How to enjoy a Capsule Hotel Stay in Japan

How to enjoy a Capsule Hotel Stay in Japan

Have you considered staying in a capsule hotel on your Japan trip? Here is a handy guide if you are not familiar with this convenient budget friendly type of accommodation.

How to choose between 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto, Part 1

How to choose between 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto, Part 1

Visiting all 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto might be an ambitious undertaking – can you reasonably visit them all, and if not, which ones are especially worthwhile which ones are easy to visit and crowd-free? This post comes in two parts and will give you a short introduction, photographic impression, and a very personal view on the sites I have visited so far.

Hotel Review of Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo: clean, comfy, central – and on budget

Hotel Review of Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo: clean, comfy, central – and on budget

Are you looking for nice and clean central Kyoto accommodation, but have grown out of hostels? The Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo is a superb value for money: clean, comfortable Downtown Kyoto hotel with great access to public transport, shopping, and restaurants.

Hotel Review of Tabist Kiki Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Takakura: comfortable and stylish Downtown kyoto hotel

Hotel Review of Tabist Kiki Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Takakura: comfortable and stylish Downtown kyoto hotel

Looking for an affordable yet stylish and comfortable hotel in Downtown Kyoto, where you can walk everywhere, and have good access to public transport? Consider Tabist Kiki Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Takakura for your next stay. Its mid-priced, mid-range style will appeal to mosts tastes, and it is friendly and in a great location!

My favourite Kyoto shops: Kyukyodo Honten for quality paper and incense

My favourite Kyoto shops: Kyukyodo Honten for quality paper and incense

In this series of my favourite shops in Kyoto, I am going to show you some wonderful tried-and-tested shops for sustainable souvenirs and quality handmade goods, starting with Kyukyodo Honten, Kyoto’s venerable manufacturer of superb paper goods and incense

Hotel Review: Gion Shinmonso Kyoto: Comfortable Gion hotel in a perfect location

Hotel Review: Gion Shinmonso Kyoto: Comfortable Gion hotel in a perfect location

When it comes to finding a good value for money Kyoto hotel, trust me to review some pretty good ones – so here is another one I recommend, for those who wish to stay in Gion and not pay through the nose for location – quiet, clean, four stars, for just over 100 Euro!

Java and Bali Travel Planning made easy and stress-free

Java and Bali Travel Planning made easy and stress-free

Java and Bali can easily be visited without a tour, even if you are planning to travel around these beautiful Indonesian islands. This post gives you an overview of easy and stress-free trip planning, including how to prepare, when to secure your accommodation and how to plan your individual itinerary.

Flying Turkish Airlines to Indonesia – a review

Flying Turkish Airlines to Indonesia – a review

My most recent flight was with Turkish Airlines, whom I know and trust, and well – what a relief to fly without running like crazy for my connection, being put on standby or being treated in the most rude way I can remember… Turkish Airline 

Hotel Review: Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei, the best well-rounded accommodation for Kyoto tourists

Hotel Review: Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei, the best well-rounded accommodation for Kyoto tourists

Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei is one of the nicest mid-range hotels I stayed in in Kyoto, combining comfort and traditional Japanese culture in an easy to access modern hotel. Its location between Kyoto Station and Downtown means good public transport links, yet it’s calm and quiet and very comfortable. And if that weren’t enough, its excellent staff will make you feel welcome!

Where to buy matcha in Japan – when the media tell you there is a shortage

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

Is Flying KLM in Premium Economy to Japan  worth it?

Is Flying KLM in Premium Economy to Japan worth it?

Is flying KLM to Japan, with a transfer at AMS/Schiphol, good? Here I share my personal experience flying KLM to Kansai International Airport in Premium Economy during high season in April. Please consider reading before you book!

My Makanai-inspired Bicycle Ride in Kyoto

My Makanai-inspired Bicycle Ride in Kyoto

Hot on the heels of my “Makanai” filming locations post, I put together a bicycle route for a leisurely day of exploring locations from this beautiful series. Cycling is the best way to get around Kyoto, and is ideal to visit locations outside Gion.

Love “The Makanai”? Visit Makanai filming locations in Kyoto!

Love “The Makanai”? Visit Makanai filming locations in Kyoto!

Did you love watching “The Makanai” and are you visiting Japan soon? You can visit a lot of the filming location for this charming drama series in Kyoto – just plan a little and learn a bit about Kyoto and its geisha culture.

My Tokyo Dessert Rallye inspired by Saboriman Kantarou

My Tokyo Dessert Rallye inspired by Saboriman Kantarou

Last year, I followed in the footsteps on the Sweet-toothed Salaryman and visited some dessert shops featured in the Japanese TV show. Is it all hype, or are these some great places for your sweet tooth, too? In my very own Tokyo Dessert Rallye, I may not have visited them all but there is always more to enjoy if and when I return!

Does Learning Japanese leisurely with little free time get you anywhere?

Does Learning Japanese leisurely with little free time get you anywhere?

Does Learning Japanese casually – by using a free app- work well enough to enable you to speak basic Japanese confidently? I am sharing my route to serviceable tourist Japanese by doing just that, in the space of a year – so it is possible, with an investment of just a few minutes a day. Please note this is not a sponsored post.