Japan Archives

January 1, 2025January 1, 2025Japan by Len Kagami

Taitō City: A Glimpse into Old Tokyo

From the iconic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa to the graceful museums of Ueno, Taitō City in northern Tokyo displays an irresistible retro charm.

September 7, 2024January 1, 2025Japan by Len Kagami

Hiraizumi: In Buddha’s Pure Land

Once rivaled by Kyoto for its regal beauty, Hiraizumi is now known for its temples and garden complex that represents the pure land of Buddha.

June 14, 2024July 2, 2024Japan by Len Kagami

The Lanterns of Aomori

Gigantic yet surprisingly intricate, the lanterns of Aomori are the highlights of Nebuta Matsuri – one of Japan’s biggest summer festivals.

July 30, 2021October 19, 2024Japan by Len Kagami

Kyoto: The City of Shrines and Temples

With more than 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is definitely one of Japan’s most important religious hubs.

February 12, 2021September 22, 2022Japan by Len Kagami

Arashiyama: A Beautiful Retreat near Kyoto

Resembling an ink wash painting, Arashiyama in the western outskirt of Kyoto has long been a favourite escape of the Japanese elites.

February 4, 2021April 12, 2024Japan by Len Kagami

Nijō Castle and a Spectacular Kimono Exhibition

Wide moats, massive walls and imposing keeps, Nijō Castle demonstrates the power of the Tokugawa shoguns – rulers of Japan for over 260 years.

Through thousands of torii in Fushimi Inari

January 14, 2021September 1, 2023Japan by Len Kagami

Fushimi Inari: A Stroll through Thousands of Torii

Best known for its endless trail of vermillion torii, Fushimi Inari in southern Kyoto is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines.

May 16, 2020September 14, 2022Japan by Len Kagami

Ryokan and the Japanese Hospitality

To put it simply, a ryokan is a Japanese-style inn. It’s an embodiment of Japanese lifestyle which was treasured and passed down over generations.

May 9, 2020February 15, 2025Japan by Len Kagami

Nara: The Ancient Capital of Japan

To many, Nara is a day-trip destination. However, as Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara boasts many important scenic and historical sites.

Each page of the goshuinchō is a different painting

May 2, 2020April 12, 2024Japan by Len Kagami

Goshuinchō: A Unique Souvenir from Japan

A goshuinchō is literally a book of seals. It’s used to collect stamps from shrines and temples throughout Japan. While its religious meaning still exists, many view it as a unique way to document their journey.

April 25, 2020August 29, 2023Japan by Len Kagami

Kurashiki Bikan: The Town of Old Storehouses

With white-walled storehouse lined along a delightful canal, the historic quarter of Kurashiki is a rare piece of old Japan that still exists.

April 15, 2020February 4, 2025Japan by Len Kagami

Hiroshima: The Hope of A Nuclear-Free World

To most people, Hiroshima recalls an ill-fated city. But if you visit the city today, you will surprise to see how it has transformed into a symbol of hope.

April 8, 2020April 12, 2024Japan by Len Kagami

Miyajima: On the Island of the Sea Goddesses

Home of the sea goddesses, Miyajima has long been treated as a sacred site. The island is known for its grand shrine that seems floating over the waves.

April 1, 2020April 12, 2024Japan by Len Kagami

Admire The Transient Beauty of Sakura

Pure and elegant, sakura has long been an important part of Japanese culture. Yet this beauty is short-lived, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of life.