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.
Is Drinking in Public Illegal in Japan? The Real Rule
Drinking outside is not automatically illegal in Japan, but that does not make every street, station or convenience-store entrance a good place for a beer. Here is the practical difference between law, local rules and considerate travel.
Kyoto's Autumn Foliage Is Later Than You Think in 2026
The 2026 forecast puts Kyoto's peak red maples in mid-December. Here's what that means for anyone planning an autumn trip around Kansai this year.
Kyoto Now: KYOMAF 2026 Takes Over Okazaki
KYOMAF returns September 19–20, 2026 with manga, anime and game exhibitors, stage programmes, Kyoto collaborations, cosplay and a linked music event across three venues.
Events in Kansai: 18–23 September 2026
Kishiwada Danjiri in Osaka, the Kyoto Manga Anime Fair and Seimei Festival, plus Kobe's week-long Hokkaido Fest shape 18 to 23 September in Kansai.
The Minpaku Squeeze: What Kyoto Bookings Will Feel Like in 2027
Tokyo wards are moving to restrict short-term rentals. Here's what the shift means for planning a Kyoto trip in 2027, and how to book without getting caught out.
Events in Kansai: 14–20 September 2026
12 events in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, 14–20 September 2026. Dates, venues and a link to every listing.
Why Kyoto in Early October Isn't the Autumn You Pictured
Early October in Kyoto isn't peak foliage — and the routes are quieter than travelers expect. Here's what the month actually delivers, and how to plan for it.
Silver Week in Kyoto: What Actually Changes When Tokyo Empties Out
Silver Week 2026 falls September 19–23. Here's what actually shifts in Kyoto when the domestic holiday hits, and how to read the city that week.