The Indisputably Best Takoyaki in Osaka
Osaka is famous for delicious food with some dishes dating back hundreds of years. Though more of a junky street food item than a traditional dish, takoyaki seem to define Osaka for quite a number of people. There are many
Osaka’s Retro Cafe, Arabiya Coffee
There are many trendy cafés near Namba Station such as Starbucks, Dotour, Tully’s, Saint Marc’s and so on. After a while though, these kinds of cafés can feel a bit repetitive in their design, not to mentioned crowded. In contrast
Oka-dera Temple, The Temple of the Sealed Dragon
Many buildings and temples in the tiny village of Asuka tell of Japan’s beginnings as a country. Some things however, are important for other reasons. Asuka’s Oka-dera Temple is one of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage‘s 33 temples, and while no
Asuka-dera Temple, Japan’s First Temple
Nara is home to many of Japan’s ancient treasures. The tiny quaint village of Asuka, might not seem like little more than a dot on the map now, but it was once the thriving capital of Japan! There are many
Tachibana-dera Temple, Temple of the Fruit of Eternity
Asuka Village is famous for its historic temple and archaeological sites that tell the story of Japan’s infancy. Tachibana-dera Temple is one of the threads in the story of Asuka’s role as an ancient capital. From the birth of Japan’s
The Taika Reforms: Creating Japan’s Government
Creating Japan’s central government was no easy task. For years prior, political scheming and assassinations haunted Japan. The key to forming Japan’s government were the Taika Reforms. Previously, we talked about the role Prince Shotoku played in Japan’s ancient politics,
Japan’s Prince of Legend? Prince Shotoku
If you had to pick the most famous historic figure in Japan, who would it be? Some might pick Oda Nobunaga or Toyotomi Hidieyoshi, but many Japanese would say that without a doubt, the most famous is Prince Shotoku. Prince
Striking and Colorful! Nakayama-dera Temple
Just 20 minutes from Osaka City is Nakayama-dera Temple. Located in Takurazuka, Nakayama-dera is a huge, historic temple and is part of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Popular as a temple for safe birth, Nakayama-dera is also a very popular place
Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Japan’s Oldest Pilgrimage
Japan has a lot of temples, but not all temples are created equal. Temples have been part of Japan’s landscape for thousands of years and just as long as there have been temples, people have made pilgrimages to see them.
An Osaka Family Favorite! Tennoji Zoo
One of Osaka’s favorite attractions, especially for families, is Tennoji Zoo [天王寺動物園]. Opened in 1915 it is the 3rd oldest zoo in Japan, Tennoji Zoo currently houses 200 kinds of animal on 27 acres of land. This is the 2nd