Travelling
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 …
The review discusses the author’s recent flight experience with Finnair from Berlin to Osaka. The review include the airline’s high safety ratings, user-friendly booking platform, mixed airport experiences, and relatively comfortable flights with good legroom. Criticisms focus on the in-flight entertainment and food quality. Overall, I would recommend flying for its safety and convenience.
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.
Do you like Japanese Beauty hauls? Please do it with a conscience. This post introduces you to some cruelty-free Japanese beauty brands and where to find them. Japanese beauty and skincare products are great, so buy cruelty-free and enjoy! All have been purchased and tried by me!
The traditional end-of-year retrospective musings of trips completed and not completed.
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 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
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.