Okonomimura: Hiroshima’s Must-Visit Okonomiyaki Village

For an authentic and unforgettable dining experience in Hiroshima, don’t miss visiting Okonomimura. Okonomimura is a multi-story “okonomiyaki village” of more than 25 tiny okonomiyaki restaurants across four floors, squeezed into a mid-century commercial building in downtown Hiroshima. We had so much fun dining at Okonomimura, that we returned two nights in a row! Read on for my guide to visiting & dining at Okonomimura … Continue reading Okonomimura: Hiroshima’s Must-Visit Okonomiyaki Village

kiyomuzidera temple in kyoto japan

7 of the Best Places in Japan to Visit in 2026

Japan is one of the most appealing travel destinations in the world. From the historic streets of Kyoto to the dazzling districts of futuristic Tokyo, to natural wonders like Mt Fuji and the Seto Inland Sea to manmade icons like Himeji Castle and the floating Itsukushima Shrine, the best places to visit in Japan offer a world of awe and wonder within the island nation. … Continue reading 7 of the Best Places in Japan to Visit in 2026

Itinerary 1 Week in Tokyo Sticky post

Itinerary: One Week in Tokyo (2025)

Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world, so I wanted to spend more than a few days on my first visit to the capital of Japan. This itinerary for one week in Tokyo is based on our own trip, sharing the best things to see, do & eat in Tokyo for first time visitors. Our itinerary for one week in Tokyo includes … Continue reading Itinerary: One Week in Tokyo (2025)

View of hiroshima

Hiroshima Travel Guide For First Time Visitors (2025)

Hiroshima is a small but beautiful Japanese city, which rewards travellers who include it in their travel itinerary. Hiroshima is best known for being an International City of Peace & Culture, in response to the catastrophic atomic bomb that the US dropped on the city during World War II, on 6 August, 1945. However, there is more to discover in Hiroshima beyond the Peace Memorial … Continue reading Hiroshima Travel Guide For First Time Visitors (2025)

Kyoto

Kyoto Travel Guide for First Time Visitors (2025)

Kyoto is one of the most spectacular cities in Japan, and one of the most unique travel destinations in the world.  This Kyoto travel guide is based on my own experiences in Kyoto, and is designed as an easy-to-digest introduction and travel guide for first time visitors to Kyoto. I hope this first timer’s guide to Kyoto helps you find your bearings, and find the … Continue reading Kyoto Travel Guide for First Time Visitors (2025)

crowds in kyoto

How to Avoid the Crowds in Kyoto: 5 tips for beating the crowds & maximising your visit

Kyoto has made headlines in recent years for becoming unbearably overcrowded, with more than 75 million visitors now visiting the Kyoto prefecture every year. Kyoto is a spectacular city, but without some careful planning, the crowds could define your visit. After my own recent trip to Kyoto, I’ve written this guide on how to avoid the crowds in Kyoto, and how to plan your Kyoto … Continue reading How to Avoid the Crowds in Kyoto: 5 tips for beating the crowds & maximising your visit

Yanaka Ginza Tokyo

Itinerary: One Day in Northern Tokyo

Tokyo is the biggest city in the world, so it makes sense to break the city into smaller regions to get the most out of your time. Northern Tokyo is a beautiful and historic part of the city, which includes Tokyo’s old town, Yanaka, and is a totally different and more tranquil experience than visiting Shibuya and Shinjuku. I think visiting Northern Tokyo is a … Continue reading Itinerary: One Day in Northern Tokyo

Best things to do in tokyo

20 of The Absolute Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, returning or visiting for cherry blossom season, you’ll be spoilt for choice for the best things to do in Tokyo. Tokyo is the biggest city in the world, and is like five cities joined together, with a dizzying array of things to discover. I spent a week in Tokyo, and loved having so much time to explore … Continue reading 20 of The Absolute Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Photo of Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Japan

Visiting Tokyo’s Senso-Ji Temple

Senso-Ji Temple is one of the most magnificent Buddhist temples in Tokyo. Located in the historic Asakusa district, Senso-Ji is the oldest established temple in Tokyo, originally built in the 7th century. It was destroyed by air raids during WWII and has since been rebuilt faithfully to the original. When visiting Senso-Ji, make time to explore Nakamise Dori, a shopping street lined with small shops … Continue reading Visiting Tokyo’s Senso-Ji Temple

path to meiji shrine yoyogi park tokyo

Exploring Yoyogi Park: Meiji Shrine, Earth Garden & The Tokyo Flea Market

As one of the biggest city parks in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park is a hive of activity. Yoyogi Park is home to the Meiji Shrine, as well as the Tokyo Flea Market. In spring it is a popular spot for enjoying the cherry blossom trees, but when we visited in Autumn, we found the Autumn instalment of the quarterly Earth Garden festival, which was a nice surprise. Japan … Continue reading Exploring Yoyogi Park: Meiji Shrine, Earth Garden & The Tokyo Flea Market