Fall harvest festival in Takayama The fall harvest festival in Takayama is worth putting into your travel bucket list when you visit Japan. This festival occurs twice yearly during the spring time and the fall for the harvest festival which I was lucky...
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Japanese Alps lies Takayama, Japan is a city that embodies the essence of traditional Japanese culture. Steeped in history and tradition, Takayama is a picturesque gem that exudes a serene and peaceful atmosphere....
Experience the most beautiful gardens of Kyoto now (updated 2023) Kyoto is blessed with so many amazing monuments and temples that are part of the Unesco world heritage sites. Just as stunning are the many gardens that are either part of those complexes or they are...
Visiting Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan Touring the grounds of Nijo Castle Today I’m taking you on a tour of Nijo Castle in Kyoto is centrally located in the city and was built 1626 for the current Shogun of Japan. Even though Edo (Tokyo) was the capital, Kyoto and...
Bento lunch in Kyoto Where to go for a bento lunch in Kyoto Japanese meals in Kyoto can be quite elaborate and expensive at many of the popular tourist areas where restaurants charge exorbitant prices for dinners. A really good way to offset dining...
Golden Temple at Kyoto for Travel Photo Mondays It’s Monday morning, time to enjoy some gorgeous travel photography and inspiration from around the world. Let’s banish those Monday blues by sharing gorgeous imagery and story telling. Where is the Golden temple...
Hi, I'm Noel, a writer and photographer based in San Francisco and Hawaii. I write about delicious food and wine indulgences, thoughtful luxury, and adventure travel. I share camera tips and techniques while exploring new and unusual places around the world. My site explores culture and history, art and architecture, world heritage sites, exotic locals, along with nature tours and natural landscapes worldwide. Quite a mixed bag of curiosities and quirky interests, just like myself.