Going kitty for Yanobe Kenji’s “Ship’s Cat”
Another cute cat post from Japan where you don’t need to worry about animal welfare, since they’re all metal and plastic but no less cute!
Tag: Kansai
Arima Onsen Day Trip from Kyoto – worth it?
Is it worth making a special trip to Arima Onsen from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto? It is – if you seek relaxation and baths in some very different springs – and some very classy onsen resorts!
Find out how to get to Arima Onsen, where to bathe, and what else to see nearby.
Kyoto for Cats and their People: Nyan-nyan-ji and Nyan-Paku
You are visiting Kyoto, you truly love cats, what activities are there if you are a cat lover and you are not into big crowds (or commercial cat cafes)? Head to Yase to see the unique Nyan-nyan-ji and a witty cat related museum, and stop in a beautiful and quiet temple on the way!
Where to stay in Kyoto? Recommendations for every budget
Kyoto is famous, Kyoto is busy, and Kyoto is one of the top destinations for visitors to Japan. Kyoto has plenty of accommodation. here are my tried and tested recommendations on where to stay in Kyoto- I have stayed in the majority of them on my own dime, so you can trust me for unbiased recommendations.
Quality not Quantity: Shopping in Japan, Kyoto 2026
You spend some time in Kyoto and want some recommendations for quality souvenirs, snacks, fashion and where to buy them? Read on – this post shows my shopping on my recent Kyoto trip, with information about shops, some of which are unique to Kyoto!
Hotel Review: Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa
My honest review of The Gate Hotel Takasegawa by HULIC Kyoto, perfect for a central yet quiet premium stay for sightseeing, shopping and nightlife.
Hotel Review: RAK Kiyomizu, a charming and very private hostel in a beautiful central Kyoto Neighbourhood
I stayed at this wonderful all-private-room hostel called RAK Kiyomizu in Gion, Kyoto, and recommend this as one of the the best value for money places to stay in the Gion area of Kyoto! Quiet, clean, friendly, and very comfortable.
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
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. …
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.
Visiting Kyoto’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Part 2
Here comes Part 2 of Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites – which ones to visit, and how to avoid the biggest crowds! Starting with the two sites in Uji, we’re going from mid-Heian period to the “newest” site, which is Nijo Castle. Complete with advice how to visit, and less crowded alternatives!
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.
Famous Kyoto Cherry Blossoms without the crowds – possible or not?
Kyoto’s Cherry blossoms are famous, and Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest seasons for tourists. Can you even view cherry blossoms in relative peace in Kyoto without encountering huge crowds?
Hotel Review: Gion Shinmonso Kyoto: Comfortable Gion hotel in a perfect location
When it comes to finding a good value for money Kyoto hotel, trust me to review some pretty good ones – so here is another one I recommend, for those who wish to stay in Gion and not pay through the nose for location – quiet, clean, four stars, for just over 100 Euro!