Serene Bamboo Pathway in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Sagano, better known as Arashiyama, is a vast area in Ukyo-ku district, northwest of Kyoto city, encircled by Mounts Ogura and Atago and the Katsura river.

Imposing war memorial tower against sunset skyline.

Osaka Great Peace Tower

This oddly designed tower is a cenotaph, in other words a funerary monument that doesn’t contain human remains but was erected in memory of a person, or group of people.

Tranquil Aragi Island rice terraces in picturesque Wakayama, Japan.

Aragijima : The Island of Rice Paddies

After visiting the lovely Wakanoura district and two magnificent temples in Wakayama (I’ll come back to those another time), I take a wide detour on the way back to Nara.  Direction the terraced rice fields of Aragijima...

Hannya-ji Temple in Japan with vibrant cosmos flowers, showcasing cultural and spiritual beauty.

Hannya-ji: The Cosmos Temple

Nara is very pretty with plenty of hidden corners to visit that I’ll try to help you discover. One of my autumn favourites is Hannya-ji Temple.

Enchanting cherry blossoms at Yoshinoyama, Japan - a mesmerizing floral display against blue sky.

Yoshinoyama, The Cherry-blossom Mountain

Mount Yoshino is the most famous sakura site in Japan. With more than 30,000 cherry trees covering the whole mountain, the very idea seems fantastic. But is this really the best site? To get off to a good start, here’s...

Eternal Union: Meoto Iwa, Japans iconic coastal landmark symbolizing eternal unity.

Meoto Iwa: The Wedded Rocks

These two rocks connected by a thick rope and the little torii on top is one of these mysterious images that inevitably draw visitors to Japan. But if you actually go to see them won’t that strip them of their mystique...

Awe-inspiring Amanohashidate sandbar with lush surroundings and majestic mountains in Japan.

Amanohashidate

According to a Japanese philosopher, Amanohashidate is one of the three most famous views of Japan along with Matsushima and Miyajima.