6 Culture Plum Blossoms and Buddha Victoria Vlisides Plum blossoms surround giant stone-carved Buddha in Chiba.
8 Culture Namba Yasaka Shrine, Osaka Gloria Ticconi Yasaka Shrine is a nice surprise, hidden in a busy metropolis like Osaka. It's an unusual shrine, maybe not easy to find without..
Shopping Maiko Antiques Joe Robinson Located in a small corner building in Gion, Maiko Antiques is the most interesting shop I've been to in Japan, or maybe even..
Shopping Sakuda Gold & Silver Leaf Company Meg Sing After first opening in 1919, Sakuda flourished at the time when golden Buddhist statues and figurines for putting up on altars picked..
12 Culture Zuirin-ji Temple in Yanaka Peter Sidell In Tokyo's historic Yanaka district, Zuirin-ji is a peaceful Buddhist temple, worth seeking out for its beautiful wooden carvings...
Accommodation Inno Family Run Hostel in Tokyo Peter Sidell In Akasaka in the heart of Tokyo, Inno Family Run Roppongi is an affordable, comfortable backpackers' hostel.