What Is a Geisha, Anyway?
GaijinPot, a blog for newcomers to Japan, describes the main difference between Tokyo and Kyoto: “A lot of dreamers go to Tokyo to find success. Others choose Kyoto to live out their dreams.” And for many young Kyoto women interested in preserving Japanese culture,...
Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Kyoto
In Japanese, the word anaba refers to a hidden gem or a well-kept secret. Kyoto’s hundreds of Buddhist temples and shrines, charming villages and sweeping landscapes fit neatly into this oh-so-desirable category that’s always of particular interest to travelers...
How to Plan a Weeklong Getaway to Japan
If Japan is on your bucket list, it’s common to think you need three weeks off to explore the country properly and make the long journey feel “worth it.” And while a long expanse of time is a vacation gold standard for obvious reasons, it’s still possible to have a...