Culture Machiya Houses in Imai-Cho Alena Eckelmann White plastered walls, tiled roofs and dark-wood latticed windows, these were the trademarks of the merchant houses in wealthy..
Culture Nara's God of Ice Arlene Bastion Himuro Shrine is possibly the only Shinto shrine where the resident deity is a God of Ice, guarding today all ice related industries,..
Activities Hands-on Sushi School in Yamazoe Cathy Cawood Yamazoe Village in Nara is the birthplace of Japanese culture. It is also the location of hands-on sushi school Ichiban Oishii..
Culture Introducing Historic Imai-cho Alena Eckelmann A living town with 500 Edo Period merchant houses is Kashihara City’s best kept secret! If you like the machiya of Kyoto and t..
Activities Sakura on Mount Yoshino Amanda Ho A part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range", and designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage..
12 Activities Winter in Yoshinoyama Alena Eckelmann Yoshino Mountain in snow looks beautiful, and there won't be swarms of tourists. Come on a cold winter weekend and enjoy a hike..
Culture Fujiwara Capital and Palace Ruins Alena Eckelmann An ancient capital spread out over an area of over 20 square kilometres, guarded by three sacred mountains called Fujiwara-kyo..
Culture Ruins of Moto-Yakushi Temple Alena Eckelmann Located in a quiet suburb and surrounded by paddy fields and gardens lays the healing place of an imperial couple: Emperor Tenmu..