Destination Feature: Japan

Reflections

There are few societies in the world where hospitality is more ingrained into the culture than Japan. The entire concept of omotenashi - meaning to whole-heartedly look after guests - seems contradictory at first given the country’s historical isolation from the world - but considering the respect shown to visitors of all origins taking part in a tea ceremony or even something as simple as ordering at a restaurant, hospitality is everything. In my first few minutes after passing through Japanese customs, I was on the shinkansen bullet train traversing Mt. Fuji enroute to Kyoto .... Continue Reading

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Travel Research: The Gardens & Temples of Kyoto

There are over 1,600 temples and 400 shino shrines in the city of Kyoto – Japan’s most storied home of iconic gardens and traditional architecture. Deciding what to see can often be dizzying. 🗝️

View our curated map

Stay: Ugenta, Kyoto, Japan

This two-room ryokan in the forest north of Kyoto is nothing short of a luxurious dream. Read More. 🗝️

Another Stay (and Watch):

The Park Hyatt Tokyo & Lost in Translation

For Dreaming of: Dark, Bustling, Glamorous Tokyo. Read more.

On Location: Naoshima

The otherworldly experience of Japan’s “Art Island”. 🗝️

Michelin-starred private vegetarian dining in the heart of Tokyo. Read More. 🗝️

Travel Research: A Collection of Japanese Onsens (Bathhouses)

A quintessential spa experience in Japan, though not for the modest. 🗝️

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Intel: Tattoos in an Onsen

There are many rules and customs to be followed, and bathhouses are particularly stringent, especially since nudity is required. Read more.

Watch: Thermae Romae Novae

For Dreaming of: Ancient Rome meets Modern Japan. Read more.

On Location: Sumo in Tokyo

An accidental moment of inspiration leads us to an afternoon of sumo in Japan’s Grand Tournament. 🗝️

Intel: Don't Tip in Japan

In Japan, where excellent service is embedded in the culture, tips are not only unnecessary, they also may be considered rude. Read more.

Intel: Hike to the Top of the Gates

At one of Kyoto’s most famous sites, bypass the crowds for a better shot. Read more.

Resource: byFood Tours

A platform for foodie travellers visiting Japan offering expert-level tours across various cities. Read more.

Musings

Syllogi’s ‘Musings’ is a series helping you paint a picture of a destination while traveling from your living room.

Read: Memoirs of a Geisha

For Dreaming of: Japanese Romance. Read more.

Taste: Japanese Kit-Kats

For Dreaming of: Sweets, as Playful as One Can Find. Read more.

Listen: Pink Martini and Saori Yuki - 1969

For Dreaming of: Dreamy Japanese - American Song. Read more.

Watch: Old Enough! (1991)

For Dreaming of: Delegating your Errands. Read more.

Beauty: Gion District, Kyoto, Japan

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