I like travelling alone. That way, I've only got one idiot to worry about.
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.
Continue reading “Food Report: A Peanuts-themed Omurice Lunch at Snoopy Cha-ya (Ise, Japan)”
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.
Continue reading “Field Report: Ise Jingū, Mie, Japan (26 November 2018)”
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.
Continue reading “Rail Report: Travelling by Train between Nagoya and Ise-Shima, Japan”
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.
Continue reading “Field Report: Dongbaekseom, 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.
Continue reading “Field Report: Taejongdae Park, Busan, South Korea (04 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.
Continue reading “Field Report: Gyeongju, South Korea (03 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.
Continue reading “Field Report: Bulguksa, Gyeongju, South Korea (02 February 2019)”
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.
Continue reading “Field Report: Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, Japan (16 November 2018)”
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.
Continue reading “Rail-Bus Report: From Tōkyō to Kusatsu Onsen and back with a Japan Rail Pass”
Let’s close off my first round-trip experience on Emirates by looking at their performance on the last leg: the long flight from our transit point at Dubai to our final destination, Manila.
Welcome aboard Emirates flight EK 332.
Continue reading “Flight Report: DXB-MNL on Emirates Flight EK 332 (04 April 2019)”
Within striking distance