Kyoto – BIG tiny World Travel

A Taste of Japan: Old Meets New

Posted on October 23, 2018August 27, 2018 by Brianna Shade in Asia, North America

I loved the mix of old and new in Japan!

Japan is full of some of the most amazing culture and fascinating history. With a civilization many centuries old, Japan has had a lot of time to evolve. However, they staunchly retain the rich past that defines their architecture, shrines, attitudes, and traditions. They respect each other and have an incredible work ethic. They impress the world every year with their technology, yet they loyally maintain structures that have been in existence for over 1300 years.

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A Taste of Japan: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Posted on October 16, 2018August 27, 2018 by Brianna Shade in Asia, Japan

One of our top spots on our photography list, this famous bamboo grove is magnificent, beautiful, and humbling. Be sure to stop by if you’re in the area… or put yourself into the area so you can stop by!

LotsaSmiles Photography

A visit to Kyoto isn’t complete without a trip through the stunning bamboo grove of Arashiyama. There is nothing more humbling than acres of majestic trees towering above your head, cutting thousands of completely vertical lines 115 feet into the sky.

Bamboo has been revered for its durability for centuries, and it grows incredibly fast, making it a popular renewable resource; the wood is used in thousands of applications. It is particularly important to the Japanese, who view it as a symbol of prosperity and see its simplicity as representing purity. Bamboo is unique in its elegance, which is why stalks frequent many zen-hopeful desks, but they are seldom seen in such magnificence.

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A Taste of Japan: Nighttime Shrines

Posted on October 9, 2018August 27, 2018 by Brianna Shade in Asia, Japan

If you find shrines are too busy during the day, try them by night! Most are open late, and this could afford you a unique take from the typical, touristy experience. Fushimi Inari was one of our favorites, and it was top on my to-photograph list.

LotsaSmiles Photography

I only have a few more of these highlights before I get into the real meat of our trip. This week has understandably been busy catching up from our vacation and preparing for another over Thanksgiving. I know you’re anxious for the full daily accounts, but I’m afraid I’ll have to tease you for just a short while longer…

When you visit Japan, unless you try explicitly not to, you’re bound to wind up at a few shrines. Fortunately, that’s ok, as every one is unique in their own way. If you really want to mix it up, try visiting them after dark. Check to make sure they’re accessible after hours, but if they are, this can provide a great opportunity to beat a lot of the crowds at some of the more popular destinations.

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A Taste of Japan: Shrines

Posted on October 2, 2018August 27, 2018 by Brianna Shade in Asia, Japan

It’s hard to visit Japan without visiting at least a few shrines, but they’re all so different and uniquely beautiful that it’s also hard to get bored doing so!

LotsaSmiles Photography

It’s difficult to visit Japan without tripping over at least a dozen shrines and temples. While most of the Japanese population wouldn’t consider themselves particularly religious, many practice the standard rituals of visiting shrines, saying a prayer, and drawing fortunes. The young go hoping for favorable test scores or new love; others simply wish for good luck and good health.

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A Taste of Japan: The Philosopher’s Walk

Posted on September 25, 2018August 27, 2018 by Brianna Shade in Asia, Japan

A trip down the peaceful Philosopher’s Walk is beautiful any time of the year. Next time, I’d love to see it blushing with the spring sakura, but it was stunning burning with autumn’s glow.

LotsaSmiles Photography

If you find yourself in Kyoto, set aside a morning for the Philosopher’s Walk. Best un- (or lowly-) populated, early morning will afford you a quiet path upon which to calmly take in the song of the water and contemplate life’s mysteries. The entire path is a little over a mile and is lined with shops, street vendors, restaurants, and temples. Decorated with hundreds of sakura trees, this area is popular during cherry blossom season and is a great spot for fall color.

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