Tag: UNESCO world heritage site
Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat: Birds and Boat houses
When most people think of Kyoto, they picture famous shrines and bamboo forests. But the northern Kyoto fishing village of Ine is a quiet contender for one of the most unique places in Japan. Referred to as the ‘Venice of Japan,’ Ine...
Explore the Decaying ‘Battleship Island’ on a Gunkanjima Cruise
I have a morbid fascination with abandonments. They are symbols of death, bankruptcy, modernisation and economic downturn. Their grimy shadows hide secrets, their decaying decor illuminates history and their silence speaks volumes. Oftentimes, once the decision has been made to walk away,...
Shimogamo Shrine: One of Kyoto’s Oldest Shrines
Ask anyone where to go for the “really old stuff” in Japan, and they’ll probably mention Kyoto. Serving as the capital for over 1,000 years, it’s the birthplace of many traditional art forms and aspects of Japanese culture we see today. And,...
The Mystical Itsukushima Jinja: Miyajima’s UNESCO Listed Floating Shrine
Hiroshima's sacred Miyajima Island welcomes millions of serenity-seeking visitors each and every year. Itsukushima, the island’s original title, has sat in place as countless summers crept in and out with the same regularity as the tides. Along with its highest peak, Mt...
Strolling Around the Famed Tenryuji Temple Grounds in Arashiyama
The Bamboo Grove may be the most Instagrammed attraction in Arashiyama, but Tenryuji Temple is without doubt the most important. This World Heritage Zen temple was established all the way back in 1339, and quickly became the top ranking temple of Kyoto’s...
Kiyomizudera: Beyond The Main Hall
As I lower my camera amidst a sea of temple goers at Kiyomizudera, I get the feeling I’m being watched. Sure enough, in my peripheral vision, I spot two school boys, perhaps 14 years old, nervously looking from one another to me...
The Top Things To Do On Miyajima Island
Miyajima, or Itsukushima, is a lush, forested island in Hiroshima Bay and undoubtedly one of the most popular day trips in the area. With a sacred history, UNESCO listed shrines, mountain temples, spectacular views and roaming deer, there is absolutely no shortage...
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...
Paying Respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Without question, one of the top attractions in Hiroshima is the Peace Memorial Park (or Heiwa Kinen Koen). This 120,000sqm section of the city was once the hub of all activity and was thus targeted for bombing during World War 2. After...
Ancient Treasures at the World Heritage Byodoin Temple
Of all the beautiful and historic temples in Kyoto, there is only one that features twice on Japanese currency. Byodoin temple, located in the city of Uji, is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history dating all the way back...
