The best books about Kyoto: my favourites
This post will help you choose literature about Kyoto – whether travel guide, history and culture books or fiction – with my tried and tested recommendations
Travelling
A little bit of this, a little bit of that
Where to try Japanese Incense in Kyoto – and beyond
fragrant, sustainable and usually inexpensive gift from Japan – especially if you stick to reputable or traditional Japanese products. This post tells you where to try and buy incense in Kyoto and beyond
My Year in Travel 2025: “I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind of Thing”
So, I started this early, and I hope to finish before the holidays – when we all fall into several days of contemplation, reflection – or plan the new trips. And now it is already Boxing Day, and I have not made much progress with …
Where to buy matcha in Japan – when the media tell you there is a shortage
Have you wondered where to buy matcha in Japan when all you hear is about the matcha shortage and limitations on how much you can buy? Here, I am sharing my tips on where to buy good matcha, even in a touristy city like Kyoto
Shopping with Purpose: Shopping in Japan, Hanami 2025 Edition
When I relax and scroll, Instagram usually, I see tons of Japan videos popping up lately – lots and lots of shopping, Matcha hauls, Donki hauls, Beauty hauls, and whatnot. Okay, I am the first one to admit it, I love a good shop, too. …
2025 Gift Guide: Japan Edition
Since this blog has become pretty much a Japan appreciation blog in the past 18 months, it comes quite naturally that my gift guide is fairly Japan-centric this year. it is also fairly minimalistic – since I don’t shop much any more myself, online shopping …
10 Reasons why I love Komeda Coffee in Japan
Komeda’s Coffee is a Japanese coffee shop chain that few foreign visitors know – here is why I love them and why you should consider visiting on your next trip!
Staying at a Business Hotel in Japan
When you travel around Japan and want comfort and convenience at a competitive price, a Business Hotel might be the answer! I introduce you to the concept of Japanese business hotels, and show you my favourites.
My Quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto
On a quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto? Let’s search together! A work in progress, this post introduces you to some outstanding dessert restaurants of Kyoto, and give you an introduction to classic Japanese desserts.
Hotel Review of Gallery Nozawa Inn, Kyoto: Perfection without the price tag
Gallery Nozawa Inn is a charming tiny guesthouse in a restored Kyoto townhouse with just two rooms – but bags of charme and attentive service at high-class ryokan level but at a fraction of the price. This is my honest review of Gallery Nozawa Inn, no promotion, just a honest recommendation!
How to enjoy a Capsule Hotel Stay in Japan
Have you considered staying in a capsule hotel on your Japan trip? Here is a handy guide if you are not familiar with this convenient budget friendly type of accommodation.
How to choose between 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto, Part 1
Visiting all 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto might be an ambitious undertaking – can you reasonably visit them all, and if not, which ones are especially worthwhile which ones are easy to visit and crowd-free? This post comes in two parts and will give you a short introduction, photographic impression, and a very personal view on the sites I have visited so far.
Hotel Review of Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo: clean, comfy, central – and on budget
Are you looking for nice and clean central Kyoto accommodation, but have grown out of hostels? The Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo is a superb value for money: clean, comfortable Downtown Kyoto hotel with great access to public transport, shopping, and restaurants.
Hotel Review of Tabist Kiki Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Takakura: comfortable and stylish Downtown kyoto hotel
Looking for an affordable yet stylish and comfortable hotel in Downtown Kyoto, where you can walk everywhere, and have good access to public transport? Consider Tabist Kiki Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Takakura for your next stay. Its mid-priced, mid-range style will appeal to mosts tastes, and it is friendly and in a great location!
My favourite Kyoto shops: Kyukyodo Honten for quality paper and incense
In this series of my favourite shops in Kyoto, I am going to show you some wonderful tried-and-tested shops for sustainable souvenirs and quality handmade goods, starting with Kyukyodo Honten, Kyoto’s venerable manufacturer of superb paper goods and incense