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.
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 …
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, …
My favourite travel gifts are immaterial, and can be anything that enhances my travel experience. In most cases, other from being plain cash, a lovely special accommodation or an upgrade are my best travel gifts of all time! This post shows you some tried and tested destinations, special hotels and experiences you can gift to the traveller in your life!
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
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
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!