Hotel Review: Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa
My honest review of The Gate Hotel Takasegawa by HULIC Kyoto, perfect for a central yet quiet premium stay for sightseeing, shopping and nightlife.
Author: Anja
Flying Qatar Airways to Japan – What is it like?
Would you fly Qatar Airways to Japan? While my experience with them last year was okay, my recent experience with their customer service leads me to believe that I should not, under any circumstance, recommend flying with Qatar Airways in the future.
Hotel Review: RAK Kiyomizu, a charming and very private hostel in a beautiful central Kyoto Neighbourhood
I stayed at this wonderful all-private-room hostel called RAK Kiyomizu in Gion, Kyoto, and recommend this as one of the the best value for money places to stay in the Gion area of Kyoto! Quiet, clean, friendly, and very comfortable.
The best books about Kyoto: my favourites
This post will help you choose literature about Kyoto – whether travel guide, history and culture books or fiction – with my tried and tested recommendations
Where to try Japanese Incense in Kyoto – and beyond
fragrant, sustainable and usually inexpensive gift from Japan – especially if you stick to reputable or traditional Japanese products. This post tells you where to try and buy incense in Kyoto and beyond
A Stress-free Nikko Trip
Nikko is an easy day trip from Tokyo, has several sights designated as UNESCO World Heritage, and is surrounded by hills and lakes. A perfect storm, you might think. Yet it would be a shame to miss it, just because of its huge crowding potential. …
My Year in Travel 2025: “I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind of Thing”
So, I started this early, and I hope to finish before the holidays – when we all fall into several days of contemplation, reflection – or plan the new trips. And now it is already Boxing Day, and I have not made much progress with …
Where to buy matcha in Japan – when the media tell you there is a shortage
Have you wondered where to buy matcha in Japan when all you hear is about the matcha shortage and limitations on how much you can buy? Here, I am sharing my tips on where to buy good matcha, even in a touristy city like Kyoto
Shopping with Purpose: Shopping in Japan, Hanami 2025 Edition
When I relax and scroll, Instagram usually, I see tons of Japan videos popping up lately – lots and lots of shopping, Matcha hauls, Donki hauls, Beauty hauls, and whatnot. Okay, I am the first one to admit it, I love a good shop, too. …
2025 Gift Guide: Japan Edition
Since this blog has become pretty much a Japan appreciation blog in the past 18 months, it comes quite naturally that my gift guide is fairly Japan-centric this year. it is also fairly minimalistic – since I don’t shop much any more myself, online shopping …
10 Reasons why I love Komeda Coffee in Japan
Komeda’s Coffee is a Japanese coffee shop chain that few foreign visitors know – here is why I love them and why you should consider visiting on your next trip!
A Kyoto-based cherry blossom viewing Itinerary (with mobility issues)
It is your first trip to Japan, you have mobility issues, you want to see historical and cultural sights – and cherry blossoms. Is that even possible? I tried, and this is the outcome. Welcome to my Kyoto-based cherry blossom viewing Itinerary with mobility issues
Zen in the Woods: A Day Trip to elegant Eiheiji
In my quest for learning more about zen Buddhism -and getting away from crowds, I came to Fukui and Daihonzan Eiheiji. It is an easy visit thanks to the Shinkansen, and an excellent calm place of beauty and learning. I highly recommend this wonderful temple-monastery to anyone wishing to leave the realm of Kyoto and Nara for something a bit different.
Staying at a Business Hotel in Japan
When you travel around Japan and want comfort and convenience at a competitive price, a Business Hotel might be the answer! I introduce you to the concept of Japanese business hotels, and show you my favourites.
My Quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto
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.