Kinkakuji or Ginkakuji? A Debate

Above, the Kinkakuji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Suppose you are in Kyoto, Japan for a limited amount of time and you need to choose between visiting Kinkakuji or Ginkakuji. Which one should you visit?

That is the topic of a debate by Only In Japan travel experts.

According to the YouTube video:

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural capitol and home to over 2000 temples & shrines to visit, but it’s hard to know which ones to see when you only have a few days. This time, Kansai resident Kevin Riley and I debate two of the most visited zen Buddhist temples: Kinkakuji vs Ginkakuji

Here's the debate:

6 "Must-Have" Souvenirs From Japan

Above, a Bandai Godzilla 1968 toy I picked up in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Okay, the above Godzilla toy is not on JNTO's "Only In Japan" list, but they do have six "must-have" souvenirs that foreign visitors should buy (for themselves, family or friends) while in Japan.

They start off with:

From New Year’s surprises, to matcha flavored munchies, tax-free bargains and more, Japan is a shopper’s paradise! To help create your shopping list, check out our tips for “must have” souvenirs from Japan.

We bought a couple of yukatas which are included in the list's Japanese Traditional Goods (item number 3) category.

To see their tips on what to get, go here. 

5 Reasons To Visit Japan In Autumn

Above, a Shibuya, Tokyo street in autumn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer vacation season is almost over, but that shouldn't stop you from taking a fall vacation to Japan. Only In Japan has an article on five reasons to go.

According to Only In Japan (Japantravelinfo.com):

Autumn is a wonderful season to visit Japan. Temperatures have cooled and the season is full of pleasant sunny days and mild yet invigorating nights. Here are five reasons to love autumn in and around Tokyo.

I've taken two fall vacations to Japan and found the temperatures pleasant. For us Americans, it is sweater or a light jacket weather. My favorite seasons for visiting Japan are autumn and spring.

The five reasons to visit Japan in the autumn season are valid ones. I'll just give you a snippet of the first one.

It is:

The Best Weather for Walking Around Town 

Autumn in Tokyo brings a welcome respite from the summer heat. Average daytime temperatures dip to a comfortable low 70s (Fahrenheit) during the daytime and the high 50s at night.  No matter your interest, the city of Tokyo is at your beck and call. Fashionistas rejoice as this is ideal weather for exploring the shopping districts of Ginza and Shinjuku and wandering the funky backstreets of Harajuku. 

To read more, go here.

The Other Otaku Heaven: Nakano Broadway

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I first stepped foot inside the Nakano Broadway mall in 2001, it has been a "must" stop each time I've been to Japan ever since. Sometimes I've found some items I was interested in, sometimes not.

Nakano Broadway is a haven for those who are collectors of kaiju toys, anime, manga and other items of Japanese pop culture. Mandarake dominates the floors where collectibles are found. There are other stores of interest that are also worth checking out. Robot Robot is another favorite.

Japantravelinfo.com's "Only In Japan" has an article on the Nakano Broadway that collectors should read.

It begins with:

Any visitor to Tokyo interested in anime and manga will surely have Akihabara high on their to-do list. However, on the other side of Tokyo, Nakano Broadway is just as much a must-see for fans of Japan pop culture. A short walk north of Nakano Station, Nakano Broadway is a four story shopping mall whose second and third floors are entirely dedicated to anime, manga and collectibles. It can be easy to lose your bearings once inside, but the shops listed below are all notable for the range and quality of their merchandise.

Above, a RCA-Victor "Nipper" figure I picked up at Mandarake
at the Nakano Broadway mall.  Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

 To read the article, go here.