Nagasaki Peace Memorials – More than Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum
Learn more about the Nagasaki Peace Memorials in this post, which include many smaller sites and temples, easily visited in a day in Nagasaki.
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Hotel Review of Tabist Kiki Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Takakura: comfortable and stylish Downtown kyoto hotel
Looking for an affordable yet stylish and comfortable hotel in Downtown Kyoto, where you can walk everywhere, and have good access to public transport? Consider Tabist Kiki Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Takakura for your next stay. Its mid-priced, mid-range style will appeal to mosts tastes, and it is friendly and in a great location!
How to enjoy your trip to Japan in summer
Are you planning to visit Japan in summer? While it may not be the ideal time for a trip to Japan due to the intense heat, a summer trip has some perks, too – festivals, kakigori and cheaper hotel rates! This post will help you dealing with the intense Japanese summer heat.
My favourite Kyoto shops: Kyukyodo Honten for quality 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
Hotel Review: Gion Shinmonso Kyoto: Comfortable Gion hotel in a perfect location
When it comes to finding a good value for money Kyoto hotel, trust me to review some pretty good ones – so here is another one I recommend, for those who wish to stay in Gion and not pay through the nose for location – quiet, clean, four stars, for just over 100 Euro!
Flying Turkish Airlines to Indonesia – a review
My most recent flight was with Turkish Airlines, whom I know and trust, and well – what a relief to fly without running like crazy for my connection, being put on standby or being treated in the most rude way I can remember… Turkish Airline …
Hotel Review: Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei, the best well-rounded accommodation for Kyoto tourists
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei is one of the nicest mid-range hotels I stayed in in Kyoto, combining comfort and traditional Japanese culture in an easy to access modern hotel. Its location between Kyoto Station and Downtown means good public transport links, yet it’s calm and quiet and very comfortable. And if that weren’t enough, its excellent staff will make you feel welcome!
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
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!
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.
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
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
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
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 …