Travelers flock to Kyoto for the temples, shrines, and geisha – all certainly must-see cultural points – but few tourists realize that there ’s a whole prefecture beyond the city itself.  Getting out of the city and exploring the broader landscape of Kyoto opens up a wealth of…

As Cat Stevens plays on the radio, Kampei Kushida leans over the rustic wood table of his renovated kitchen and sprinkles a healthy dose of freshly roasted sesame seeds over a bowl…

Boasting over 100 years in business, Yojiya has become almost synonymous to Japanese visitors to Kyoto. The Kyoto cosmetics brand is most well known for its signature face oil blotting paper featuring an image…

Hosenin is a temple in Ohara district in Kyoto that holds many mysteries and delights of natural beauty. From the garden view framed by temple pillars and ceilings to the soothing sound…

Hosenin is a temple in Ohara district in Kyoto that holds many mysteries and delights of natural beauty. From the garden view framed by temple pillars and ceilings to the soothing sound of water dripping against a buried jar, to the traces of blood on the ceiling left behind by fallen samurai, Hosenin is a fascinating place to explore no matter where your interests lie. Address: 187 Ohara Shorin-in-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto Website: www.hosenin.net    Tel: 075-744-2409

Just off the picturesque Philosopher's Path, you'll find Yojiya Cafe Ginkakuji inside an old machiya — an expansive wooden townhouse typical of the Kyoto area. Here you can lounge in style as you take in the view of the traditional garden and imagine what it would have been like to live here when it was still a private home. Walk across the garden after your relaxing escape from hectic sightseeing to drop by the Yojiya shop, located in the same area. Here you'll find typical Yojiya products such as face oil blotting sheets, but also limited edition skincare items and seasonal sweets to take home and share with friends. Address: 15 Shishitagani, Honenin-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto Website: www.yojiya.co.jp/english/    Tel: 075-754-0017

Maiko, or apprentice geisha, are professional entertainers who attend to guests during meals. Many people from around the world visit Kyoto just for the chance to see maiko, but some have found…

[Update] This survey is now closed. Thank you for your participation.  Have you spent time in Kobe? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Or, if you’re still planning a visit, which…

Your guide to Herbis Plaza and Herbis Plaza ENT – for the best shopping, eating, and entertainment in Osaka. If you find yourself in Osaka looking for an afternoon activity or a…

Plenty of people have heard of the city of Nara, but what they may not know is that between 710 and 794 it served as the capital of Japan. Even today, 1,300…

All right. It’s your first time in Japan and after the hullaballoo that was the crowds, salarymen, otaku, robots, and bright billboard glare of Tokyo, you’re hoping two days in Kyoto will…

Shiga is generally noted for surrounding Japan’s largest enclosed body of water, Lake Biwa, but the area has much more to offer than just its impressive lake-side scenery. Though often overshadowed by…