Jun 2019 – Within striking distance

Rail-Bus Report: Travelling to and around the Kiso Valley from Nagoya, Japan

In this report, I’ll describe how I travelled to – and between – the wonderfully scenic Edo-period post towns of the Kiso Valley using public transportation, with Nagoya (the nearest major urban centre) as my base.

Field Report: Meoto Iwa and Hinjitsukan, Ise, Japan (26 November 2018)

During the second part of my visit to Ise, I ventured out of the city centre to see two local landmarks: one natural, one man-made, and each with its own special charm.

Food Report: A Peanuts-themed Omurice Lunch at Snoopy Cha-ya (Ise, Japan)

Lunch? Good. Snoopy? Better. A Snoopy-themed café that offers a hearty lunch and official merchandise? Hmm, I think we’ll need to skip the superlative level and fish for another adjective above “Best”. Welcome to Snoopy Cha-ya.

Field Report: Ise Jingū, Mie, Japan (26 November 2018)

Nagoya is one of my favourite places in Japan, with history and culture and delicious local cuisine in spades. That said, when I’m in the mood for something a little different, this city’s status as a regional transport hub really proves its worth, with a broad range of options for easy day trips in allContinue reading “Field Report: Ise Jingū, Mie, Japan (26 November 2018)”

Rail Report: Travelling by Train between Nagoya and Ise-Shima, Japan

In this report, we’ll explore two options for travelling by train between Nagoya and the Ise-Shima area: one operated by Kintetsu Railway, the other by Japan Railways.

Field Report: Dongbaekseom, Busan, South Korea (04 February 2019)

After spending part of the morning at Busan’s Taejongdae forest park, I made my way to one of the city’s other public leisure grounds: an island – or rather, former island – where world leaders enjoyed both Korean hospitality and Korean natural beauty.

Field Report: Taejongdae Park, Busan, South Korea (04 February 2019)

As the busiest port and second most populous city in Korea, Busan (부산) might easily be dismissed as a soulless industrial hub, rich in concrete but poor in charm. I’ll admit to entertaining that notion in the past, but this false idea was decisively dispelled by the historic and cultural attractions I enjoyed during aContinue reading “Field Report: Taejongdae Park, Busan, South Korea (04 February 2019)”