Discover Mizuya Chaya, a hidden thatched roof teahouse in Nara Park where deers roam freely and join you for lunch at outdoor tables. Tucked off the main trail between Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha, this lunch spot has been serving udon since 1948. In autumn, maple leaves frame the teahouse in an atmospheric scene. A must-visit for those seeking rustic beauty off the beaten path.
Arriving early morning, Himeji Castle 姫路城 rises above its brilliant walls framed by cherry blossoms in full bloom. This is the White Heron Castle in spring — where hanami culture, history, and Japan’s iconic sakura scenery converge into one unforgettable experience. Before the crowds arrive and the petals begin to fall, here are the 11 sights you won’t want to miss.
Before I left the bamboo forest, I met a local elderly man who was sharing that beautiful view with me. He kindly advised me to hike to the halfway mark at Arashiyama Park (嵐山公園) for a good vantage point of the rolling hills and the Katsura River (桂川). After a slippery hike up a pathway of big, smooth rocks, I had a misty view of the Katsura River, meandering through the mountains with a few huts lining the shore. A few lungful of fresh air made me understand what the Japanese meant by 空気美味しい (translated as the air is very delicious). I made my way down Arashiyama Park and passed little spots of tranquility. If only I could read all those difficult Kanji. Japanese maples provided the perfect canopy for my walk down, letting slivers of the gentle sunlight through. Last night’s rain and the morning dew made their leaves a fresh green – a contrast from the toasty reds of the fallen leaves. Upon reaching the end of the measured steps down, I saw …
When I first watched ‘Spirited Away’ in a film festival, I was so inspired that I went digging around to watch all of the animation films that Hayao Miyazaki (宮崎駿) directed. Before long, I’m in love with the works of Ghibli Studio – from the famous ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ to ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’, to the awe-inspiring ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ and the tear-jerking ‘Grave of the Fireflies’. Strong story-telling, inspired imagination, vivid background details and magical characterization in these animation films made it a must for me to visit the Ghibli Museum (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館). Traveling all the way to Mitaka (三鷹市), a little town in Tokyo, Japan, what filled us with anticipation was this ivy-covered building, a wrought-iron spiral staircase and a glimpse of Miyazaki’s Robot on the rooftop garden. We trekked to the ‘false entrance’ to meet Totoro, posing as the ticket-seller to the museum, accompanied by the ‘soot spirits’ (or the little black balls). Of course, remembering to take a shot of the signboard and liking the silhouette cut-out. Let’s head to the …
