Daring Drifters

23/09/2017

Hello all my Daring Drifters! I've put together a virtual tour through the Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. This is my first time attempting a tour guide video. Please comment and let me know what you liked and what needs changed. As ever, this page belongs to all of you, so let me know what you really need. Should I put up more pictures? Or perhaps make an ebook of useful tips for travelers? Please share and have a great adventure!

19/09/2017

After watching Harry Potter, did you ever wonder what it would be like to have an owl for a pet? At the Owl Cafe in Tokyo that dream can become a reality, at least for a few hours! This cafe offers its visitors a calm place to order a hot green tea as well as pet or feed an owl. Nine different owls, varying in size and breed, sit upon their perches, surrounding the tables of the cafe. You can ask the staff to hold the owls after donning a heavy yellow glove. It costs about 10 US dollars to spend an hour in the company of these amazing creatures.

16/09/2017

Locals and tourists alike meander down a tight corridor, enclosed on both sides by colorful stalls. Animated shop vendors call out to passersby, offering a taste of Kyoto's most beloved food. Here, at the Nishiki Market, you can buy octopus, sea urchin, mochi, soy ice cream, and other Japanese culinary delights. Unlike the other big cities in Japan, Kyoto still clings to its artisan crafts, which is evident by the paper and lace fan shops throughout the market. Purple orchids, stems turned downward, blooming in perfectly straight lines, fill the flower stalls. The market opens at 9am and closes at 5pm daily. If you want to immerse yourself in Kyoto culture, the Nishiki Market should be your first stop.

Note: The numerous signs reading 'This is Sample. Do not eat.' actually mean 'This is a display.' Also, you should not eat it because it is made of plastic. Trust me, you only make that mistake once!

13/09/2017

Say hello to the Tenryu-ji Shrine! This 14th century temple gets its name from the dragon spirit who appeared in a dream to a local priest. The popular visage of the Cloud dragon can be found on the ceiling of Dharma Hall in the shrine complex. A garden of evergreens, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and many other beautiful plants entice guests to explore the grounds. Just inside the garden gate, a simple rock garden spans the length of the shrine, which is commonplace in Zen temples. Tickets to the garden are 500 yen. However, combination tickets to the shrine buildings and grounds are sold for a few yen more. Tenryu-ji remains open from 8:30am to 5pm daily. No matter the season, a visit to this ancient Kyoto shrine will not disappoint.

13/09/2017

This is the Arashiyama Monkey Park, less than an hour's bus ride from main Kyoto.
Here, you can see those adorable snow monkeys known for bathing in Japan's hot springs. The monkeys that live on this hill are used to humans and don't mind some paparazzi. The park offers an interactive experience where you can safely feed the monkeys apple slices from inside an enclosed Rest House. Besides observing the intricacies of monkey society, you can also capture a beautiful view of Arashiyama from the Monkey Park. The park opens from 9am to 5pm and tickets are only 550 yen. If you are visiting Kyoto, don't miss this special cultural attraction.

08/08/2017

Just an hour's bus ride from the thriving heart of Kyoto lay three treasures: The Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park, and the Tenryu-ji Zen Temple.

29/07/2017

Greetings from the Edo-Tokyo Museum! This museum has artifacts and recreations from Japan's Edo period. Hands-on architectural displays allow you to jump into history and truly feel Japan's past. Make sure to find a discount coupon for entry to this museum in Tokyo's Handy Guide. The museum is next door to the Sumo Stadium, where there are matches starting in September. There is a small, free Sumo museum at the entrance to the stadium where you can view past champions' memorabilia.

24/07/2017

This is Shibuya Crossing, the most highly trafficked street crossing in the world. When the light turns, hundreds of people run back and forth, weaving in and out. If you are travelling with friends, you may want to hold hands to avoid being separated. The dog statue is Hachiko. He came to the metro station every day with his owner and waited at the station until work was over and his human came home. One day there was an accident and Hachiko's man died. Nevertheless, Hachiko still came to the station every day and waited for his owner until he eventually died too. In memory of Hachiko's loyalty and devotion, the Tokyo people erected a statue for him.

22/07/2017

Hello Daring Drifters! I've just added new photos of the Meiji Jingu Shrine to my Tokyo album. This lovely shrine lays in the middle of a lush forest. Unfortunately, the main hall of the shrine, known for its beautiful doors, is undergoing restoration and covered in scaffolding. And the shrine's treasure house which operates as a museum to display the ancient wonders of the shrine is closed for earthquake proofing. Even so, the Meiji Jingu Shrine provides a relaxing get away from the fast-paced tourism of Tokyo.

22/07/2017

Gardens, Museums, and more

19/07/2017

Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

Gardens, Museums, and more

18/07/2017

Hello daring drifters! Here's a beginner's look at Tokyo. The city is massive and the people are extremely polite and helpful. The streets may be teaming with thousands of people, but no trash can be seen anywhere. It may seem odd to be mesmerized by a toilet, but the Japanese toilet is a unique experience with its heated seat, speakers emitting the sounds of rain, bidet, and shower functions. The late night ramen bars are cheap and delicious. Although ordering dishes written in Kanji from a vending machine is a bit difficult. Of course, the plastic food displays set in EVERY restaurant's windows does help.