Book Review: “Walking With Buddha” by CW Lockhart
An honest review of this autobiographical take of a female US Pilgrim (mostly) walking the Shikoku Pilgrimage pre-2020. I bought the book, read it but it would not make it to my keeper bookshelf.
Travelling
In the Shops
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.
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.
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 …
Quality not Quantity: Shopping in Japan, Kyoto 2026
You spend some time in Kyoto and want some recommendations for quality souvenirs, snacks, fashion and where to buy them? Read on – this post shows my shopping on my recent Kyoto trip, with information about shops, some of which are unique to Kyoto!
Where to try Japanese Incense in Kyoto – and beyond
fragrant, sustainable and usually inexpensive gift from Japan – especially if you stick to reputable or traditional Japanese products. This post tells you where to try and buy incense in Kyoto and beyond
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
Shopping with Purpose: Shopping in Japan, Hanami 2025 Edition
When I relax and scroll, Instagram usually, I see tons of Japan videos popping up lately – lots and lots of shopping, Matcha hauls, Donki hauls, Beauty hauls, and whatnot. Okay, I am the first one to admit it, I love a good shop, too. …
2025 Gift Guide: Japan Edition
Since this blog has become pretty much a Japan appreciation blog in the past 18 months, it comes quite naturally that my gift guide is fairly Japan-centric this year. it is also fairly minimalistic – since I don’t shop much any more myself, online shopping …
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.
My favourite Kyoto shops: Kyukyodo Honten for superb 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
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
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!
My Traditional Japanese Ceramics Dream Trip
Japanese ceramics appreciation post and where to find ceramics centres in Japan! This post is highlighting notable pottery regions such as Tokoname, Kyo, Bizen, and Arita, detailing the historical and artistic significance of each pottery style. Practical travel tips and advice on workshops, museums, and transportation are provided for each location, underlining the blend of tradition and accessibility in Japanese ceramics.
The 5 best notebooks for your travel journal
Do you keep a travel journal? What are the best notebooks for your travel journal? Or are they a thing of the past, now the cheapest smartphone has camera and video function? Call me old-fashioned, but I have always loved to write my travel impressions …