Assessing the JR West Kansai Area Pass

Hikone Castle

May 31, 2025

Assessing the JR West Kansai Area Pass

The JR West Kansai Area Pass is a rail pass that allows foreign tourists unlimited travel on JR trains and local JR buses in designated areas within the Kansai region.

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Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto

May 28, 2025

This Way to Kyoto

When many people think of Japan, two cities often come foremost to mind – Tokyo and Kyoto.

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Deer in Nara Park

May 21, 2025

This Way to Nara

"You don't need to stay the night in Nara. You can just visit on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto."

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Viewing platform overlooking Ago Bay

May 14, 2025

Assessing the Kintetsu Rail Pass

The Kintetsu Rail Pass is a rail pass offering foreign tourists unlimited travel on trains (except limited express trains) by Kintetsu Railways.

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Tottori sand dunes

May 5, 2025

Assessing the JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass

The JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass is a rail pass that allows foreign tourists unlimited travel in the Kansai region for five (5) consecutive days.

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Pair of yokai statues in Fukusaki

Fukusaki’s Yokai: Let’s Go Monster Hunting in Hyogo!

In Japanese folklore, the term "yokai" refers to a broad class of supernatural beings and phenomena like monsters, ghosts, demons, and spirits.

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Night scene in Kinosaki Onsen

April 27, 2025

This Way to Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring town in northern Hyogo Prefecture, near the coast of the Sea of Japan.

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Danjo Garan in winter

April 23, 2025

This Way to Koyasan

Hidden in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, Koyasan (Mount Koya) is one of Japan’s most sacred destinations.

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Konpon Daito Pagoda in Koyasan

April 21, 2025

Assessing the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket

Just two hours south of Osaka, getting to Mount Koya is a breeze thanks to Japan’s efficient rail network.

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Fixing broken pottery with kintsugi techniques

April 18, 2025

Learning the Art of Kintsugi in Japan

Kintsugi refers to the centuries-old Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery using urushi lacquer dusted with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.

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