Kyoto Now: The Tale of Genji Exhibition Has Opened
Kyoto National Museum's Tale of Genji exhibition opened October 6. Here are the ticket prices, English audio guide, display rotations and October holiday closures to check before visiting.
Kurayoshi, Tottori: White Walls, Old Shops and a Slower Detour
Kurayoshi's white-walled storehouses deserve more than a photo stop. Plan a car-free Tottori detour with honest rail-time trade-offs, local buses and an optional art-museum visit.
Events in Kansai: 7–14 October 2026
A week of events across Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka from 7 to 14 October: Kyoto Experiment, Kyoto Music Expo, shrine festivals, markets and a Ghibli concert.
Can You Eat on Trains in Japan? Shinkansen vs Commuter Trains
Eating on Japanese trains isn't one blanket rule. Here's what JR Central, Tokyo Metro and Japan's tourism board actually say about bentos, commuter trains and considerate travel.
Jidai Matsuri: What Kyoto's Procession Day Actually Does to the City
Jidai Matsuri reshapes central Kyoto for a day in late October. Here's what the procession really means for your plans, your route, and your feet.
Kyoto Now: Zen and Ghibli Opens October 3, 2026
Zen and Ghibli opens at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art on October 3. Here are the verified dates, tickets, access, photography rules and Kyoto-only temple activities.
Events in Kansai: 1–7 October 2026
Kyoto leads the week with the Zuiki Festival and Kyoto Experiment, plus a Noh performance, Joyo fireworks, markets in Kobe and a Wyeth show in Osaka.
Do You Have to Bow in Japan? A Practical Reality Check
Bowing is common in Japan, but tourists do not need to master a formal routine. Learn when a small bow helps, when a nod or thank-you is enough, and why context matters more than angle.
Priority Seats in Kyoto: The Etiquette Nobody Explains
Priority seats on Japanese trains look empty but aren't neutral. Here's how they actually work in Kyoto and Osaka, and why locals pretend to sleep.
Kyoto Now: Harvest Moon Events Light Up Kyoto This Weekend
Kyoto’s 2026 harvest-moon weekend arrives September 25–27, with Daikaku-ji’s Osawa Pond viewing at the centre. Here is what is confirmed, what needs a reservation, and how to plan a respectful night visit.
Yame, Fukuoka: Japan’s Tea-and-Crafts Detour Worth Taking Slowly
Yame is more than a tea-field photo stop. Use this practical slow-travel plan for Fukuoka’s historic merchant streets, gyokuro, lanterns, hands-on craft experiences and the countryside beyond.
Events in Kansai: 23–28 September 2026
Kansai events 23-28 September 2026: Kyoto full moon viewing, Nara's Uneme Festival, Osaka's Mozu Hachiman autumn festival and a Hisaishi candlelight concert.