kyoto Archives - Unseen Japan

Purple orchid blossoms floating in a round stone water basin in a raked-gravel Japanese garden with bamboo at Seiraiin

“Insta-Pests”: Why A Kyoto Temple Reportedly Banned Kimono-Clad Visitors

The temple's crackdown on visitors wearing flashy clothing isn't aimed just at tourists, but at influencers in general.

Woman on a hotel bed looking out a wide window at a coastal sea view, beside a wooden table and two orange chairs

Tokyo Overhauls Lodging Tax as Accommodation Fees Spread Across Japan

Most inbound tourists won't notice it, but the increase will enable Tokyo to better accommodate the rising wave of travelers.

Minimalist MUJI hotel room with a wood desk, two chairs, a grey daybed, and three round wall artworks

TRAVEL

MUJI Opens “Anti-Tourism” Hotel in Busiest Tourist Location in Kyoto

MUJI's latest BASE hotel pitches itself as "anti-tourism." So why is it in one of the most heavily touristed parts of Japan?

Two open cabin-style hotel pods numbered 21 and 23, each with a single bed and wood-paneled interior

TRAVEL

Japan’s Capsule Hotels: Why They May Be a Better Option Than You Think

Japan's capsule hotels are notorious for packing as many people into as small a space as possible. One type of capsule hotel,…

Woman being dressed in a kimono as someone ties her obi from behind

TRAVEL

Kimono Rental Shops in Japan: What’s Real, What’s Fake, & How Not to Get Swindled

Learn about the different types of kimono styles and how to tell serious, traditional shops apart from the TikTok trends.

Bakery worker in a green apron holding a tray of freshly baked bread rolls

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Why This Japanese Phrase from Kansai Sounds Strange to the Rest of Japan

It's a phrase that confuses Tokyoites. But to many in the Kansai region, it's a daily expression rooted in the region's unique…

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Japan’s Inbound Tourism Crowds Into Just Seven Prefectures: Report

A Tokyo Shimbun and Kyodo analysis of 2025 smartphone-location data finds seven prefectures account for 72 of Japan's top 100 inbound-tourist hotspots,…

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Surviving Summer: A Traveler’s Guide to Japan’s New Era of Extreme Heat

You CAN travel to Japan during the summer. It just takes a little preparation. Here are some tips for where to go…