The Pros and Cons of Staying in a Traditional Japanese Ryokan

Our room at the ryokan
Our room at the ryokan

What’s it really like to stay in a Japanese ryokan for the first time? Continue reading “The Pros and Cons of Staying in a Traditional Japanese Ryokan”

The Japanese Onsen Experience: Part 2

Wondering what happened in Part 1? Click here to find out!

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I wish I could tell you that mom and I woke up the morning after we ran out of two onsens in Kinosaki and decided to give it another go. Continue reading “The Japanese Onsen Experience: Part 2”

The Japanese Onsen Experience: Part 1

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I knew the traditional Japanese onsen experience was something I wanted to try the minute I read the accompanying translation: hot springs. Continue reading “The Japanese Onsen Experience: Part 1”

The Great Buddha of Todai-ji

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After spending almost a week in Kyoto, mom and I started jumping on trains for day trips to nearby cities. Continue reading “The Great Buddha of Todai-ji”

Fushimi Inari-taisha – We Are All the Same

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Visiting the Fushimi Inari-taisha was on the top of my must-see list in Kyoto. Continue reading “Fushimi Inari-taisha – We Are All the Same”

Classic Kyoto Streets

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Alright, I’m just going to say it: most of the cities we visited in Japan were ugly. Continue reading “Classic Kyoto Streets”

My Favorite Kyoto Temples

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The entrance to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

According to Wikipedia, about 20% of Japan’s National Treasures and 14% of the country’s Important Cultural Properties are located in Kyoto. Continue reading “My Favorite Kyoto Temples”

Preferring Tradition in Tokyo

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The chorus of the Cee Lo Green song “Bright Lights Bigger City” was on repeat in my head as our bus carried us into Tokyo for the first time. Continue reading “Preferring Tradition in Tokyo”

Views from the Top

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Sifting through the photos from our time in Japan, I started to notice a theme. Continue reading “Views from the Top”

The Japan Trip

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Well single reader, after three weeks in Japan, I’m back at my home base tucked high in the Colorado Rockies. Continue reading “The Japan Trip”