It’s official! The art world is buzzing because teamLab’s newest (and largest!) exhibition just opened its doors in Kyoto on October 7th. I know what you might be thinking. Another teamLab? You've...
Shimogamo Shrine: A Kyoto Insider’s Guide to a Hidden Gem
Everyone comes to Kyoto hoping for peaceful temples and a feeling of old Japan. But the reality is often big crowds. That’s why, when people ask me for a special place that’s both beautiful and...
Crafts Galore at The Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
Meta: Travel off the beaten path of Kyoto with an entertaining and educational visit to the Museum of Crafts and Design. Kyoto has long been the cultural heart of Japan. After a thousand years as...
Witnessing Kinkakuji’s Golden Pavilion & Unique Architecture
Kyoto has many beautiful temples, but Kinkaku-ji (or the Golden Pavilion) has a way of stealing the spotlight the moment you set eyes on it. It’s one of the most visited and recommended spots in...
Shamisen Lesson: Unlocking an Authentic Japan Cultural Experience
I recently had the chance to experience firsthand a Shamisen lesson by a professional Master, and it was unforgettable. I didn’t just get to touch the instrument, but also learned how to play an...
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: A Hidden Gem in Kyoto’s Arashiyama
If you’re planning on visiting Arashiyama to get a look at the gorgeous bamboo grove that Kyoto is so famous for, then you need to start your day with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. Want a full guide on how to...
Authentic Japan Cooking Class: Make Your Own Tofu Skin (Yuba)
Yuba, or tofu skin, forms on the surface of heated soy milk and has been a key ingredient in Kyoto’s temple cuisine for centuries. Delicate, smooth, and subtly flavoured, it is often enjoyed both...
Ultimate Nishiki Market Food Guide (2025): Kyoto’s Legendary Kitchen
Everyone has heard about Nishiki Market before. It’s in all those must-visit Kyoto lists, and it’s so famous it even shows up in music videos around the world! Stretching for around 400 metres, this...
Wagasa: An Unforgettable Experience Crafting My Own Japanese Umbrella
While umbrellas may seem like everyday items, few people realise the sheer beauty and tradition hidden behind the iconic Wagasa, the Japanese traditional umbrella. The Wagasa is an umbrella...
Experiencing Namba and Shinsaibashi: The Heart of Modern Osaka
Planning a trip to Osaka and want to get a real taste of what makes the city so addictive? A visit to Namba and Shinsaibashi is practically a rite of passage. Whilst areas like Shinsekai deliver...
My Authentic Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto
Step into the serene world of Japanese tradition with this immersive tea ceremony experience that goes far beyond sipping a cup of tea. The tea ceremony—chanoyu—is a centuries-old cultural practice...
Shinsekai: Experiencing Osaka’s Unique Retro Neighbourhood
Travelling in Japan offers countless unforgettable moments, but some of the most memorable come from exploring neighbourhoods that still radiate the charm and grit of days gone by. If you're looking...
Making a Japanese Knife with a 7th-Gen Master Craftsman
Put your hands to the test at the heart of Japanese craftsmanship in this extraordinary experience that takes you beyond the surface of one of Japan’s most iconic tools: the kitchen knife. ...
Experiencing Ninenzaka & Sanenzaka
Everyone wants to visit Kiyomizudera; it’s by far one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, with its breathtaking views of the city and lush forests that bring in a sense of peace and comfort,...
Discovering the Enticing Art of Kumihimo at Adachi Kumihimo Gallery
Step into the refined world of kumihimo, Japan’s ancient art of braided cords, in this hands-on cultural experience guided by a master artisan. While seemingly simple in design, kumihimo is a...