There’s lots to see in Nara and the Nara Park, aside from deer. The park is filled with grand historical temples, and Todaiji Temple is the most famous of them all mainly for its gigantic indoors Buddha statue. Though I
Deer of the Ancient Capital : Nara Park – Japan
After a few days in Kyoto roaming around you’re bound to experience some major temple fatigue. Unless you’re a tourist well versed in the subtleties of Zen, Buddhism and Daoism at some point they’ll all get blurred into a mish-mash
Kenchoji Temple : Kamakura – Japan
A forgotten temple on my Kamakura temple run day is Kenchoji, one of the greatest Zen temples in the area dating back to mid 13th century. Here’s a bit from the informative Japan Guide: Kenchoji is the number
Visions of Kyoto : Japan
When it became clear that I’ll be leaving Asia to go to the US, I sat down in front of a map of Asia and thought to myself – where is the last place I’d like to visit before I
Daienji Temple : Meguro Toyko
Tokyo is filled with little hidden gems around every street corner. There’s definitely something very special about the Japanese temples. They’re extremely esthetic, delicate and beautiful in design, tranquility that calms your mood and lifts your spirits. When visiting Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing – Tobacco and Salt Museum : Tokyo
In one of my favorite movies of all time – Lost in Translation – the Shibuya Crossing represents all that’s different and overwhelming about the Tokyo experience. The neon lights, the gigantic rail station in the back, and the hordes
Meigetsuin Temple : Kamakura Japan
The last temple in my Kamakura temple run on my daytrip away from Tokyo is the Meigetsuin Zen Temple dating back to the 12th century. A very tranquil temple surrounded by green forest trees in what feels like a true
Engakuji Temple : Kamakura Japan
One of the largest Zen Buddhist temples in Japan and situated in a gorgeous forested area in the lovely Kamakura, a day trip from Tokyo, is the Engaku-ji Temple. The temple dates back to the 13th century and is a
Detached Palace Garden and Old Tokaido & Checkpoint : Hakone
The Hakone area with Lake Ashi is absolutely gorgeous and filled with historic tourist attractions. Two of those on the southern side of Lake Ashi are the old Tokaido Hakone Checkpoint and the imperial detached palace and gardens.
Great Buddha Kotokuin Temple : Kamakura Japan
Continuing the temple tour of the magical Kamakura area, a daytrip from Tokyo, is Japan’s second tallest Buddha statue at the Kotoku-in Temple. A somewhat humble temple compared to others in the area (e.g. Hasedera or Tsurugaoka Hachimangu), it still