Temple: A Testament to Japanese Buddhism and Art

    Kofukuji Temple: A Testament to Japanese Buddhism and Art

    Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, is a city steeped in history and culture. Among its many treasures, Kofukuji temple stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese Buddhism, art, and architecture. Founded in 669 AD, Kofukuji temple has a long and storied past that has shaped the city’s history and culture. Today, the…


  • Isui-en Garden: A Masterpiece of Japanese Garden Design

    Isui-en Garden: A Masterpiece of Japanese Garden Design

    Nestled in the heart of Japan’s ancient capital Nara, Isui-en Garden is a stunning oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty. This meticulously designed garden, with its tranquil ponds, winding paths, and lush foliage, has been enchanting visitors for centuries. From its origins as a private garden created by a wealthy merchant, Isui-en has evolved into…


  • Yoshikien Garden in Nara: A Peaceful Escape from the City

    Yoshikien Garden in Nara: A Peaceful Escape from the City

    Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, contains one of its many treasures – Yoshikien Garden. This stunning garden is a place of peace and tranquillity, designed to bring harmony to the senses and evoke a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. Yoshikien Garden is located in the heart of Nara and is an important landmark in…