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 with perfect location

Hotel Review: Gion Shinmonso Kyoto: Comfortable Gion hotel with 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 casually get you anywhere?

Does Learning Japanese casually 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.

Famous Kyoto Cherry Blossoms without the crowds – possible or not?

Famous Kyoto Cherry Blossoms without the crowds – possible or not?

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?

An Ode to the glorious Mamachari

An Ode to the glorious Mamachari

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 

Hotel Review of Higurashi-sou Guesthouse, Kyoto: Rustic Kyoto Townhouse charm

Hotel Review of Higurashi-sou Guesthouse, Kyoto: Rustic Kyoto Townhouse charm

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.

Kyoto Autumn Leaves without the Crowds

Kyoto Autumn Leaves without the Crowds

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.