13 The Shirakawa flowing through Gion Cathy Cawood Gion is a fascinating area, and one of my favorite parts is Minami-Shirakawa
Culture Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path Bonson Lam This is one of the Kyotoites most popular hanami or cherry blossom viewing
Culture Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival Andrew Kehoe Make it a point to have a hanami party this year.
Nightlife Tenjin Matsuri 2026 Jul 24th - Jul 25th The highlight is the Hanabi-firework that starts around 7:30pm with a much... In Japan, a summer festival is not complete with Hanabi, this must see
Culture Glover Garden in Nagasaki Alena Eckelmann Glover Garden in Nagasaki: posh residences of former foreign VIP residents in a hill on the Minami-Yamate hill
Activities Cool Off at Izu Tatadohama Beach Bryan Baier Tatadohama and Shirahama are Hawaii-like white sand beaches with clear blue water at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula.
Food Kumbaya at Kokoraya Bonson Lam Kumbaya at Kokoraya - Folk Cuisine, like eating at your friend's secret attic in downtown Kyoto and relax on the tatami floor