Discover the layered history of Osaka Castle, Japan’s iconic fortress built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period. Razed in the Siege of Osaka and later rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate, the castle’s modern keep conceals a legacy of ambition, betrayal, and resilience. Explore its surviving stone walls, moats, and sunset views—and uncover why this symbolic site remains central to Osaka’s pride and identity.

Discover Kyoto’s hidden side with MK’s curated list of nine secret spots—quiet temples, surreal stone gardens, back-alley pizzerias, and a cocktail bar with no menu. From the mossy stillness of Kōmyō-in to the invitation-only flame of Daichan Yakiniku, this guide goes beyond the tourist map and into Kyoto’s whispering soul. A luxury-minded look at the city’s best-kept secrets, made for those who’ve already seen the postcard.

Kamado Shrine in Fukuoka is no ordinary shrine—it’s split between the base and summit of Mt. Hōman, one of Japan’s sacred mountains. Long associated with love, protection, and mysticism, it honors Tamayorihime, mother of Emperor Jimmu. From ancient rituals to anime pilgrimages, this shrine fuses history, folklore, and design into one unforgettable experience.

Once feared, now beloved, Shinsekai is Osaka’s chaotic, retro dreamscape where neon light meets battered kushikatsu, and old-school arcades glow beneath Tsutenkaku’s gaze. This MK Deep Dive traces the neighborhood’s transformation—from 1910 ambition to postwar decay to a new wave of reverence. Step into the unpolished soul of a city too bold to imitate, and too alive to fade.

Azabujuban might be best known for its boutiques and designer dogs, but tucked between the luxury is a taste of New York—wax-paper-wrapped bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches and foldable pepperoni slices served with swagger. In this MK Presents dispatch, a Queens-born writer explores two Tokyo spots that channel NYC energy through simulated nostalgia, media-fueled devotion, and a surprising attention to greasy detail.

Tucked in the Japanese Alps, Takayama-shi is Japan’s living postcard—a preserved castle town filled with sake breweries, Hida beef, and seasonal festivals that float through lantern-lit streets. Known as “Little Kyoto,” it offers old-world intimacy without the crowds. With MK’s curated Takayama and Shirakawa-go Sightseeing Plan, step into a mountain dreamscape where history, craft, and nature still breathe.

Meriken Park blends Kobe’s international history with its serene, modern charm. Once a cargo wharf, now a vibrant seaside promenade, it offers art, memorials, city icons like the Port Tower, and cherry blossoms in spring. As part of MK’s private Kobe tours, this luminous waterfront reveals Kobe’s resilient, cosmopolitan spirit—framed by sea and mountain, and ideal for daydreamers seeking more than just a destination.

Discover Kyoto’s most romantic power spots on a private MK tour to Kifune and Kamigamo Shrines. Follow ancient legends, write heart-shaped ema, and enjoy grilled rice cakes along the way. Whether seeking blessings for love, renewal, or quiet reflection, this sacred journey through Japan’s spiritual heart offers more than sightseeing—it’s a return to something timeless.

At 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree isn’t just the tallest tower in Japan—it’s a monument to engineering, resilience, and the high-definition spirit of Tokyo itself.

Beneath Kobe’s neon skyline, Ikuta Shrine stands as a living link to ancient Japan. With over 1,800 years of history, this sacred site enshrines Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, goddess of weaving and love. Wander the battlefield-haunted Ikuta Forest, touch the ancient sacred tree, and glimpse the metaphysical world hidden behind the city’s modern pulse. A journey into Japan’s living spirit.

Floating on the waves of Lake Biwa, Chikubushima Island has drawn pilgrims and poets for over 1,300 years. Home to Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine, it’s said to be a power spot—where Benzaiten, the goddess of music and fortune, still answers prayers. Part of the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage and steeped in imperial lore, this 2-kilometer sanctuary offers myth, history, and stillness—all in a single ferry ride.

Discover the resilience of Kinkaku-ji, the Temple That Burned, Then Endured. Explore its rich history and beauty that captivates visitors.

Discover the hidden charm of Danno Horinji Temple, home to the legend of the Black Maneki-Neko. Explore Kyoto’s quietest revelation today!

Discover Motoise Kono Shrine, where divine legends linger and history unfolds. Explore the sacred site with MK's luxury tour service today!

Discover the top 5 Hitsumabushi restaurants in Nagoya, where ritual meets flavor. Experience Hitsumabushi's unique taste and tradition!

Discover the top 5 Jingisukan experiences in Sapporo, where smoke and flame reveal the soul of Hokkaido. Savor the true taste of Jingisukan!

Before I ever tasted Hakata ramen in Fukuoka, I found its spirit in a quiet Wakayama port town. That first bowl—steaming, salty, alive with bone and memory—became a symbol of comfort and authenticity. In Fukuoka, ramen means tonkotsu: a rich, milky broth born from laborers’ need for quick nourishment and perfected into culinary art. Discover the history, heart, and five best bowls that define the true flavor of Hakata.

Discover the top 5 places to savor Ōmi Beef in Shiga, Japan's oldest wagyu legacy. Experience Ōmi Beef's rich history and exquisite taste.

Step onto the hillsides of Kobe's Kitano-ijinkan and you'll enter a storybook where East meets West. Born from the Ansei Treaties of 1858, Kobe became one of Japan’s first gateways to the outside world—a place where Japanese tradition and foreign innovation converged. The streets are lined with trees, vintage gas lamps, and Western-style homes designed by foreign architects A.N. Hansell and D.G. Lalande, who helped shape the district into the unique spectacle that remains tod

Hidden in Osaka, Hozenji Temple’s moss-covered Fudō Myō-ō stands unmoved—protector, punisher, and witness to whispered prayers.