When we first started planning our trip to Japan, visiting the Kiso Valley was at the top of the list. My intent for our time in Japan was to experience...
These are the best day trips from Osaka that I recommend to choose from after having stayed in Osaka for several weeks and exploring many of the areas around it.
Looking for a free souviner in Japan? Why not collect stamps in Japan - you can find plenty as you explore this ancient country.
Japan is a culture of centuries-old, strict traditions that govern almost everything, so it’s no surprise to learn they’ve also developed a collection of traditional colors, known as dentouiro 伝統色でんとういろ . (source) During our recent travels, Japan’s landscapes, fabrics, architecture and people inspired us to create some color palettes of our own. Each of these 36 photos from Japan tells a travel story – and has inspired its own unique color palette. Use these color ways to start planning your wall colors, your decor, your outfit or any color scheme. Let’s start the tour in Kyoto… 1. Arashiyama, The Bamboo Forest 2. Moss in a Buddhist Cemetery See Product See Product See Product 3. Earthenware Pottery in a Teahouse 4. Torii Gate at Shinto Shrine 5. A Shogun’s Palace 6. A Village Shrine See Product See Product See Product 7. A Gilded Screen 8. Paper Lanterns 9. A Tea Ceremony 10. A Verdigris Lion Dog See Product See Product See Product 11. Iron and Mountains 12. A Sense of Zen 13. Wooden Shoes 14. A Smiling Attendant 15. Pottery for Sale See Product See Product See Product 15. A Tokyo Street 16. Tokyo Traffic 17. Zen Garden 18. Another View of the Bamboo Forest 19. Tribute to the Ancestors 20. A Zen Monument 21. Garden Path 22. Hie-Jinja Temple 23. Traditional Geiko 24. Tofu and Sake 25. Tourists Playing Dress-Up 26. Wedding Day 27. Koi Pond 28. Cherry Blossoms 29. Graphics and Signs 30. Geisha and Parisol 31. Water Lilies 32. Ancient Architecture 33. Modern Lights 34. Tokyo Sunset 35. Snow Monkey 36. Sake Set 37. Pink Skies SmithHönig Which colors from our Japanese color palettes were your favorites? Did any of these combinations surprise you? Do you plan to incorporate any of these colors or any Japan-inspired SmithHönig products into your home decor? We would love to know!
Eki train stamps are my favorite Japan trip souvenir. Learn what eki stamps are, where to find them, and where to buy an eki stamp book.
Hokkaido is a popular island for tourists that are eager to experience the unique culture and breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Japan.
Comprehensive guide: what is goshuin, why collect it and how to ask for one. As you travel in Japan, you may encounter a unique practice that beautifully combines spirituality, calligraphy, and the joy of collection: the tradition of goshuin.
More than 4 billion people live in urban areas globally. It’s now projected that by 2050, more than two-thirds of the world population will live in urban areas. So no wonder we pay more importance to the buildings and structures around us.
Wanna see a hundred of adorable free-roaming foxes up close? Head on over to Japan's magical Fox Village with the help of this travel guide!
Eki train stamps are my favorite Japan trip souvenir. Learn what eki stamps are, where to find them, and where to buy an eki stamp book.
Nagoya has been one of the overlooked cities in Japan when it comes to tourism. Here are 5 ways you can make Nagoya a part of a memorable vacation in Japan.
You can make great ramen at home. It doesn't have to be crazy difficult. You can do almost all the prep ahead of time. It comes together fast when it's time to serve.
If you want to take ninja lessons, Kyoto is the place to be to learn how to blow darts, throw stars and be sneaky like a ninja!
Ask a local where the best place is for autumn colour in Osaka and you're likely to hear 'Minoo Park'. It's a short train ride from the city into the suburbs but well worth it for a nature escape and some of the best leaf colour around. While the area is really popular with locals it's a little off the tourist trail so it makes a welcome respite from the busy city.
Sixty beautiful vintage Japanese art prints from the famous design magazine Shin-Bijutsukai. All are in the public domain and free to print.
Your guide to exploring the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, Japan. From the cities to the wilderness, lakes, waterfalls and wonderful onsen. We share our top things to do in Aomori together with where to eat, play & stay in this practical travel guide.
In this feature film, Allegra Pacheco explores the impact of an existence dedicated to work, on both employees and their family.
Add some excitement to your meals with these Korean cabbage recipes! From slaw to pancakes to kimchi, you won't be able to resist these dishes.
The ancient Japanese city of Kamakura holds such an impressive collection of sights, this itinerary will help you see the best!
Take time out from the hectic urban chaos of the city and take a Tokyo to Nikko day trip by train. Set in the mountains, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with both nature and culture as well as a charming little town. One day in Nikko sightseeing will give you the breather you need to dive back into Tokyo life.
Explore archivalservices' 1790 photos on Flickr!
From northern specialities to Cantonese dim sum classics, this collection of tried and tested recipes showcases the most popular varieties of Chinese dumplings.
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are cate...
If you only have one day in Kyoto, use this one day in Kyoto itinerary to see all the main sights, plan your trip and find out which tour options are perfect for getting the most out of 1 day in Kyoto.
We decided that a Hakone day trip had to be included on our winter visit when we woke up one morning in Tokyo, flung open the curtains of our room at the Hotel New Otani and were greeted with an amazing view of Mt Fuji in the distance set against a clear blue sky. A few days later on another super clear morning, we jumped on an early bullet train and half an hour later we were in Odawara. We stopped into the information centre and picked up the 'Hakone Free Pass' and were on our way.
If you are searching for a Japanese vacation like in Thailand, these are the things to do in Okinawa, Japan.
I must confess to eating this entire bowl of soba by myself. I didn’t share. I didn’t look up from the bowl. I just inhaled. Fresh buckwheat soba is an entirely different food group from the dried soba we usually buy at the store. It’s like night and day. The nutty aroma of the buckwheat, the perfect chewiness of the noodles, the way they slip perfectly around a chopstick — fresh soba needs little more than some dashi and a splash of soy sauce to be the perfect meal.
Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline. Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure. Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others. The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!" Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. Travel Motto: "Don't be boring." Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)." E-mail her at [email protected].
These are the best day trips from Osaka that I recommend to choose from after having stayed in Osaka for several weeks and exploring many of the areas around it.
Take the kids to Japan on a virtual trip around the country. Particpate in Japanese crafts for kids and activities including a STEM earthquake project. Make your own sushi and more.
A look at the meanings of the word "kami" and what makes this concept special...
Your guide to exploring the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, Japan. From the cities to the wilderness, lakes, waterfalls and wonderful onsen. We share our top things to do in Aomori together with where to eat, play & stay in this practical travel guide.
With Kyoto being the heart of traditional Japan, you’ll find many beautifully designed gardens, wooden houses, temples, and other worthwhile attractions
Japanese patterns come in many forms and all have a hidden meaning. Very much found on the kimono and other Japanese clothing, they are called...
Situated on the banks of the Meguro River and a popular place to view the cherry blossoms in spring, Nakameguro is one of Tokyo’s trendiest neighborhoods. While it’s close to busy Shibuya, st…
