Kansai – Page 2 – Within striking distance

Field Report: Akō Castle, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan (20 November 2016)

I’m not an admirer of the Forty-seven Rōnin. I’ve done a fair bit of research on this famous 18th-century tale of revenge, and my position as it currently stands is 1) the deed itself was not as honourable as we’re told, and 2) their target was not as guilty as he’s been made out toContinue reading “Field Report: Akō Castle, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan (20 November 2016)”

Field Report: Autumn Colours at Daigo-ji and Sanbō-in, Kyōto, Japan (14 November 2016)

Having known from my previous autumn trips that late November is a better time for fall colours in large parts of central Honshū (except for higher elevations), I wasn’t expecting to see all that much at this early stage of my journey. Nonetheless, the kōyō wave had already begun to transform pockets of foliage inContinue reading “Field Report: Autumn Colours at Daigo-ji and Sanbō-in, Kyōto, Japan (14 November 2016)”

Field Report: Fukuchiyama Castle, Kyōto Prefecture, Japan (13 November 2016)

My love of Japanese castles takes me to the city of Fukuchiyama northwest of Kyōto, where an ancient fortress demolished during the Meiji Restoration now again stands proudly over the lands it once controlled.

Field Report: Autumn Colours at Tōfuku-ji, Kyōto, Japan (12 November 2016)

Mid to late November is usually a good time to enjoy autumn colours in parts of the Kansai region, though the trees in some places tend to put on their gorgeous fall leaves a little earlier than others. On the second day of my 12th trip to Japan, I sought out an ancient temple inContinue reading “Field Report: Autumn Colours at Tōfuku-ji, Kyōto, Japan (12 November 2016)”

Field Report: Kinosaki Onsen and Kyōto, Japan (09 July 2015)

Who on earth travels a great distance to see an onsen town and doesn’t even bother trying the onsen? (This is where I sheepishly raise my hand and attempt an explanation.)

Field Report: Himeji, Japan (25 November 2014)

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.

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.

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)”