Travelling
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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!
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!
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.
Textile Lovers, visit Uzbekistan! Here is my shopping guide for ikat, suzani and more in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and in the textile-producing Fergana Valley.
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,
Your guide to shopping in the Caucasus is here! I am finally beginning to catch up during this period of not travelling very much. I mean, I could go, but due to the nature of my work, I am still somewhat more needed here in …
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.
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?
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.