Field Report: Akō Castle, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan (20 November 2016)

I’m not an admirer of the Forty-seven Rōnin. I’ve done a fair bit of research on this famous 18th-century tale of revenge, and my position as it currently stands is 1) the deed itself was not as honourable as we’re told, and 2) their target was not as guilty as he’s been made out to be. That said, as a Japanese castle enthusiast, I couldn’t very well pass up the chance to visit the ruins of the magnificent fortress that these men – and their ill-fated master – once called home.

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Field Report: Marugame Castle, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan (19 November 2016)

In my previous post, we had a look at one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles. On my way back to Okayama, I managed to squeeze in one more. I now regret making that brief stopover – not because the castle I saw was disappointing, but because it was so flipping awesome that I can’t forgive my not setting aside more time for the visit.

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Field Report: Kōchi Castle, Japan (19 November 2016)

There are scores of castles scattered all across Japan, but only twelve of them still have their original tenshu (main tower); the rest have either modern-day replicas or empty, ruined foundations. Even rarer are those that have all of the structures in their honmaru (innermost enclosure) intact, tenshu and palace and defensive towers and all. In fact, there’s only one such castle in the entire country – and today we’re heading out to see it.

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Field Report: Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (18 November 2016)

A short hop on the San’yō Shinkansen brought me to Fukuyama, near the border between Hiroshima Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture. Although this place doesn’t figure very highly in Chūgoku itineraries – save perhaps for the lovely old port of Tomonoura in its southern reaches – history enthusiasts will no doubt share my interest in the city’s castle and the splendid prefectural museum nearby.

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Terminal Report: Gimhae International Airport (PUS), Busan, South Korea

Today, let’s take a look at what it’s like to fly from Busan’s Gimhae International Airport (PUS), one of the main gateways to South Korea’s second most populous city.

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Field Report: Walking to the summit of Mount Misen, Miyajima, Japan (17 November 2016)

For some, it’s the journey; for others, it’s the destination. And for those of us who choose to stand in the blissful middle, there’s the phenomenal satisfaction of enjoying the complete experience, from the roots of the mountain to its peak and back.

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Flight Report:  PUS-MNL on Philippine Airlines Flight PR419

In my previous post, we saw what it’s like to fly from Manila to Seoul with Philippine Airlines. Now let’s have a look at their performance on another Korean route, departing from Busan and heading back to Manila.

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Flight Report:  MNL-ICN on Philippine Airlines Flight PR466

I tend to give most of my business to budget carriers on regional routes, but I’m happy to upgrade myself to a full-service airline when the prices are right or the schedules suit my preferences. On my latest trip to Korea, I settled on flag carrier Philippine Airlines (IATA Code: PR) and, despite various shortcomings, I’m pleased to say that I was satisfied with the experience.

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Field Report: An autumn stroll in Miyajima, Japan (17 November 2016)

Hiroshima is probably best known for the various landmarks associated with the 1945 atomic bombing, but an island not far from the city offers some of the most rewarding sightseeing one can possibly hope for in this part of Japan. Join me as we take a peek at some of the historic architectural treasures found on the island of Miyajima, less than an hour away from the centre of the city.

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Flight Report:  KIX-MNL on Jetstar Asia Flight 3K764

In my previous post, we saw what it’s like to fly from Manila to Ōsaka with Jetstar Asia (IATA code: 3K). Now let’s have a look at the experience going in the opposite direction, departing from Ōsaka and heading back to Manila.

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