-
Museums of Japan: Matsura Historical Museum (Hirado, Japan)
About Matsura Historical Museum (松浦史料博物館, Matsura Shiryō Hakubutsukan) Housed in a 19th century nobleman’s villa, the Matsura Historical Museum showcases the precious heirlooms of the Matsura family (rulers of Hirado during the Edo Period). There are lots of absolutely gorgeous pieces on display, including splendid specimens of traditional lacquerware and a pair of screens executed…
-
Museums of Japan: Hirado Dutch Trading Post (Hirado, Japan)
About Hirado Dutch Trading Post (平戸オランダ商館, Hirado Oranda shōkan) This building is a meticulous reconstruction of a 1639 warehouse that once stood in the Dutch Trading Post at Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture. The Japanese operations of the United East India Company were headquartered here before the Tokugawa government forced them to relocate to Dejima. The interior…
-
Quick Flight Thoughts: MNL-NRT on Jetstar Japan GK40 (12 Nov 2025)
Jetstar Japan (GK) are my default choice for this short international hop, and for good reason. They do exactly what’s printed on the tin: no frills, no fuss, and no nasty surprises. Bang on schedule – won’t always be the case but this particular flight was. Legroom is tight, though adequate for my small frame;…
-
Atypical Adventures: What’s past is prologue
32 trips to Japan, thus far. The first was in 2009, the most recent in 2026. And I’ve set foot in all 47 prefectures. I’ve had people ask if I have family there. Some would say in jest that I have a secret family there, a wife and children I keep in the shadows. Not…
-
Relaunch.
As the title states. I’ve been burnt out for a long, long time, but the energy is trickling back – and I feel that I have a few drops to spare for writing. This place will be a construction site of sorts whilst I figure out how best to move forward, so do bear with…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Within striking distance 