Travelling
Gallery Nozawa Inn is a charming tiny guesthouse in a restored Kyoto townhouse with just two rooms – but bags of charme and attentive service at high-class ryokan level but at a fraction of the price. This is my honest review of Gallery Nozawa Inn, no promotion, just a honest recommendation!
Here comes Part 2 of Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites – which ones to visit, and how to avoid the biggest crowds! Starting with the two sites in Uji, we’re going from mid-Heian period to the “newest” site, which is Nijo Castle. Complete with advice how to visit, and less crowded alternatives!
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.
Visiting all 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto might be an ambitious undertaking – can you reasonably visit them all, and if not, which ones are especially worthwhile which ones are easy to visit and crowd-free? This post comes in two parts and will give you a short introduction, photographic impression, and a very personal view on the sites I have visited so far.
Are you looking for nice and clean central Kyoto accommodation, but have grown out of hostels? The Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo is a superb value for money: clean, comfortable Downtown Kyoto hotel with great access to public transport, shopping, and restaurants.
Kyoto, with all its attractions – and the crowds it pulls, can be a drain on your holiday finances – but you can visit Kyoto on a modest budget, too. But who am I to tell you how to have a great time in Kyoto …
Learn more about the Nagasaki Peace Memorials in this post, which include many smaller sites and temples, easily visited in a day in Nagasaki.
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!
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 …
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!
Does Learning Japanese casually – by using a free app- work well enough to enable you to speak basic Japanese confidently? I am sharing my route to serviceable tourist Japanese by doing just that, in the space of a year – so it is possible, with an investment of just a few minutes a day. Please note this is not a sponsored post.
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.
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.
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.
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