Flying Turkish Airlines to Japan- What is it like?
Is Turkish Airlines a good airline to fly to Japan on? Here is my full review, as always, self-paid and completely unbiased
Author: Anja
Shikoku Pilgrimage Day 2: Getting my cycling legs back
Day 2 of my Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage was my first cycling day, and despite the intense sun, I managed to see 6 temples, all in the outskirts of Tokushima, and experiences my first ever so mild hardship, cycling up the first hills in the June sun.
My Shikoku Pilgrimage Diary, Day 1: A Shaky Start
My firs day on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage was, strictly speaking a half day. I arrived late at night the day before, made my way to Tokushima, and started walking – my body might have been on Shikoku, my mind was somewhere between continents, and very jetlagged!
Arima Onsen Day Trip from Kyoto – worth it?
Is it worth making a special trip to Arima Onsen from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto? It is – if you seek relaxation and baths in some very different springs – and some very classy onsen resorts!
Find out how to get to Arima Onsen, where to bathe, and what else to see nearby.
How to do the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage with limited mobility – and limited time
Are you interested in joining the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage, but are worried about your mobility? I have started this pilgrimage, completed a section (Tokushima, T1-23, mostly by bicycle) and am sharing my practical tips and planning advice!
Hotel Review: The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta
When you visit Indonesia, you should not miss Yogyakarta and Borobudur. Stay in style, do your sightseeing, relax at a wonderful hotel. My honest review of the Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta, a sympathetically restored early 20th Century mansion. Worth the price tag? Convenient? Comfortable? All self-paid, non sponsored review.
Kyoto for Cats and their People: Nyan-nyan-ji and Nyan-Paku
You are visiting Kyoto, you truly love cats, what activities are there if you are a cat lover and you are not into big crowds (or commercial cat cafes)? Head to Yase to see the unique Nyan-nyan-ji and a witty cat related museum, and stop in a beautiful and quiet temple on the way!
Where to stay in Kyoto? Recommendations for every budget
Kyoto is famous, Kyoto is busy, and kyoto is one of the top destinations for visitors to Japan. Kyoto has plenty of accommodation. here are my tried and tested recommendations on where to stay in Kyoto- I have stayed in the majority of them on my own dime, so you can trust me for unbiased recommendations.
Quality not Quantity: Shopping in Japan, Kyoto 2026
You spend some time in Kyoto and want some recommendations for quality souvenirs, snacks, fashion and where to buy them? Read on – this post shows my shopping on my recent Kyoto trip, with information about shops, some of which are unique to Kyoto!
Can you climb Mount Ijen when less fit?
How difficult or dangerous is it to climb Gunung Ijen, the “Blue Volcano”, in East Bali? This is my personal experience as a middle-aged person who doesn’t have the best mobility, how I planned, and how I safely made it up and down the mountain.
Visiting Mount Bromo during Vesak or: How to party like the Javanese
My experience visiting Mount Bromo in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java on a National Holiday from a middle aged with slightly bad legs view – how to plan, what to bring, and… can you do it alone, without a tour?
Studying Japanese at Genki JACS in Kyoto: My Experience
In this post, I am sharing my personal experience of studying Japanese short-term (two weeks) at Genki Japanese and Culture School Kyoto, the booking process, my experience and what I learned. If you are considering learning Japanese in Japan, I hope this is useful for you.
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.
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.