Located right in the heart of Tokyo’s busy, wild, and mega-hip Shibuya neighborhood, the historic Meiji-jingu (Meiji Imperial Shrine) is surprisingly peaceful and reverent. The shrine, one of Tokyo’s most important spiritual sites, is dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji (1867-1912), and is free to visit.

Kiyomasa’s Well is a “Power Spot” in Tokyo, Japan. Visitors can be blessed with the cosmic natural powers of this spot by taking a photo of the ancient well and setting it as their phone’s lock screen… at least, that’s what the legend says!

Here’s how to get from Tokyo to Kamakura, Japan: ticket prices, travel times, and how to take the train.

Everything you need to know about visiting the Museum of Yebisu Beer in Tokyo, Japan. Yebisu is Japan’s oldest brewery, and is named after the Japanese god of luck.

How to transfer between Tokyo’s two international airports: Hanaeda and Narita.

Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, and a beautiful example of 16th century Imperial architecture. Easily accessible by the city’s JR line, Osaka Castle sits in Osaka’s downtown surrounded by a wide moat and cherry trees.

Japan is famous for its history and culture, but you can’t overlook the Japanese love of snacks and sweets! Wherever you go in Japan, there are plenty of amazing and unique flavors of ice cream to be found. These four flavors are available at some of central Japan’s most famous sites.

The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is the quickest, most comfortable, and most economical way for visitors on a budget to see Japan. Save money with a JR Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen bullet train. How does the JR Pass work? How much does the JR Pass cost? Is the JR Pass worth it for travelers on a budget? Find out here.

Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto, Japan is a sacred mountain dedicated to the god of sake, rice, and money.

Here’s how to spend a comfortable (and budget) one-night layover in Narita Airport, Tokyo, assuming you arrive in the evening and depart sometime the next afternoon.

Kyoto should not be missed on a visit to Japan. Here are the city’s top sights.

Have you seen a Japanese temple stamp book? If you are traveling to Japan, one of the coolest souvenirs you can buy is a Goshuin-cho!

Pinky and Michael take on Japan’s Kansai and Kanto Regions in a whirlwind week in five famous cities: Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji, Tokyo, and Nikko.

We take the train to Nikko, a small mountainous town in the north of Japan’s Kanto Region. Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage City, and full of historical temples and beautiful nature.

In Harajuku, Tokyo, we go to a basement purikura (プリクラ) shop and enter a whole new world… Purikura is a Japanese photobooth, and its something of a craze! We had honestly no idea what was going on the whole time…

We visit Nishiki Market in Kyoto to find some weird and crazy food to try. We get our fortune told by a scary creature.

In Beer and Ice Cream part 2 we pick a terribly cold spring day to climb Mt. Inari and Michael makes an impractical choice in wardrobe. There is also tea, temples, sakura, and even golden ice cream.

In Part I of our new Japan travelogue series, Beer and Ice Cream, we arrive in Osaka, explore Kuromon Market, visit Osaka Castle, go to Kyoto, have some beer, and eat some ice cream. Our trip begins in Japan’s Kansai region, and it’s all about food !!! We also have a little trouble with the legendary Love Rock.

Sake! (in a box!?)

I knew it all along!