Pontocho area Kyoto

Pontocho 先斗町 alley in Kyoto

Restaurants and entertainment establishments line the alleys of Kyoto in the Pontocho district awaiting to be discovered by the curious traveler.

The Oboke Gorge on the island of Shikoku is one of Japan's hidden jems.

The Yoshino River is one of the clearest and non-polluted rivers in Japan.   The area is surrounded by rugged mountains and countryside farmland. River rafting is also popular here to get a cool bath from the heat and humidity.

Serene Pleasure Deep in Kyoto's Forests

Kyoto’s bamboo forests cover the hillsides in a green blanket of splendor.  Hiking these serene areas is one of Kyoto’s unique spots and mostly free of tourists.  Many are easily accessed via bicycle.  Wondering this forested place one will hear bird calls echoing through the dense forest.  Your path will be shaded from the sun by the tall bamboo stalks that sway beautifully in the wind making a most relaxing sound.

A Buddhist monk stands motionless among the checkerboard pavement in Fukuoka Japan

A breeze lightly caresses the area slowly transitioning into the Fall season as a Buddhist monk stands motionless awaiting donations in the cooling streets of Fukuoka Japan.  It is normal to find Buddhist monks performing the act of begging or in Japanese, it is known as Takuhatsu .  Takuhatsu simply put is chanting of sutras in a public place in exchange for donations or food.  The monk never asks directly for donations.  Sympathizers of the religion put money into the donation bowls as thanks for the chanting or blessings of Dharma the monks spread into the area.

Misty mountains

A river slowly flows from the mountains down through Kyoto’s old streets.  Bicycling or hiking the outskirts of Kyoto has many rewards not found via bus tours.  Kyoto Japan is more than temples and shrines, one just has to wonder just a bit further.

Minoo Park Osaka Japan (Minoh Park / Mino Park)

Minoo Park is also known as (Minoh Park / Mino Park) is located 30min from downtown Osaka Japan via train.  This is a quick getaway spot for locals to get some walking or hiking away from the bustling city life.   A waterfall greets visitors at the end of the hike that takes about 30mins depending on pace.  A stream flows along the entire trail that is surrounded by trees and bird calls.  A few tourist shops line the trail selling food, drinks, snacks, and gifts.  The park can be accessed from Minoo Station off the Hankyu Minoo Line. There is No Fee to enter the park.