As a minimalist traveler, I rarely buy things when I go abroad. But when my husband and I first visited Tokyo and Kyoto, we stuffed two bags full of the best souvenirs from Japan. In a land known for quality products, ...
Destinations
Tokyo Like a Local: 9 Unique Things to Do
Tokyo is the world’s second largest city and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Travelers who fall in love with this city find themselves drawn back again and again. But even repeat visitors can miss out on ...
Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide
Writing this Kyoto 2 day itinerary was an interesting challenge. Trying to condense my favorite city into 48 hours of sightseeing was no simple feat! But if you can only afford to spend two days in Kyoto, this itinerary ...
Osaka-Kyoto-Nara Itinerary: Highlights and Hidden Gems
Vibrant streets, awe-inspiring temples, delicious street food… This Osaka-Kyoto-Nara itinerary has it all. If you only have one week in Japan and want to experience as much of the country’s culture and history as ...
Visiting Amsterdam in Spring: 7 Bucket List Experiences
Summer is when most cities shine their brightest, but for Amsterdam the spring season takes the crown. After a dreary winter, Amsterdam comes alive with flowers in the parks, sunshine in the skies, and boats along the ...
Must Eat Food in Japan: Where to Find the Best Dishes
Japan is the only country where it's nearly impossible to have a bad meal. Even the food on my ANA flight was delicious and artfully presented, and I was seated in coach! If you want to sample the country's best dishes, ...
Alternative 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Highlights and Hidden Gems
If you had asked me 5 years ago how to spend 10 days in Japan, I would have given the same boring answer everyone else does. A few days each in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with maybe a day trip thrown in. Luckily, I've ...
11 Best Day Trips From Tokyo by Bullet Train
Thanks to the expanding shinkansen network, exploring Japan has never been easier. And if you're a foreign visitor, you can zip around the country without spending a fortune on tickets! These day trips from Tokyo by ...
Savor the Journey: 7 Places to Visit Between Tokyo and Kyoto
There are two kinds of people who visit Japan: those who speed along the Golden Route, and those who know where to slow down. Now, I can empathize with people who want to see all the famous things in a week. Vacation ...
12 Easy Day Trips from Kyoto for Nature Lovers
Kyoto is a wonderfully verdant city. Travelers flock here for bamboo groves, flower-lined paths, and tranquil shrine gardens. But if you have some time to spare, there are plenty of easy day trips from Kyoto that will ...