On the last day of our autumn holiday in the Kansai region, we headed west to visit one of the largest, and arguably one of the most splendid, castles in all of Japan.
Category Archives: Japan 2014 (2nd)
Field Report: Nara, Japan (24 November 2014)
After our morning visit to Hōryū-ji, we set off on a short train ride to the nearby city of Nara for some architecture, a bit of street food … and deer. Lots and lots of deer.
Field Report: Hōryū-ji, Nara Prefecture, Japan (24 November 2014)
Our family holiday in Japan continues with a trip to an ancient temple compound, featuring the oldest intact wooden buildings in the world … some of which have serenely witnessed the passing of more than 1,300 years.
Food Report: Ichiran (Dōtonbori branch, Ōsaka)
I enjoy trying new restaurants and tasting new dishes as much as the next unadventurous chap, but there are times when the tried-and-true exerts a pull that doesn’t simply pass unnoticed. In this case, it was my favourite ramen at my favourite ramen chain … though I can at least claim the excuse that thisContinue reading “Food Report: Ichiran (Dōtonbori branch, Ōsaka)”
Field Report: Ōsaka, Japan (23 November 2014)
Every visit to Japan is full of surprises, but who could have imagined that a hankering for ramen would land me in a police station?
Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (23 November 2014)
Our itinerary for the 23rd of November was light, open, and relaxed – it was Sunday, after all. A hearty breakfast to start, followed by mid-morning Mass at a Catholic church in downtown Ōsaka, and then a quick day trip to see the gilded precincts of what may well be the grandest house in allContinue reading “Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (23 November 2014)”
Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (22 November 2014) – Part 3/3
After our daytime walk across Arashiyama, we headed back to Kyōto Station for some food, a bit of rest, and an opportunity to plan our next move.
Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (22 November 2014) – Part 2/3
As beautiful as the autumn leaves in Tenryū-ji’s garden might have been, they were but a taste of the seasonal splendour that had spread all across the hills of Kyōto’s Arashiyama district.
Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (22 November 2014) – Part 1/3
Let’s skip ahead a day and recount my family’s trip to Japan’s ancient capital on a glorious Saturday morning, with the sun high in the sky and the hills ablaze with the fiery colours of autumn.
Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (20 November 2014)
After our relaxing daytime visit to the historic city of Uji, my parents were happy to retreat into the comfort of our Ōsaka hotel and prepare to turn in for the night. As far as I was concerned, however, the day was far from spent … so I dashed off on my own to KyōtoContinue reading “Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (20 November 2014)”
Within striking distance 