Travelling
Japanese ceramics appreciation post and where to find ceramics centres in Japan! This post is highlighting notable pottery regions such as Tokoname, Kyo, Bizen, and Arita, detailing the historical and artistic significance of each pottery style. Practical travel tips and advice on workshops, museums, and transportation are provided for each location, underlining the blend of tradition and accessibility in Japanese ceramics.
How much is a trip to Japan? Well… it may cost less than you expect! Start with a reasonably priced flight, consider travel outside the main season, and book well in advance! This post is a spending breakdown of ten days, travelling on a moderate budget, taking in two major festivals
A short and concise post about preparation for a Japan trip. Japan is one of the safest countries to visit, and it does not the much to prepare for an independent trip on a self-made itinerary. Here are my concise tips on transport, money, accommodation and being a good tourist in this wonderful country.
You may have heard of the famous French Laguiole knives with their distinctive bee decoration. If you like cooking and fine cutlery, visit Laguiole and watch artisanal knife production in this beautiful village in Southern France, well off the beaten track and easy to visit by car!
On a quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto? Let’s search together! A work in progress, this post introduces you to some outstanding dessert restaurants of Kyoto, and give you an introduction to classic Japanese desserts.
Textile Lovers, visit Uzbekistan! Here is my shopping guide for ikat, suzani and more in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and in the textile-producing Fergana Valley.
This is my no nonsense guide to shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara for when you visit Uzbekistan. It is focused in local fairly made craft items, textiles and foodie souvenirs, with plenty of practical tips on where to find the nicest quality Uzbek souvenirs,
Did you know that you can see most of Armenia’s famous sights on day trips from YErevan? This post details some great day trips from Yerevan, including practical information on transport and how to organise tours
Your guide to shopping in the Caucasus is here! I am finally beginning to catch up during this period of not travelling very much. I mean, I could go, but due to the nature of my work, I am still somewhat more needed here in …
Being a vegetarian or vegan when travelling in Japan can be a bit challenging, but with a list of foods and a bit of Japanese it is not impossible. This post will suggest vegetarian-friendly foods and advise how to avoid fish and meat products when travelling in japan.
Keen to visit Yerevan in Armenia, but unsure how to get there? Neighbouring Georgia is well served by flights, and this post details a good way to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan on public transport
Saiho-ji, also known as Koke-dera, the Moss Temple, is a small temple in Western Kyoto that operates a strict entry policy and charges comparatively steep entry fees. Therefore, it draws far fewer crowds. Is it worth the trip and visiting for its exemplary Japanese dry landscape garden and famous moss gardens?
Gion Matsuri is a vibrant month-long festival taking place in Kyoto in July every year. It is huge and has so many highlights and is great for tourists to enjoy. Here is a guide on how to experience the best of Gion Matsuri as a tourist.
Do you want to visit the beautiful Kumano Kodo Region and take part in their famous fire festival, the Nachi no Ogi Matsuri? I visited in 2024 and am sharing my honest tips on attending this festival as a tourist, with timings, practicalities, and where to base yourself
Sasayama is the perfect place for a couple relaxed days away from the crowds near Kyoto and Osaka. It has a superbly preserved old merchant street, lovely ceramics, historic buildings and stylish cafes – a perfect place you will have all to yourself during the week!
How much is a trip to Japan? Well… it may cost less than you expect! Start with a reasonably priced flight, consider travel outside the main season, and book well in advance! This post is a spending breakdown of ten days, travelling on a moderate budget, taking in two major festivals
Have you thought of visiting Japan? It’s currently my favourite destination, but Japan and I go back a long time… 20 years, in fact! Here are ten things that make your Japan trip easy, and I hope I can encourage you to visit.
Can you visit the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage paths and their sights with limited mobility, and what is the best route to take? This post describes accessibility to the main sited, parts of the route that can be walked with limited mobility, and suggests an itinerary and accommodations.
