Japan, explained
Practical guides, cultural notes, and travel news from people who spend a lot of time in Japan. Read what you need, plan what you love.
Filtered by city: nara · Show all
21 articles
Ancient Japan: Asuka, Nara and What Preceded Kyoto as the Capital
Explore Asuka and Nara, Japan's ancient capitals before Kyoto. Visit 1,300-year-old temples, cycle past burial mounds, and walk where emperors ruled.
Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A Practical Visitor's Guide
Practical guide to visiting Japan's 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Real transport details, admission fees, seasonal tips, and itinerary suggestions for temples, castles, mountains, and islands.
Japanese Sweets (Wagashi) by Region: What to Look For Where
Discover Japan's finest regional wagashi sweets, from Kyoto's artistic namagashi to Hokkaido's butter confections. Your complete guide to what to seek where.
Todai-ji and the Great Buddha of Nara: A Complete Guide
Complete guide to Todai-ji Temple and Nara's Great Buddha. Opening times, tickets, how to get there, what to see, and practical tips for your visit.
Kansai Beyond Kyoto and Osaka: Nara, Kobe and Wakayama
Discover Nara's ancient temples, Kobe's harbour culture and Wakayama's sacred mountains. Essential guide to Kansai's hidden gems beyond Kyoto and Osaka.
Day Trips from Osaka: What's Reachable and Worth It
The best day trips from Osaka, with realistic travel times and costs. From Kyoto and Nara to Himeji Castle and Mount Koya - what's actually reachable and worth your time.
Nara from Kyoto: Day Trip Guide with Transport, Temples and Deer
Complete guide to visiting Nara from Kyoto: train options, temple routes, deer feeding tips, and what to see in a day. Practical advice for Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha and more.
Day Trips from Kyoto: The Full Kansai Options
Plan perfect day trips from Kyoto to Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji Castle, Mount Kōya and beyond. Practical transport, costs, and what to see in the Kansai region.
Japan Earthquakes: What Travellers Need to Know
Essential earthquake safety guide for Japan travellers. Learn what to do during tremors, how Japan's warning systems work, and why you can travel confidently.
How to Dress for Shrines, Onsen and Ryokan: A Complete Guide
Complete guide to dressing for Japanese shrines, onsen hot springs and ryokan inns. Practical tips on what to wear, seasonal advice, and cultural etiquette.
Kyoto to Nara: Transport Options and What to Expect
Complete guide to travelling between Kyoto and Nara: compare Kintetsu, JR trains, and buses. Journey times, costs, station tips, and route planning advice.
Inter-City Routing in Japan: The Most Common Trip Combinations
Master Japan's inter-city routing with proven combinations between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and beyond. Practical strategies for logical routes and passes.