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 

Hotel Review of Higurashi-sou Guesthouse, Kyoto: Rustic Kyoto Townhouse charm

Hotel Review of Higurashi-sou Guesthouse, Kyoto: Rustic Kyoto Townhouse charm

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.

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.

My Traditional Japanese Ceramics Dream Trip

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

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 

Hotel Review of Guesthouse Soi, Kyoto:  A Modern Guesthouse with Attitude

Hotel Review of Guesthouse Soi, Kyoto: A Modern Guesthouse with Attitude

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.

My delayed Finnair Japan flight Experience

My delayed Finnair Japan flight Experience

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 

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!

My worst 2024 travel fails

My worst 2024 travel fails

Yes, let’s write a entertaining post about the trainwrecks that are my worst 2024 travel fails, because who doesn’t like a bit of cringe. Truth is, I am learning from all these fails, and if you won’t find enough amusement, you might actually not make 

“To Face the Truth” My 2024 travel year review

“To Face the Truth” My 2024 travel year review

The traditional end-of-year retrospective musings of trips completed and not completed.

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!

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.