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[Kyoto] Pontocho Alley in Kyoto: Kamo River Kawayuka Dining, Kamogawa Odori & More
Kyoto is a city where history and modernity coexist beautifully, and nowhere is this more evident than in Pontocho Alley. This atmospheric district, tucked between the Kamogawa River and a row of traditional machiya townhouses, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic geisha districts. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable riverside dining experience during summertime, hoping to catch a glimpse of elegantly dressed maiko (apprentice geisha), or simply wanting to soak in the ambiance of Kyoto by night, Pontocho is the perfect place to start.
Kyoto
2025.02.15
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[Hamamatsucho] Setsubun event: welcoming spring and good luck in 2025
Setsubun is a festival in Japan celebrated in the beginning of February. According to the lunar calendar it is customary held one day before the beginning of spring: on 2nd, 3rd or 4th of February.
Hamamatsucho
2025.02.12
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[Asakusa] Lobby of HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa: not just a lobby, but a comfort space for resting and socializing
Located in downtown of Tokyo, HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa is a great starting point to your journey here. The oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Sensouji, and the great paper lantern of its iconic main entrance Kaminarimon; filled with souvenirs and traditional snacks vibrant Nakamise shopping street and the oldest amusement park in Japan - Hanayashiki. Asakusa can offer you a lot of worth visiting places and will definitely leave you with wonderful memories.
But after a long day filled with excitement who wouldn’t like to spend some time to recuperate and relieve accumulated during a day fatigue? The lobby of HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa can offer you a place to do so.Asakusa
2025.01.18
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[Asakusa] Discover the Art and History of Samurai Swords at the Japanese Sword Museum in Ryogoku, Tokyo
For many, an interest in traditional Japanese cultures begins with their portrayal in pop culture. The Disney+ massive hit TV series Shogun, for instance, has captivated audiences worldwide with its depiction on Japan’s samurai era, featuring historically accurate swords and costumes. If you’re up for discovering the artistry and history of Japan, including the Warring States Period during your time in Tokyo, the Japanese Sword Museum, located in Ryogoku, a historic district near Asakusa, is a must-visit destination.
Asakusa
2024.12.27
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[Kyoto] Kyoto’s All About Choice with Vegan and Gluten-free Ramen Options
No trip to Japan is complete without a delicious bowl of ramen. This iconic dish has got everything you need in one bowl—noodles that are incredibly fulfilling to slurp and chew, steeped in a flavorful bowl of warm soup. Kyoto, in particular, is a paradise for ramen lovers with countless ramen menus and styles. Here, you’ll not only find popular joints serving classic, deep, rich flavors from miso (fermented soy) to shoyu (soy sauce), but also innovative newcomers featuring lighter, vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options.
For visitors seeking vegan dining alternatives beyond Kyoto’s famous tofu dishes and shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), these ramen spots deliver exceptional bowls that don’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.Kyoto
2024.12.25
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[Asakusa] Finding the Perfect Traditional Japanese Wagasa Umbrella at Hokusai Graphic in Tokyo
Umbrellas are often seen as purely functional items, chosen for practicality rather than design. While clear plastic umbrellas from convenience stores are a common sight in Japan, Hokusai Graphic, a brand specializing in Japanese umbrellas, offers a striking alternative with its “hybrid” umbrellas which seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern usability. These umbrellas aren’t just about staying dry—they’re a fusion of art and functionality, making them more than just a necessity on a rainy day. For those seeking a souvenir that is both artistic and practical, Hokusai Graphic is the ideal destination.
Asakusa
2024.12.13
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[Kyoto] Meet the Japanese Monkeys of Kyoto in Arashiyama Monkey Park
Japanese monkeys, also known as Japanese macaques or snow monkeys, are a unique species that live exclusively on the Japanese archipelago, excluding Hokkaido and Okinawa prefectures. Among all the popular destinations across the country where tourists can observe wild Japanese monkeys, Arashiyama Monkey Park, peaked on Iwatayama Mountain in Kyoto is especially recommended for its breathtaking location, easy accessibility, and the unique opportunity to interact with the monkeys in their natural habitat. Set on a scenic hillside, the park offers stunning panoramic views of Kyoto, making it a perfect spot to combine wildlife observation with a bit of light hiking and photography.
Kyoto
2024.12.01
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[Kyoto] Step Into the World of Samurai and Ninjas at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO With Experience
If you are planning a visit to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, you will likely want to include some historical and cultural experiences in your itinerary. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious, don’t miss the SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO With Experience. Located in Kawaramachi, this interactive museum offers a wide range of unique activities, from exploring an extensive collection of samurai displays to participating in immersive ninja experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Kyoto
2024.11.29
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[Hamamatsucho] Enjoy Vegetarian-friendly Sushi Cuisine at Vegan Sushi Tokyo, Shibuya
Traveling as a vegan can sometimes present challenges, especially in countries where the cuisine heavily relies on non-vegan ingredients. Japan is no exception. Though awareness of veganism is growing in the country, many traditional Japanese dishes, such as sushi and ramen, often include non-vegan ingredients like fish, eggs, or meat, making it challenging for vegans to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. There are also many dishes that appear vegan, but actually contain fish-based dashi broth.
If you're a vegan traveler yearning for an authentic and unforgettable Japanese meal, there's a gem waiting for you in Shibuya: Vegan Sushi Tokyo. This restaurant offers a culinary experience that’s not only completely plant-based but so delicious that even non-vegan travelers will want to stop by!Hamamatsucho
2024.11.25
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[Kyoto] A Taste of Traditional Japanese Culture at Kyoto’s Gion Corner
Nestled in the heart of Gion, one of the most famous geisha districts in Kyoto, Gion Corner is a traditional Japanese performing arts show held in the Annex Theater of the city’s cultural venue Gion Kobu Kaburenjo. This unique program features seven traditional performing arts (six during wintertime), including an elegant Kyomai dance by maiko (apprentice geisha), an authentic chanoyu tea ceremony, and the intricate art of ikebana flower arrangement, and more. For Japanese culture lovers, this is the place where you can immerse yourself in the essence of Japanese heritage, whether exploring independently or with a group.
Kyoto
2024.11.14
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[Asakusa] Satisfy your Hunger for Japanese Beef at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
A new culinary trend has been sweeping Japan in recent years: gyukatsu, or deep-fried beef cutlets. Best known for its crispy exterior and juicy medium-rare pink interior, the dish’s visual appeal and delicious taste had made it popular on social media. If you’re a foodie searching for a great way to enjoy Japanese beef during your stay in Japan, you can’t go wrong with gyukatsu!
Asakusa
2024.10.31
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[Kyoto] Breathtaking Seasonal Scenery from the Windows of Kyoto’s Sagano Romantic Train
Nestled between lush green mountains in western Kyoto, the Sagano Romantic Train is a unique locomotive designed specifically for sightseeing. This charming five-car passenger train runs along tracks that follow the scenic Arashiyama area and the winding Hozukyō Gorge, offering passengers stunning views of Kyoto's breathtaking natural landscapes.
Kyoto
2024.10.30
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[Hamamatsucho] Exploring Odaiba, the man-made island in Tokyo Bay
If you are staying at HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho, you have a perfect opportunity to visit Odaiba – a shopping and entertainment area on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, popular among tourists and locals alike.
Hamamatsucho
2024.10.28
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[Kyoto] Matcha Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto: Where and How to Make Your Own Matcha
A Taste You’ll Love—Uji Matcha.
This powdered green tea packs a punch! And its beloved throughout the world for the robust flavor it lends to various desserts and candies. But have you ever drunk a bowl of pure matcha? Better yet, have you ever tried it in Kyoto, a place renowned for the tea ceremony?
The first record of tea drinking in Japan dates back to around 1,200 years ago, when the custom was introduced to the Japanese aristocracy by scholarly monks returning from China. It is believed that tea cultivation in Japan began around this time, and Zen Master Eisai (1141-1215), also known as Yōsai, played a significant role in popularizing tea in Japan during his lifetime.
Over the years, tea consumption in Japan evolved into a cultural tradition known as the Japanese tea ceremony, also called sadō, chadō, or chanoyu. During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), tea ceremonies became a popular way for hosts to entertain guests through the meticulous preparation and presentation of tea, sweets, and sometimes meals.Kyoto
2024.10.04
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[Asakusa] More than Just Maps: Why You Should Check Out the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center in Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Asakusa is one of the city’s most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods, with its roots reaching back centuries. But in addition to its landmarks like Senso-ji Temple, the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street or the Kappabashi kitchen town, there’s another place that I recommend that you check out while you're here: the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center.
Whether you’re looking for multilingual assistance, panoramic views of Asakusa, or cultural experiences, this eight-story building is the perfect place to begin exploring.Asakusa
2024.10.03