Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan. For over 1,000 years, it served as the country’s capital, and today it’s best known for its temples and shrines, beautifully landscaped gardens, traditional neighborhoods, and deep-rooted customs that still shape daily life. For most visitors, exploring Kyoto means wandering through historic temple complexes, walking beneath towering torii […]
Himeji Castle, often referred to as the “White Heron Castle,” isJapan’s largest and most iconic fortress. This historical monument is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture that has survived centuries of warfare, natural disasters, and the bombings of WWII. Whether you are a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking to escape the bustle of […]
Tokyo has so much to see and do. We were here for a week (the final international destination of our around the world trip in 2014 and 2015) and barely scratched the surface of this amazing place. We visited the main neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Akihabara, as well as made it out of […]
While getting ready in the morning, I was greeted with Tyler’s typical question, “Mom, what are we doing today?” When I asked them if they wanted to feed deer in Nara, I got a half-hearted yes from both Tyler and Kara. When I asked if they wanted to see more temples, I got an emphatic […]
Our most anticipated day in Japan came on July 17…we had tickets to watch sumo wrestling in Japan, something we have been talking about for months now. I have to say, we have become lackadaisical travelers…rarely planning anything in advance anymore, showing up to new countries and cities having no idea what to see, do, […]
Since arriving in Japan, we have been sightseeing at warp speed. The clock is ticking…in just two short weeks our amazing adventure will be coming to a conclusion and we will be back in Columbia, Maryland. Feeling the need to squeeze every ounce that we can out of these last few weeks, we are out […]
Hiroshima was the location of the first of two atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II. I had envisioned Hiroshima as a radioactive wasteland, a grim reminder of WWII’s horror. However, during our day trip to Hiroshima, we learned that is not the case at all. Hiroshima is a thriving, vibrant city, with […]
Konnichiwa! We are now in Japan, our final country before heading home to the United States. At the time that I am writing this we have only been in Japan for four days and it is quickly becoming one of our favorite countries. I know it sounds like I have a lot of favorites but Japan […]