JAPAN

It’s often overshadowed by Kyoto, but a day trip to Nara is a must if you want to see the best of Japan. My jaw dropped as I walked from temple to temple in Nara Park.

Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and more than thousand deer strolling freely in the park: Nara Park took my breath away.

Founded in 710 A.D., over time Nara’s development was strongly affected by influences from China and Korea, and the city soon became the cradle of future Japanese culture and architecture.

Unlikely many cities of Japan, ravaged across the centuries by earthquakes and fires, many historical buildings in Nara survived time, wars and natural disasters. Today, they are one of the most stunning ancient architectural complexes in Asia, a site whose beauty will stick in my memory forever.

A Day Trip to Nara, Chasing Breathtaking Temples, Shrines, and DeerRead More

Last updated on July 4th, 2021It happened in Hiroshima. Prejudice is unreasonable and should be avoided, but truth is that as much as I try to overcome it, I still happen to be biased.  When I visited Japan I did not have a precise itinerary. I know I wanted to see Tokyo, Kyoto,  Nara and explore a few …

Hiroshima: Life after the Atomic BombRead More

Last updated on July 4th, 2021A sudden quietness fell on the Itsukushima Shrine, the highlight of Miyajima, together with the floating gate. I turned and saw the reason for this silent buzz. A couple was approaching, and we were witnessing a traditional Japanese wedding. The mixed couple – a beautiful Japanese bride and a nice guy …

A Traditional Japanese Wedding in MiyajimaRead More

Last updated on July 4th, 2021Is there anything as evocative as a castle perched atop a hill? Imposing and graceful, Himeji Castle is likely the most famous castle in Japan and it’s easy to understand why. White walls and dark roofs, perfect proportions, the harmony between function – a military fortress – and aesthetic. Himeji …

Himeji Castle and the Legend of Princess SenRead More