• Dotonbori Fun and Hogwarts in Osaka

    The travel show that was the catalyst for our trip to Japan featured the Dōtonbori area of Osaka.  The store fronts had large octopus or crabs or other huge displays above the entrance and the place seemed amazing.  So there was no way we were coming to Japan and not…

  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto

    Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) is a Zen Buddhist temple that was originally built in 1397 and reconstructed in 1955.  It is such a beautiful structure set in such a picturesque setting. It was overcast when we visited, but still quite stunning.  The weather didn’t keep the crowds away so it…

  • Ramen Class in Kyoto

    Anyone that knows Beckett, knows that his favorite food is noodles.  Specifically Japanese noodles like ramen and udon.  So it was an absolute must that we take a noodle making class while in Japan! We took a class with Ramen Factory in Kyoto.  The class was fantastic.  They walked us…

  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Torii Gates

    One of the most iconic pictures I see of people’s travels to Kyoto are of the Torii gates in Kyoto.  The Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine is considered Kyoto’s most important shrine.  It was founded in 711, but the main shrine wasn’t built until 1499. At the rear of the shrine are…