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!

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 

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.

How to enjoy a capsule hotel stay in Japan

How to enjoy a capsule hotel stay in Japan

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.

Cruelty-free Japanese beauty  – Shop cruelty-free!

Cruelty-free Japanese beauty – Shop cruelty-free!

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 perfect Uzbekistan Textile Lovers Itinerary

The perfect Uzbekistan Textile Lovers Itinerary

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 of all time

My favourite travel gifts of all time

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 to buy a Japanese cooking knife in Sakai

How to buy a Japanese cooking knife in Sakai

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

A fun trip to Laguiole, the French knife paradise

A fun trip to Laguiole, the French knife paradise

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!

My Quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto

My Quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto

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.

Silk Road Treasures: Beautiful Souvenir Shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara

Silk Road Treasures: Beautiful Souvenir Shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara

This is my no nonsense guide to shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara for when you visit Uzbekistan. It is focused in local fairly made craft items, textiles and foodie souvenirs, with plenty of practical tips on where to find the nicest quality Uzbek souvenirs,

Finding Vegetarian Food in Japan – Mission Impossible or Easy as Pie?

Finding Vegetarian Food in Japan – Mission Impossible or Easy as Pie?

Being a vegetarian or vegan when travelling in Japan can be a bit challenging, but with a list of foods and a bit of Japanese it is not impossible. This post will suggest vegetarian-friendly foods and advise how to avoid fish and meat products when travelling in japan.