Eating Kobe Beef in Kobe

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Erica

Vegetarians beware: meat ahead. I order some of the world’s best beef in Kobe, Japan. Continue reading →

Food Tasting at Nishiki Market

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Erica

Fresh sushi on a stick? Don’t mind if I do! I sample treats (and avoid a few gross items… like fish eyes) while exploring Nishiki Market in Kyoto. Continue reading →

The Playful Deer of Nara

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Erica

Deer wander the streets of Nara like stray puppies — I’ve never seen anything like it. And Nara is home to some of the prettiest temples in Japan. Continue reading →

Palos Verdes Redux

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Erica

I return to the fascinating tide pools at Abalone Cove in Palos Verdes. Sunshine, surf, and starfish… so glad to be back in California! Continue reading →

The Many Faces of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Erica

Hundreds of statues with the most curious faces line this shrine in Arashiyama — a village of stone, moss-covered men and women. Continue reading →

The Temples of Arashiyama

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Erica

There are an exhausting number of temples in Arashiyama and I do my best to see the highlights. Tenryu-ji is the clear favorite. Continue reading →

Japan’s Enchanting Bamboo Forest

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Erica

Arashiyama is a day trip from Kyoto, and it’s my single favorite place in all of Japan. This bamboo forest is a big reason why. Continue reading →

The Golden Temple in Kyoto

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Erica

There are dozens of temples and shrines in Kyoto. Here are a few of my favorites, including the highlight of them all — the Golden Temple, photographed at sunset. Continue reading →

Kiyomizu-dera, the Most Iconic Temple in Japan

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Erica

This UNESCO site is my favorite spot in Kyoto and I return three times during my stay. I’ve accumulated the best photos in this post. Continue reading →