Escaping The Kyoto Crowds With Day Trips
We have a new special guest post from local resident and author Phillip Jackson. He's sharing his local knowledge on three magical day trips from Kyoto that will help you escape the crowds and discover some hidden gems.
Phillip takes us on a journey to:
1. Uji - Japan's historic tea town, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Byodo-in Temple and the oldest teahouse in Japan.
2. Kurama and Mount Hieizan - accessible via the scenic Eizan Railway, offering mythical tales, ancient temples, and panoramic views.
3. Hoshida Park and Iwafune Shrine - a nature lover's paradise with Japan's largest wooden suspension bridge and the intriguing Iwafune Shrine.
Each destination is packed with unique experiences, from cormorant fishing to exploring mystical caves.
Whether you're into history, nature, or just seeking a peaceful escape from the city, these day trips have something for everyone.
The Best Seats & Experiences At The Nagoya Sumo Tournament
The annual Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament is a thrilling spectacle that takes place every July.
In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to secure tickets and enhance your sumo experience in Nagoya.
From premium seating options to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, I'll show you how to make the most of your visit.
Whether you're a die-hard sumo enthusiast or a curious newcomer, my tips will help you navigate the exciting world of professional sumo and create unforgettable memories during your stay in Nagoya.
Oh, and as a handy bonus, all of these sumo tickets and experiences come with a Lowest Price Guarantee.
Concierge - My New Premium Service
Today I'm officially launching my new Premium Service - Concierge.
It's my premium service, designed to be tailored to match your preferences and requirements.
From getting your Japan travel questions answered to receiving a complete, bookable itinerary.
Simply choose the number of consultation days to match your needs.
What's possible with Concierge?
Some examples of how I can help you via Concierge:
- A tailor-made Japan Travel Plan matching your interests and preferences
- A unique Artisan Experiences Plan giving you private access to Japan's finest craftspeople
- Curated hotel/lodging recommendations based on your criteria
- Recommendations for transportation, airport transfers, rail passes, private flights
- Expert assistance bringing your travel ideas to life
- Save countless days researching and planning
- No more 'options overwhelm', no headaches
Availability for this service is strictly limited due to the intensive nature of it - you get my time dedicated exclusively to you.
Posts Are Now Guides
Part admin housekeeping on my part, and partly to reposition my ever-growing library of blog posts, I've renamed 'Posts' to 'Guides'.
I've never liked the term 'posts' - it's too passive and dull. I'd be mortified if you thought my posts were either passive or dull!
I deliberately aim to ensure that any of the guides I publish, whether written by me or a guest author, are useful and purposeful.
That's why I always include a Resources section at the bottom of every guide, so if you found the content helpful or inspiring you can use the items in the resources section to add elements of the guide to your own travel plans.
I'm still in the process of ensuring I've updated the word 'post(s)' to 'guide(s)' across the site. If you do spot me using the word 'posts' anywhere on the site please email me and I'll correct it. Thanks!
The page URL itself remains unchanged (therealjapan.com/blog) so no need to update it if you've previously bookmarked the page.
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