Japan Travel Blog: Kyoto, hidden gems and food in Japan

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Destinations, Accommodations, Activities, Food suggestions and more

Ceramic artworks are displayed on the street of Mashiko City, which is well known for its ceramic production. Mashiko is located in the Tochigi Prefecture, about 110 kilometers north-northeast of Tokyo.

Feature sites

Kyoto

The Romon Gate (Tower Gate) of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than 1000 years

Hotokegaura

Aerial image of Hotokegaura, blue ocean and white cliff, Sai village, Shimokita, Aomori
Hidden Gem in Aomori, Tohoku

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Senbon Torii or the Thousand Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.
Picture perfect Shrine

Yakushima

A stream in the forest of Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, Yakushima Island, Kagoshima, Japan.
The forest that inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s anime “Princess Mononoke”

Osorezan

Image of a broken stone Buddha statue in the barren area of Osorezan Temple, Aomori, Japan
One of the most spiritual areas in Japan

Takaikamishima

Paintings of Kaiji and other manga art on the walls of houses in Takaikamishima Island, Ehime, Japan.
Island of Manga Art in Seto Inland Sea. True hidden Gem

Kinkakuji Temple

Water reflection of Kinkaku-ji Temple or the Golden Pavilion on the Mirror Pond surrounded by its garden trees in Kyoto, Japan.
The Golden Pavilion is one of the most popular tourist destination in Kyoto

Kiyomizudera Temple

The main fall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple surrounded by its garden trees. The background view is Kyoto City.

Amami Islands

Aerial view of Saneku Beach in Kakaroma Island, Amami Islands, Kagoshima, Japan.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

A pond in Murodo, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama, Japan

Destinations

View of Tateyama Mountains above Toyama Bay from Noto Peninsula

Food&Drink

About Me

Hello! Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Boon Harada. I was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan and have traveled all around Japan from chilly Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa. I love visiting rural areas of Japan, experiencing local life and eating delicious local cuisine. Here, I would like to share my experiences and introduce you to the unique aspects of Japan that most guidebooks and travel websites do not cover. I will also introduce you to my hometown Kyoto and places you must visit in Japan and show you what to do and what to eat. Furthermore, I will provide useful travel information for people visiting Japan. I hope you have a great experience in Japan.

Me standing in front of the Sanzenin Gate.