Is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto a tourist trap or worth it? Tips on timing, is it actually worth going, things to do around Arashiyama, and how to plan a half day or full morning in Arashiyama.

Every person in this world knows about Punch in Iwataki Zoo Japan who is the most adorable monkey in the world by now. He is a breed of Japanese macaques monkeys known in Japan, and there’s a place in Kyoto where they run wild and we, the humans are in a cage observing them (rightfully so). This place is called Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.

If you are into ninjas or samurai, Odawara is known for it. So if you’re visiting Japan and doing the Tokyo to Hakone route, seriously consider stopping in Odawara. This guide covers everything I did in Odawara, what was worth it, what you can skip, what I would love to do if I had more time, and how to make it work as a stopover.

You are here looking to know when the best time to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan. The answer may vary and it also varies each year. Few years ago, we visited in February and to our surprise, the cherry blossoms in Japan started to bloom early in late February.

When you hear about about Hakone, sometimes you hear people talk about the “the onsen” ( the hot springs), “Mount Fuji views” (when the sky is clear at least or…

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