While its heritage is what makes Kyoto unique, it is still very much a modern city with cool concept stores, boutique galleries, and a surge of new contemporary hotels. Take the time to get to know this side of it to escape the tourist overcrowding and give you a better understanding of the city beyond its picturesque image.

Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. This week, photographer, Marisa Vitale, shares her notes from the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail in Japan.

Jessica Wright is the founder of the travel and design blog, Bon Traveler where she shares adventures in her backyard, her travels beyond, and day-to-day joys.

Naj Austin, the founder and CEO of Somewhere Good, tells us how she’d spend a weekend getaway. Travel with Naj as she hops a plane to Tokyo disappearing in the bustling crowds and respite gardens, taking in abundant efficiency, and diving into the Tokyo vinyl shop scene.