This can’t-miss shrine is one of my favorites! I came here often when I studied abroad in Osaka, and I was really happy to be able to see it again on my recent trip to Kyoto. It’s got everything — impressive gates, plenty of greenery, a giant festival (one of the most...
When Hunter and I were planning out where we were going to visit during our 6 days in Kyoto, Bishamon-do wasn’t even on the list. I was actually just goofing off on Google Maps, exploring the area near where we were staying, when I happened to click on it. The first picture I saw...
After driving past field after field of cherries in Yamagata Prefecture, Hunter and I finally parked and made our way to 立石寺 (Risshaku-ji), more commonly known as 山寺 (Yama-dera). That 山寺 literally translates to “mountain temple” should give you some idea of what getting to...