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
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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
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
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?
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.
Is exclusive Saiho-ji in Kyoto (Koke-dera) worth visiting?
Saiho-ji, also known as Koke-dera, the Moss Temple, is a small temple in Western Kyoto that operates a strict entry policy and charges comparatively steep entry fees. Therefore, it draws far fewer crowds. Is it worth the trip and visiting for its exemplary Japanese dry landscape garden and famous moss gardens?
How to enjoy the Gion Matsuri as a tourist
Gion Matsuri is a vibrant month-long festival taking place in Kyoto in July every year. It is huge and has so many highlights and is great for tourists to enjoy. Here is a guide on how to experience the best of Gion Matsuri as a tourist.
How to enjoy the Nachi no Ogi Matsuri as a tourist
Do you want to visit the beautiful Kumano Kodo Region and take part in their famous fire festival, the Nachi no Ogi Matsuri? I visited in 2024 and am sharing my honest tips on attending this festival as a tourist, with timings, practicalities, and where to base yourself
Sasayama, the Stylish Country Town
Sasayama is the perfect place for a couple relaxed days away from the crowds near Kyoto and Osaka. It has a superbly preserved old merchant street, lovely ceramics, historic buildings and stylish cafes – a perfect place you will have all to yourself during the week!
How much does a 10-Day Japan trip cost?
How much is a trip to Japan? Well… it may cost less than you expect! Start with a reasonably priced flight, consider travel outside the main season, and book well in advance! This post is a spending breakdown of ten days, travelling on a moderate budget, taking in two major festivals
10 Things that make your Japan trip easy!
Have you thought of visiting Japan? It’s currently my favourite destination, but Japan and I go back a long time… 20 years, in fact! Here are ten things that make your Japan trip easy, and I hope I can encourage you to visit.
Kumano Kodo with limited mobility
Can you visit the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage paths and their sights with limited mobility, and what is the best route to take? This post describes accessibility to the main sited, parts of the route that can be walked with limited mobility, and suggests an itinerary and accommodations.
Unjetlagging in Sakai
Visit Sakai if you land in Kansai Airport, and you prefer a soft landing, full of food, comfy beds and Japanese attractions… then buy a superb handcrafted kitchen knife from one of its many workshops.
How to prepare for your Japan Trip
A short and concise post about preparation for a Japan trip. Japan is one of the safest countries to visit, and it does not the much to prepare for an independent trip on a self-made itinerary. Here are my concise tips on transport, money, accommodation and being a good tourist in this wonderful country.
Cycling in Kyoto – Genius or Madness?
The post discusses the benefits and challenges of cycling in Kyoto, a city with crowded public transportation, especially on buses. Kyoto is navigable by bike with available rentals and parking. This post highlights how to hire bicycles, recommended routes, cycling rules, and hotels that accommodate cyclists.