Travelling
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 …
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!
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 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!
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.
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.
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 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.
Kyoto’s Cherry blossoms are famous, and Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest seasons for tourists. CAn you even view cherry blossoms in relative peace in Kyoto without encountering huge crowds?
Oh, how little I would have seen on my recent Japan trips without a bicycle. With a slight mobility impairment, crowded buses and some accommodations away from public transport hubs, the bicycle, often provided by my accommodation, became a priceless companion. Even in 2023, when …
Would you like to stay in a traditional Kyoto Townhouse on a moderate budget? Higurashi-Sou is the place for you. Although it is not in the centre of Kyoto, it is well connected, and truly warm and charming, a definite recommendation/ read my full review here.
Can you enjoy the autumn leaves in Kyoto without encountering huge crowds? It’s possible, it all take a little research beyond, being open to venture past the touristic centre, and an appreciation for quiet admiration and blending in with the local visitors.
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.
Guesthouse Soi in Kyoto is a modern moderate budget guesthouse offering private accommodation at the foot of Kiyomizudera – read my unbiased review here – I paid full price, I don’t mince my words.
Further to my previous post on Flying Finnair to Japan, I want to honestly report my experience about my delayed Finnair Japan flight – a trip that did not go so well, along with tips what I learned from it and how to make the …