No city in Japan is more symbolic of overtourism these days than Kyoto, so is the travel downturn from China having a noticeable effect?
kiyomizu
Some people in Japan are lamenting the fact that another kanji from the top 20 list wasn’t chosen instead.
Kiyomizu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Higashiyama, Kyoto. Kiyomizu, which means “pure water,” takes its name from the waterfall which runs off the nearby hillside. However, it is perhaps most famous for its grand viewing veranda, a sort of stage on tall pillars that juts out of the hillside and commands beautiful views of the surrounding area. But a single visit to Kiyomizu doesn’t do it justice – you need to see it against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in springtime, bright red leaves in the autumn, and of course there’s the yearly illuminations! Luckily for those of us who don’t live in Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple has set up its own dedicated Instagram account, and the photos that they’ve been uploading are completely breathtaking!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japan’s favorite sandwich pockets now come with sakura filling, but how do they taste?[Taste test]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Why is Yoshinoya called Yoshinoya?
Do you remember giant robots? Full-scale Macross Valkyrie lands in Yokohama
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Weekly
- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
- Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view- Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature- Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Monthly
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Why is Yoshinoya called Yoshinoya?
Do you remember giant robots? Full-scale Macross Valkyrie lands in Yokohama
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
Man in Tokyo slices own stomach with knife near one of the city’s busiest train stations
New heater-less pet kotatsu is a safe way to keep your furry friends warm this winter
Kinotake Mother AI developed to study Japan’s divide between chocolate cookie snacks
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
Downtown Tokyo’s meaty monster Kaibutsu ramen will challenge your stomach, thrill your taste buds
-
