Gravel, Bark on Pine tree, red lacquered wood, brass, bamboo, rope, folded paper, ceramic tiles... All combined in a uniquely Japanese composition.  Photo taken at Heian Shrine, Kyoto January 2012.

This helpful sign was seen at Enoshima, a popular seaside resort not too far from Tokyo.  There is even a “Billabong” surf shop there, presumably not catering to the Tsunami surfer market.  But seriously, this sign indicates that a Tsunami would...

Wander the back streets of Gion at night, beside shallow rippling canals in neat stone borders, to find an un-assuming restaurant just near a small shrine at the intersection of Shirakawa Minami Dori and Shinbashi Dori. Shrine at intersection of...

Shugaku-in was originally constructed by the retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo, starting in 1655, with the initial construction completed in 1659.  At every turn, a new perspective of exquisite gardens and buildings awaits.

At the Zen Buddhist temple of Rokuonji, more famously known as Kinkakuji (the temple of the golden pavilion), nestled in the foothills of north-west Kyoto, you will find this famous gold-plated building. The history dates back...