I’m currently in Bath (the city, not the tub) where I’ll be ringing in the new year. It’s the last day of the year. The final blog post of 2018. Time to make travel plans for 2019 and look back at the beautiful places we visited this year. I didn’t travel as much as...
Japan
RECENT POSTS
My 8 Favorite Things to Do and See in Kyoto
After the first couple of days in Tokyo, we continue our trip through Japan in Kyoto. By now the worst of that terrible jet-lag (that never seems to end) is behind us. And we're getting better at finding our way in this country that feels so structured and organised,...
Sleeping in a Japanese Buddhist temple: a unique stay you’ll never forget
I'm seeing snow on the side of the road. And I'm cold. So incredibly cold. We just arrived in Koyasan (Mount Koya) after a long journey from Osaka to stay at a Buddhist temple. It took a metro, three trains, one steep cable car and a bus to get here and to...
The ultimate Japanese experience: staying at a traditional ryokan in Kyoto
"And this is Charlie Chaplin and his wife, having a tea ceremony with my aunt in this room." I'm looking at the black & white picture and love that even though she has probably showed this to many of her guests over the years, you can tell that she also...
The story behind the photo: Geisha spotting in Kyoto
When you take many photos - whether it's on your phone of with a big expensive camera - you'll sometimes get one shot that stands out. One you keep looking at. It doesn't necessarily have to be perfect, it may not be fit to show in an art gallery,...
Tokyo Vlog: Favorite Things to Do & Places to Eat
If you think Tokyo is just another big city, comparable to New York and London, then you're up for a big surprise. This city is different! It's organized and chaotic, calm and loud, crazy and overwhelming at the same time. As much as you hear about Tokyo, you have to...
A Perfect 2 Week Itinerary for Your First Trip to Japan
It doesn't matter how long you plan to stay in Japan. It will never be enough. After your first day you'll want more. More food, more interesting (and often quirky) culture, more beautiful sights, more cities, more nature. And life will never be the same again...
VIDEO