Japan
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Ultimate Guide to a Day in Arashiyama in Japan
Arashiyama sits on the western edge of Kyoto, where the city slowly gives way to river views, forested hills, and a noticeably slower pace. It’s one of the most popular day trips from central Kyoto. Best known for its bamboo grove, Arashiyama is really a mix of nature, history, and small neighborhood charm. You’ll find…
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The Art and History Behind Traditional Japanese Noren Curtains
One of the most iconic details in Japan is the noren—traditional fabric curtains that hang in doorways of restaurants, shops, and bathhouses. More than decorative, they signal that a space is open, welcoming, and rooted in tradition. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ll notice noren almost everywhere—one of many small cultural details that…
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Explore Le Labo Kyoto: A Unique Blend of Design and Fragrance
Kyoto is known for its temples, gardens, and quiet moments—but some of its most memorable experiences are found in unexpected places. Tucked along a historic street, Le Labo Kyoto Machiya offers a different kind of stop. Set inside a beautifully restored 19th-century townhouse, this one-of-a-kind space blends fragrance, design, and slow living in a way…
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Why Japan Does Not Have Public Trash Cans
If you’ve traveled to Japan, you may have noticed something surprising: the streets are spotless, yet public trash cans are almost nowhere to be found. This curious phenomenon has deep historical and cultural roots, shaped by environmental awareness, government policies, and a major safety event in 1995. For travelers, understanding how to handle waste in…
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Japlanning 101: Your Crash Course to an Epic Trip
If you’ve traveled to Japan, are currently planning a trip to Japan, or are even thinking about traveling to Japan, you already know what Japlanning means—whether you’ve heard the word before or not. Japlanning is that deep-dive phase where Google Maps is always open, train routes start to look like abstract art, and you’re researching…
