The Yasaka-jinja (formerly Gion-jinja) is a Shintō shrine in the Gion district of Kyōto, Japan. It was built in the year 656 and is a modern shrine that is seen as one of the biggest in Japan. Continue reading “Yasaka-jinja”
Vending machines
One thing is for sure in big Japanese cities: you won’t be thirsty. Everybody that has some space in front of his house seems install a vending machine for drinks. And therefore you can walk through the streets of Kyōto, Japan and find some refreshments every 50 meters. Continue reading “Vending machines”
Shōsei-en
The Shōsei-en is an absolutely wonderful Japanese garden in Kyōto, Japan that belongs to the Higashi-Hongan-ji temple. It dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) and contains a nice pond from that time that is spanned by an old bridge. Continue reading “Shōsei-en”
Higashi Honjan-Ji
If you get into Kyōto, Japan from the main railway station the first temple you will see is the Higashi Honjan-Ji – a shinto temple with a nice Buddha hall and a beautiful garden. The main hall dates back to 1895 and it is said to be the biggest wooden building in the world. Continue reading “Higashi Honjan-Ji”
Baseball
The most famous sports in Japan isn’t soccer, handball or rugby – it is baseball. Japan was closed for many centuries over time and there was nearly no cultural exchange. But in 1872 the country was opening up and baseball was introduced from the United States. Continue reading “Baseball”
Kyōto station
The main railway station of Kyōto, Japan dates back to the year 1877 and consists of 24 tracks – it is quite a large one. Different regional trains stop here, as well as the Shinkansen and the subway. To get onto the platforms you’ll need a ticket. Continue reading “Kyōto station”
Flughafen Hamburg (HAM)
The airport of Hamburg, Germany is an airport with 16 million passengers each year that already opened in 1911. Since 2016 it is named after the famous politician Helmut Schmidt. It is located 9 kilometers outside the city and has two terminals and two runways. Continue reading “Flughafen Hamburg (HAM)”
Matsubaya Ryokan
The Matsubaya is a traditional Japanese ryokan – a guest house for travelers – in Kyōto, Japan. Those guest houses measure the size of the room in tatami mats. There are no beds and you sleep on this traditional kind of floor. I always prefer this instead of a traditional hotel. Continue reading “Matsubaya Ryokan”
Kansai kokusai kūkō (KIX)
When going to Kyōto, Japan the Kansai kokusai kūkō might be your destination. It is located 40 kilometers south of Osaka and transports 17 million passengers each year. The Kansai International Airport (KIX) was opened in 1994. Continue reading “Kansai kokusai kūkō (KIX)”
Deep down in Italy
When the European Union published the invitation to a scientific conference in Acquafredda di Maratea I had to look up the location on the Internet. I had never heard of Maratea, Italy. But as the EU accepted my proposal and invited me, I booked a flight to Napoli and took a train to that part of Italy. Continue reading “Deep down in Italy”