Brian Kold, Author at VOYAPON

Brian Kold

Hi! My name is Brian from the Netherlands. Since arriving in Japan about two years ago I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to not only explore this amazing country, but also to practice my beloved hobby, kendo. Every day I have met wonderful people each with their own story and perhaps one day when you come to Japan you too can share your story!

22 articles

Articles by Brian Kold

Nara Deer Park through the Seasons

August 22, 2016 Autumn Leaves, Cherry Blossoms, Gardens & Parks, Nara, Nara, Temples & Shrines

Nara Park is possibly one of Japan’s most famous sceneries enjoyed by humans and deer alike.

The legendary Cats of Tashirojima

June 19, 2016 Beaches & Islands, Ferries, Miyagi, Summer

Cat lovers of the world prepare your cat-shaped suitcase because we are heading out to one of Japan’s legendary cat island, Tashirojima!

Buddhism,Nara,Temple,Todaiji,History,Religion,Buddha,Statue

The Dwarfing Experience of Todaiji

June 17, 2016 Culture, Historic Sites, Nara, Nara, Temples & Shrines

For a dwarfing experience in the eyes of the physical embodiment of Japanese Buddhist history, Todaiji is a must-see for anyone visiting Japan.

Ise,shrine,Mie,shinto,Japan,religion,history

Ise Jingu shrine, the heart of Shinto

May 27, 2016 Culture, Historic Sites, Mie, Temples & Shrines

Whether you are a world leader or an ordinary visitors, a visit to Mie Prefecture would not be complete without paying a visit to the most important Shinto shrine, Ise Jingu.

temple,tea,nara,ceremony,matcha,zen,buddhism

Enjoying a Zen Tea Ceremony in A Temple

May 25, 2016 Gardens & Parks, Nara, Nara, Tea, Temples & Shrines

Perhaps Nara’s most overlooked temple, yet a haven for tea ceremony fanatics is the Zen temple Jiko-in in Yamatokoriyama to the south of Nara City.

Kenrokuen,garden,cherry blossom,seasons,kanazawa

The six sublimities of Kanazawa Kenrokuen Garden

April 24, 2016 Castles, Cherry Blossoms, Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Ishikawa, Kanazawa

As one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, Kenrokuen (兼六園) in Kanazawa has quite a name to live up to, and so it does.

Owakudani in Hakone – the Valley of Hell!?

April 19, 2016 Hakone, Kanagawa, Mountains, National Parks, Volcanoes

Let’s be honest, if you were to say “I walked across the Valley of Hell” that would leave quite an impression wouldn’t it?

hakone,yumoto,evangelion,anime,sweets,merchandise,souvenir,onsen

Hakone-Yumoto – Home of Onsen and Evangelion

April 18, 2016 Anime & Manga, Hakone, Kanagawa, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Souvenirs

Hakone-Yumoto is home to two things in particular: some of best onsen near Tokyo and its exclusive Evangelion store.

shirasudon,seafood,cuisine,Japanese,enoshima,kamakura,tokyo

Enoshima’s delicious bounty from the sea, Shirasudon

April 12, 2016 Beaches & Islands, Bento, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Sashimi, Sushi

When visiting Kamakura and its coastal neighbour Enoshima, there is one dish from the sea that is an absolute must-try: shirasudon.

temple,samurai,movie,tom cruise,ken watanabe,engyoji,himeji,mount,shosha

Mount Shosha and Engyo-ji Temple – As a Spiritual Retreat, and Filming Location ‘The Last Samurai’

April 11, 2016 Hiking, Historic Sites, Hyogo, Mountains, Temples & Shrines

From seeing where “The Last Samurai” was shot to natural beauty, Engyoji Temple in Himeji has much to offer to those with a passion for history and culture.

Kanazawa,castle,architecture,history,feudal

Kanazawa Castle – A testimony to history and determination

April 1, 2016 Castles, Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Ishikawa, Kanazawa

Kanazawa Castle is as much a testament to the city’s history as it is to the determination of the city today to undertake the challenging project to rebuild it.

Onsen, Hakone, Hot Springs, Activities, Daytrip, Tokyo

Enjoying a dip at Hakone Yuryo Hot Springs

April 1, 2016 2 Weeks, Costs, Hakone, Kanagawa, Kanto, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Shinkansen

Hakone is an amazing destination for a 2-day-trip away from Tokyo and while you are there why not enjoy a dip at one of the hot springs in Hakone’s forests.

Village,History,Shirakawa,Nature,Scenery

Shirakawago Village – straight out of a Japanese folktale

March 29, 2016 Culture, Gifu, Historic Sites, Mountains, Ryokan

Ever wanted to walk through a picturesque village on the Japanese countryside seemingly coming out of Japanese folktale from long ago?

castle, Odawara, architecture, Japan, feudal, Hakone

Odawara Castle – a humble reminder of a great history

March 28, 2016 Castles, Cherry Blossoms, Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Kanagawa

Image 200,000 Japanese feudal soldiers and dozens of generals brought in from every corner of the nation laying siege upon Odawara Castle.

castle, Himeji, architecture, Japan, feudal

Why is Himeji Castle such a legendary Japanese icon?

March 21, 2016 Castles, Cherry Blossoms, Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Hyogo

From rich history to architectural beauty Himeji Castle does its reputation as Japan’s best preserved and perhaps most beautiful castle’s more than just.

beef,Sendai,tongue,Gyutan,Local,Cuisine,Gastronomy

Gyutan (beef tongue), Sendai’s local speciality

March 20, 2016 Culture, First Time in Japan, Local Buses, Miyagi

By the end of the day there is nothing more satisfactory than a good dinner and apparently Sendai and Gyutan, Beef Tongue, are inseparable.

An iconic image of Tokyo with history at Zojoji Temple

March 19, 2016 Historic Sites, Kanto, Temples & Shrines, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

When it comes to images of Tokyo Tower the streetview from the Jodo-shu Buddhist temple Zojoji is one of the two dominating icons.

The pristine beauty of Kyoto’s Nanzenji Temple

March 19, 2016 Autumn, Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Kansai, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Temples & Shrines

With its spacious grounds encompassing various subtemples, Nanzenji is one of Japan’s most pristine sights to behold.

Tokyo,shrine,Meiji,park,Yoyogi,Harajuku,shinto

Meiji Shrine, A brief look into Japan’s most renown Shrine

March 18, 2016 Culture, Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Spring, Temples & Shrines, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Meiji Jingu, or Meiji Shrine, offers an escape from the rushing life in the city making it my favorite place in Tokyo.

Kyoto’s Daigoji Temple, the Essence of Autumn

March 17, 2016 Autumn, Autumn Leaves, Gardens & Parks, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Temples & Shrines

The Daigoji temple complex in eastern Kyoto is one of the city’s largest and oldest Buddhist complexes and you can easily spend an entire day exploring it.

Nara’s Hidden Gem, Omiwa Shrine

March 16, 2016 Historic Sites, Mountains, Nara, Nara, Temples & Shrines

As the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan, Ohmiwa Jinja nestled in the forests of Mount Miwa truly is a hidden gem of Nara.

The 47 Ronin, Samurai at Sengakuji temple

March 15, 2016 Historic Sites, Museums & Galleries, Souvenirs, Temples & Shrines, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Ever heard about the 47 Ronin? If you are a true samurai-enthousiast you will have and Tokyo’s Sengakuji will definitely be on your destination list.

Articles by Brian Kold

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