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
Travelling
Arts&Crafts
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
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
My Traditional Japanese Ceramics Dream Trip
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.
The 5 best notebooks for your travel journal
Do you keep a travel journal? What are the best notebooks for your travel journal? Or are they a thing of the past, now the cheapest smartphone has camera and video function? Call me old-fashioned, but I have always loved to write my travel …
The perfect Uzbekistan Textile Lovers Itinerary
If you asked me about a single destination for the best textile arts, I would have a hard time deciding, but it probably would be Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan textile lovers, this itinerary is for you. Having written plenty about the textile shopping in Uzbekistan here already, …
How to buy a Japanese cooking knife in Sakai
How about a top-notch cooking knife as a long-lasting useful souvenir from your Japan trip? This post is about where to view the production process and then shop for a Japanese cooking knife in Sakai
How to buy a beautiful authentic Laguiole knife
This post details how to recognise authentic Laguiole knives, explains where and how Laguiole knives are produced, and where to shop for them. It concentrates on buying directly from one of France’s Laguiole knife producers in laguiole or Espalion, beautiful places in Southern France well worth a visit
A fun trip to Laguiole, the French knife paradise
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!
Fabric Shopping in Uzbekistan: Gorgeous ikat and vibrant colours
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.
Silk Road Treasures: Beautiful Souvenir Shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara
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,
Fabric Shopping in Nagasaki: Gorgeous cloth galore!
A hobby sewist shares insights from fabric shopping in Nagasaki. The blog details various high-quality Japanese fabrics available, from traditional prints to modern designs, and provides a thorough guide on fabric types such as cotton, chirimen, and Liberty Tana Lawn. Key fabric stores in Nagasaki are highlighted for their selection and decent prices. The post emphasizes personal experiences and advice for fabric enthusiasts.
Treasure Hunting in Arita
Treasure Hunting in Arita was dream come true. I love Japanese ceramics and porcelain. Many years ago, trips to the now defunct Oriental City were a wonderful respite from toiling away in a laboratory. Years later, my already decent Japanese tableware collection was supplemented by …
Okawachiyama, the Beautiful Village of the Secret Kilns
When you love Japanese ceramics, visiting Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island is highly recommended. I studied in Nagasaki this year , so a trip to the kilns of Arita and Imari was pretty high on my wish list. When I wrote my Japanese Ceramics Dream trip …
The best Eastern German Christmas Goodies
Some amazing things come from Eastern Germany but are below many people’s radar. Eastern German Christmas goodies are one such thing, and it is a real shame they are not celebrated worldwide. And as a proud Eastern German, I see it as my job to …