Takayama city is beautiful during winter and is so easy to walk around that you would totally enjoy the experience! If my first post about Takayama did not entice you enough, here’s another one focusing solely on the accommodation and food (specifically wagyu). It was our first ryokan experience and so we were a bit worried in picking one that was too expensive or too authentic (some of you might choose a different route: i.e. …
{Japan Winter} Takayama, Gifu (Part 1): Cute little town covered in snow
People often ask me: “what’s there to do in Japan when it’s winter?” or “is there any small town you’d recommend in Japan?”. Well, here’s my answer: visit Takayama (and Shirakawa-go)! Takayama (高山) is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. The city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama. Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. Source: Japan-Guide.com We took a train …
{Japan Winter} Nabana no Sato, Nagashima: Japan’s spectacular winter illumination
The Japanese love their winter illuminations. Some illumination would end on Christmas Day, however others extend up until late February or even March. And if you are visiting Japan during this time, I would highly recommend planning a trip to one of the ridiculously gorgeous winter illumination spots. My favourite so far has to be Nabana no Sato (なばなの里) in Nagashima, Mie prefecture. During the day (and for most of the year), Nabana no Sato …
{Japan Winter} Yokohama: Momofuku Ando Cup Noodles Museum
Ever dreamed of making your own cup noodles or instant ramen? Well dream no more, just book a flight to Japan and visit Yokohama’s Momofuku Ando Cup Noodles Museum… Trust me, it’s worth your time. To begin with, you’ll actually get to see Yokohama, which is not a bad sight at all. And then there’s the fact that even Yoda got a little peko peko over Nissin’s cup noodles. If you need any more excuse to visit, …
{Tokyo Travel / Japan} Sanrio Puroland, Tama Center (Part 2): Magical twinkling stars
Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park not too far from the centre of Tokyo. Sanrio is the maker of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Bad Badtz Maru, and other adorable characters… My favourite had to be Little Twin Stars. So the most exciting part for me was when we did the Twinkling Tour, a tour of Kiki & Lala’s house. Yep, a kid’s dream (i.e. mine) was about to come true. This really kawaii attendant explained some …
{Tokyo Travel / Japan} Sanrio Puroland, Tama Center (Part 1): Hello Kitty Disneyland
Most people know what Hello Kitty is. Many around the world have fallen in love with this particular cat. But a lot are not aware that there are more characters created by Sanrio that are ridiculously kawaii and equally famous (in Japan and other Asian countries). Since a young age, probably even before Disney enticed me with its magic, Sanrio has had a hold on me. My favourite would have to be Little Twin Stars. I …
10 things you’ll miss from Japan (Part 4: Culture edition)
The culture of old and new, the mix of traditional and modern, the festivals and high-tech events… These are the beautiful contradictions of Japan. I always say to my friends: “No matter what kind of traveller you are, there’s something for you to love about Japan”. So I’ve said 30 things that I’ll miss about Japan so far (from food edition to winter edition to ladies edition), here’s another 10 to complete the list: 10 …
10 things you’ll miss from Japan (Part 3: Ladies edition)
Ladies, you will love Japan and you will go there and return back home and miss it terribly. I know I caught the Japan bug and am already planning my next visit and the next one after. Heck, I’m probably going to end up living there one day at the rate that I’m going… So anyways, I’ve done 10 food-related things you’ll miss from Japan and 10 things you’ll miss from Japan winter, so here’s my …
10 things you’ll miss from Japan (Part 2: Winter edition)
If you love winter, you’re going to love Japan! This is part two of the four part series of “10 things you’ll miss from Japan”, the first part is all about food and it is glorious. If you have friends who love skiing, you’ve probably heard them talk about Japan in winter. You’re not going to find that in my list today, because I don’t do exercise and extreme sports is scary. Yes, I’m sad like that. …
10 things you’ll miss from Japan (Part 1: Food edition)
I am starting a four part series on the 10 things (and then 10 more, another 10, and yep 10 more after that) you will miss from Japan. Why? Because I totes miss Japan already, and it’s only been less than two weeks since I’ve been back from my fourth trip to the land of the rising sun. And plus this will be a good list for anyone who’s planning to visit Japan, yes, start your …