Tag: architecture
The Garden of Fine Arts: Tadao Ando’s Quiet Gift to Kyoto.
There's every chance you haven't heard of The Garden of Fine Arts. Almost secretively, it lies hidden next to Kyoto's sprawling Botanical Gardens in the northeast corner of the city. However, if you fancy wandering through a project created by the same...
Iimoriyama, a Historic Hilltop in Aizuwakamatsu
Aizuwakamatsu, a picturesque town in the northern prefecture of Fukushima, played a pivotal role during the Boshin War of 1868 as one of the last samurai strongholds in Japan. Pay your respects and visit a unique Buddhist pagoda at Iimoriyama, a hill...
Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views
I love Tokyo Station. This is the epicenter of transportation for not just the city, but to connect to all parts of the country. However, it can be a daunting place and easy to get lost. At some point in your Japan...
Sofukuji Temple: Nagasaki’s Ming Dynasty Jewel
Ryugumon (Gate of the Dragon Palace)
Visiting Nagasaki, you’ll quickly see that it’s a very different kind of Japanese city. The centuries-old influences from China and Europe still remain as much a part of the cultural and physical...
Exploring Art, History and Culture at Naoshima’s Art House Project
It’s early winter in Honmura and the burnt cedar lining of the old homes shines in the morning light. This small village on Naoshima Island’s east coast has a history woven with fishing and salt production. Go back 500 years and you'll...
Half-day Kyoto Walking Tour Part 2: Kodaiji Temple to Kiyomizudera
This Kyoto walking tour brings you from the Kodaiji complex to Kiyomizudera. An extension of the Gion walking tour, the two can be combined and even completed in reverse. If you are following on from the previous tour, we continue our journey...
World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro
Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what all the fuss is about, check out the world’s largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery right here in Nakameguro. Located along the serene Meguro River, this 1,200sqm space beats Seattle, Shanghai,...
Mind Blowing Sub-terranean Art at Chichu Art Museum
A bird flying overhead might notice a few geometric shapes at grass level, but even the most slightly trained eye can find so much more to appreciate at Naoshima’s Chichu Art Museum. Located on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, this...
Kawai Kanjiro’s House: Joy Found in All of Life
One of the most underrated places in Kyoto must surely be the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial Museum—or more simply, Kawai Kanjiro’s House. Kawai Kanjiro was a legendary potter, writer, artist, and key figure in the mingei or folk...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main touristy areas, there are plenty of beautiful, lesser-known neighbourhoods worth visiting which include fascinating architecture. On our trek through the Aoyama area, we'll visit some of the works of...
