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.

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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.

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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 all directions. On one cloudy autumn morning last November, I used Nagoya as a jump-off point for exploring the Ise-Shima area: home of the most important Shintō shrine in Japan.

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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.

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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.

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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 a brief stay there in 2017. This February, I paid Busan another visit and got better acquainted with the more natural side of things – starting with a pleasant coastal park south of the city centre.

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Field Report:  Gyeongju, South Korea (03 February 2019)

Over the past couple of years, a city in Gyeongsangbuk-do has quietly risen to the top ranks of my favourite destinations in Korea. Rich in historic sites and archaeological discoveries – particularly in relation to the long-lost kingdom of Silla – this place has never failed to reveal something new, something incredible, something downright amazing every time I took a walk within its boundaries.

Welcome to Gyeongju.

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Field Report: Bulguksa, Gyeongju, South Korea (02 February 2019)

There was a very large gap in my first visit to Gyeongju last year: a gap by the name of Bulguksa. On my second encounter with this historic corner of Korea, filling that gap ranked amongst my highest priorities.

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Field Report:  Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, Japan (16 November 2018)

I love onsen towns, even though I’m not inclined to take the waters myself. With their narrow streets, relaxed atmosphere, old-fashioned architecture and rustic charm, even non-bathers will find them an excellent place to unwind, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s megacities. Today, we’ll stroll around a splendid little corner of Gunma Prefecture that might interest Tōkyō-based holidaymakers.

Welcome to Kusatsu Onsen.

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Rail-Bus Report: From Tōkyō to Kusatsu Onsen and back with a Japan Rail Pass

There’s more than one way to travel between Tōkyō and the famous hot spring town of Kusatsu Onsen. Moreover, it’s possible to do the entire journey for free with a Japan Rail Pass. In this report, we’ll try two different routes that rail pass holders can use at no extra cost.

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