Kiyomizudera
The strolling story continues as we leave Kiyomizudera Temple and head to Sannenzaka and Nene no Michi.
Maps and walking times for enjoying Kyoto’s beautiful historical sites while skipping its crazy-crowded buses.
Some people in Japan are lamenting the fact that another kanji from the top 20 list wasn’t chosen instead.
The unusual memo pad has become so popular it’s caused the maker’s online store to shut down.
These Star Wars folding screens, unveiled at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, are based on a traditional Japanese design…and they’re pretty awesome too!
Last month we were delighted to hear that one of Kyoto’s most famous sight-seeing spots, Kiyomizudera, has an Instagram account. The thing about Kiyomizudera though, is that it’s not really just a tourist spot, it is a functioning temple serving hundreds of people every day and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site’s grandeur expands past the temple itself, to the beautiful surrounding scenery and view of the Kyoto cityscape, which can be enjoyed from the temple’s location, perched atop Mt. Otowa. Even the everyday religious events around Kiyomizudera are worthy of appreciation.
With all of this in mind, the temple has come out with an official Tumblr website, which they hope will allow viewers to not only see the temple through pictures, but to really feel and embrace its atmosphere.
Oh, Minecraft. You masterful time-suck! How is it that I can spend thirty hours of my life playing you, but only land up with a shanty of a shack and a tunnel that continues into the ground because I got bored and decided to pickax it up (at least I found diamonds!).
For those of you unfamiliar with the game, Minecraft is basically the game that never ends (yes it goes on and on, my friend). It’s an open world game with no specific goals and players are free to build and create anything they want by breaking and replacing blocks of different materials (dirt, stone, wood, etc) that can be found all over the virtually endless map. It’s surprisingly addicting.
You do not “win” Minecraft. You either 1) play until you’ve exhausted all of your creativity and fall on the floor in a crumbled heap after realizing how much time you’ve wasted (like me) or 2) build an incredibly elaborate, visually stunning block world that is the envy of the poor suckers who landed in category 1.
A user who goes by the name, Gawara, has earned his rightful spot amongst the envied Minecrafters in category 2 by recreating the entire city of Kyoto out of Minecraft blocks.














Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
Mars Japan releases first-ever Japanese-themed M&Ms with princess and samurai characters
We get exclusive look at new Utano⭐︎Princesama Shining Live game, fall in love with cute idol boys
7-Eleven Japan’s “Paper Tiger” sandwich sparks online controversy over deceptive packaging
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
Mars Japan releases first-ever Japanese-themed M&Ms with princess and samurai characters
We get exclusive look at new Utano⭐︎Princesama Shining Live game, fall in love with cute idol boys
7-Eleven Japan’s “Paper Tiger” sandwich sparks online controversy over deceptive packaging
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Totoro embroidered bags and pouches are as fluffy and cute as the Ghibli star himself【Photos】
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods, drinkware and candles for the 2025 holiday season
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
We visit Kyoto’s monk bar for some spiritual spirits