One of the things that usually surprises visitors to Japan is the number of vending machines in the country, estimated to be more than 5.5 million— one for every 20 people. They're virtually everywhere—in train stations, in front of shops, on the back streets of residential neighborhoods. Most will take bills and give back change. Many have almost nonsensical English-language promotional lines on them, such as ENJOY REFRESHING TIME. Some will even talk to you...

Ro found the Kyoto treat! We set off by foot to local train station, caught a train out to Arayashima on the west. We then went on the romantic tour- climbed into an antiquated renovated open carriage train which took us out into the mountainous forrest trail. The view along this stunning mountains edge looked into the valley of the river, rocks and rapids. White water rafters having a great summers day out, deep sea divers aplenty up to all sorts - sorts we ...

Kyoto weekend tour - quaint, historic, culturally rich experience of the old emperor's village of Kyoto. The place where many overseas couples choose to wed...most romantic and most scenic of spots! This cover pic is of a temple covered in real gold...kinkakuji :-)

Geta (下駄) are a form of traditional Japanese footwear that resemble both clogs and flip-flops. They are a kind of sandal with an elevated wooden base held onto the foot with a fabric thong to keep the foot well above the ground. They are worn with traditional Japanese clothing such as kimono or yukata. Sometimes geta are worn in rain or snow to keep the feet dry, due to their extra height and impermeability compared to other footwear such as zōri (geta which...

JAPANESE ONSENS...something we both are not sure whether we will gain this experience; the public eye is rather daunting! 1) Take off all your clothes in the changing room and place them into a basket together with your bath towel. Coin lockers for valuables are often available, but if they are not you'll be leaving your things in an open basket. 2) Japanese hot springs are enjoyed naked. Swimming suits are not...