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.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Even Japanese people are frightened by the concealed anger in Kyoto compliment foreigner received
Japanese jam jar lids close on their own, as if by magic
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Weekly
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan- Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026- Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
- Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
- Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
Even Japanese people are frightened by the concealed anger in Kyoto compliment foreigner received
Japanese jam jar lids close on their own, as if by magic
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
The often untold story of cleaning up dead kaiju finally coming to theaters next year
In Kyoto, “Hey, you’ve got a really nice watch” is NOT a compliment, Japanese businessman says
Magikarp now appearing in Japan as a traditional taiyaki sweet 【Taste Test】
Public baths in Japan add some extra fun with hundreds of rubber duckies
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Japanese sake flask and cup set for anime lovers
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
-
