Going kitty for Yanobe Kenji’s “Ship’s Cat”
Another cute cat post from Japan where you don’t need to worry about animal welfare, since they’re all metal and plastic but no less cute!
Travelling
Asia
My Shikoku Pilgrimage Day 5: It’s all Going South
Day Five of my bicycle Shikoku Pilgrimage, and we are going South towards Anan. Temples are a bit more spread out now, and there’s also the big busy highway to deal with – definitely feeling like on a new stage of the pilgrimage.
Japan Souvenirs: The genius Shupatto Bag
An ode to the Shupatto bag – another post in my series of beautiful, durable and special Japan souvenirs. You can buy them at Hands, Loft – and find special editions both at these stores and an exclusive line at Tokyo’s Itoya Stationery Emporium.
Shikoku Pilgrimage Day 4: How to be a Ninja
Day 4 of my Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (partial) diary! This is just a fun blog post where I describe my “kugiri uchi” pilgrimage by bicycle in more detail, along with recommendations for public transport alternatives and approach with limited mobility
Kurashiki or Kojima for cool Japan Denim?
Come along to the birthplace of Japanese denim, Okayama Prefecture! Of course you can buy in Tokyo, Osaka or any major city, but a day or two in Okayama Prefecture are perfect getting off the beaten track, and peacefully browse many indie label shops, enjoy some beautiful old architecture, museums, and learn about Japanese denim.
My Shikoku Pilgrimage Day 3: Snakes, Sushi and a Feast
Day 3 of my partial Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, where I cycled the Tokushima Temples in my standard European leave allowance (2 weeks) – and visited some other great places, including Kyoto.
Great Japan Souvenirs: Hooked on Hobonichi
In this series of indispensable and useful Japan souvenirs, I am going to introduce you to some some tried-and-tested favourites that always make it to my shopping list, and that are well worth buying. I never thought I would write this, and I never thought …
Flying Turkish Airlines to Japan- What is it like?
Is Turkish Airlines a good airline to fly to Japan on? Here is my full review, as always, self-paid and completely unbiased
Shikoku Pilgrimage Day 2: Getting my cycling legs back
Day 2 of my Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage was my first cycling day, and despite the intense sun, I managed to see 6 temples, all in the outskirts of Tokushima, and experiences my first ever so mild hardship, cycling up the first hills in the June sun.
My Shikoku Pilgrimage Diary, Day 1: A Shaky Start
My firs day on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage was, strictly speaking a half day. I arrived late at night the day before, made my way to Tokushima, and started walking – my body might have been on Shikoku, my mind was somewhere between continents, and very jetlagged!
Arima Onsen Day Trip from Kyoto – worth it?
Is it worth making a special trip to Arima Onsen from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto? It is – if you seek relaxation and baths in some very different springs – and some very classy onsen resorts!
Find out how to get to Arima Onsen, where to bathe, and what else to see nearby.
How to do the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage with limited mobility – and limited time
Are you interested in joining the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage, but are worried about your mobility? I have started this pilgrimage, completed a section (Tokushima, T1-23, mostly by bicycle) and am sharing my practical tips and planning advice!
Hotel Review: The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta
When you visit Indonesia, you should not miss Yogyakarta and Borobudur. Stay in style, do your sightseeing, relax at a wonderful hotel. My honest review of the Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta, a sympathetically restored early 20th Century mansion. Worth the price tag? Convenient? Comfortable? All self-paid, non sponsored review.
Kyoto for Cats and their People: Nyan-nyan-ji and Nyan-Paku
You are visiting Kyoto, you truly love cats, what activities are there if you are a cat lover and you are not into big crowds (or commercial cat cafes)? Head to Yase to see the unique Nyan-nyan-ji and a witty cat related museum, and stop in a beautiful and quiet temple on the way!
Where to stay in Kyoto? Recommendations for every budget
Kyoto is famous, Kyoto is busy, and Kyoto is one of the top destinations for visitors to Japan. Kyoto has plenty of accommodation. here are my tried and tested recommendations on where to stay in Kyoto- I have stayed in the majority of them on my own dime, so you can trust me for unbiased recommendations.