Japan Travel Advice Kyoto Page Updated

Above, the Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Travel Advice has updated their Kyoto page.

It contains "must-see" places in Kyoto and sample itineraries. They start it all off with:

Kyoto, Japan’s former capital is considered the home of culture and history in Japan with more than 2000 shrines and temples. Kyoto is a place you can still feel traditional Japan with ancient temples, colourful shrines and tranquil gardens. Kyoto is also home to an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The absolute minimum amount of time you should spend in Kyoto is two days but more is highly recommended to fully experience what the place has to offer.

To view it, go here. 

Japan Travel Advice Updated Tokyo Travel Guide

Above, a Tokyo commuter train crossing the Sumida River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Travel Advice has updated their Tokyo travel guide.

Their Tokyo travel guide includes many "must-see" places in Tokyo that include (a sampling):

Akihabara – Electric Town is a major shopping area of Tokyo, and the place for everything electrical, it is also the home of anime and manga in Japan. 

Asakusa – Discover the atmosphere of old Tokyo in Asakusa with Sensoji Temple and Nakamise-dori shopping street. It also offers great views of the Tokyo Skytree. 

Central Tokyo – Featuring the Imperial Palace (Kokyo), Yasukuni Shrine and Tsukiji Fish Market. The Imperial Palace is just a short walk from the newly renovated Tokyo Station and the amazing architecture of Marunouchi. 

Ginza – High end shopping capital of Japan and the home of luxury. This is a must see part of Tokyo even if it’s just for a spot of window shopping. Check out the depachika (food halls) found below the department stores. 

Harajuku – Home of Japanese street fashion and cosplay, this is the best spot in Tokyo for people watching. Takeshita-dori is a street lined with fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants. A must see is also Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is close by Harajuku Station. 

Odaiba – A popular entertainment and shopping area on a man made island in Tokyo Bay. Check out the life-sized Gundam outside of Diver City. Other must sees are the Rainbow Bridge at night and the Fuji TV Building. 

Roppongi – With Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji, it is a fantastic tourist spot that comes alive at night with restaurants and nightlife.

To read more, go here. 

Sensoji Temple

Above, rain or shine, people will come to Sensoji Temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Travel Advice has just posted a nice article on Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa section of Tokyo.

It gives a little information on its history and what attractions are there to see.

They begin with:

Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple and its religious heart. The temple was founded around 645 AD and enshrines a golden image of kannon (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy). Sensoji Temple, is also sometimes referred to as Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Above, shoppers at Nakamise-dori.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The attractions they discuss include the Kaminarimon (or Thunder Gate), Nakamise-dori, the Hozomon Gate, the Five Storey Pagoda, the Main Temple Compound, the Hondo Main Hall and several others.

Above,  the Five Storey Pagoda.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nakamise-dori is one of my favorite places to visit in Tokyo and I've purchased many an item at the shops along the walk, including Godzilla-related toys.

To read the article, go here.