Japan
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The Ultimate Travel Guide: Nagoya
Often cast in the shadows of the nearby cities of Kyoto and Osaka, Nagoya is Japan’s dark horse. It’s a city which beautifully illustrates Japan’s perfect harmony between its vibrant cultural past and unstoppable modernisation. Nagoya is also known for being the heart of Japan’s automotive industry, hosting such big-name brands as Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. Hosting the pinnacle of innovation, Nagoya sets the stage for some of the world’s most cutting-edge technology all whilst standing amongst the city’s ancient relics. It’s a common spot to add to many people’s Japanese itineraries! So in that case, here’s a guide with everything you need to know about travelling in the city…
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Travel Plan: How to See Rockabilly Dancers in Tokyo
Despite Japan’s notoriously buttoned-up culture, Tokyo is known for its eccentric characters. From cosplaying teens to anime-addicted adults, there are plenty of quirky subcultures to indulge in. Of them all, only one draws a dedicated weekly crowd along the streets of Tokyo: the rockabilly dancers. The young innovative district of Harajuku plays host to this wonderfully unique spectacle that has become an institution, and one that attracts visitors from the world over. So in that case, let me show you everything you need to know about the rockabilly dancers of Tokyo. This article may contain affiliate links which I may receive compensation for at no extra cost to you dear…
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A Guide to Tokyo’s Yokocho and Tiny Bars
Japan is known for making the absolute most out of the limited amount of space available. Whether it’s their tiny houses and apartments or compact cars, the Japanese have a general lack of claustrophobia. Down-sizing is so ingrained in the cities that the tiny treatment has also extended to their bars! Tokyo has the highest concentration of bars in the world, most of which are hidden down dark alleyways known as yokocho. Along these dimly lit streets are stacks of miniature watering holes and eateries that service a handful of customers at a time. For many, these establishments highlight a more authentic taste of Tokyo and provide a deeper sense…
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The 7 Best Places to See Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing
Ingrained in our minds through movies, documentaries and countless Instagram shots alike, the Shibuya Crossing is the iconic image of Tokyo! The 4-way intersection is the epitome of the city’s perfect harmony of fastidious organisation and total chaos as it cuts through one of Tokyo’s most hectic shopping districts. As the lights turn red, a swarm of 3,000 bodies mob the streets under the flashing of enticing advertisements and choruses of indistinguishable noises! The question isn’t whether or not you want to visit, but rather where’s the best place to see it from? As you’ve come all this way, you’ll want the perfect vantage point to observe the madness in…
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The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Nara in 1 Day
In a nation bursting with cultural diversity, rich heritage and a generous helping of whole-hearted religions, Japan has plenty of spots to feed your cultural appetite! Hidden amongst the shadows of Kyoto and Osaka stands a relatively small city that quenches this thirst better than most! As the birthplace of thousand-year-old Japanese cultural and religious practices, the city also functioned as the nation’s ancient capital! Yet for most, none of this matters! The city of Nara earns a place on everyone’s itinerary for one simple reason, bowing deer! Whatever your itinerary may look like, a detour through Nara is beyond necessary! Luckily for those on a time limit, you can…
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The Ultimate Travel Plan: Visiting the Bowing Deer of Nara
Japan has many iconic images! Whether it’s the hectic crossroads of Tokyo or the peaceful expanses of bamboo forests and red torii gates in Kyoto, the trend-setting nation covers the whole spectrum. Japan is also home to some unique animals. Along with the one-of-a-kind hot-spring-loving snow monkeys in the mountains of Nagano, the ancient streets of Nara also play host to another iconic animal – deer! These aren’t the average deer you’d see prancing through the woodlands of many countries, much like everything else in Japan, they are completely unique. In true polite Japanese fashion, these deer bow to you! It’s one of those utterly unique experiences and amongst the…
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The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Kyoto in 4 days
For many travellers and locals alike, Kyoto is considered the pinnacle of Japanese cities. For centuries, the ancient capital played host to Japan’s elite rulers and aristocrats who forever imprinted themselves in the nation’s history. The undeniable spirituality and powerful cultural influence of the city have had a lasting effect on the greater nation. Kyoto also holds more treasures than any other, boasting some of the most iconic images in all of Japan. In a city with so much to offer, it would take months to tick everything off the list. When time is of the essence, choosing which sites to visit becomes a daunting task. So here’s the perfect…
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The Ultimate Travel Plan: Todoroki Cave
For many people, Okinawa is the perfect holiday destination. However, warm weather and beautiful beaches aren’t the only reasons for coming to this paradise island. Okinawa sadly played host to one of the biggest and most significant battlegrounds during the Pacific War. The island stood as the last remaining obstacle before the Allies could advance to the mainland of Japan. The battle was unrelenting on both sides. Scattered throughout the island are harsh reminders of this fascinating period of history. In modern times, they’re the enormous expanses of American military bases that command the island. Okinawa’s horrific past is memorialised by the structures and relics that have survived since the…
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The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Tokyo in 4 Days
New York, London, Tokyo. The city is regarded so highly for a reason. The cultural trend setting capital of Japan is the centre of art, entertainment and fashion in this corner of the world. It’s a city that prides itself on its incredible diversity for both its own cultures and of those abroad. Tokyo achieves a perfect harmony between it’s rich history and the ever changing future. Considered to be one of the greatest most mind-bending cities on Earth, it’s on the top of many people’s must-see lists. The sheer size of the city can be daunting to challenge, but no worries, here’s the ultimate Tokyo itinerary to make the…
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The Ultimate Okinawa WWII Guide: Historic Sites, Memorials & Places To Visit
For the Japanese, Okinawa is the perfect opportunity to escape the rat race and indulge in some relaxation in a tropical haven. The appeal extends to foreigners worldwide who come for the serene nature, the abundant sea life, the sweltering beaches and turquoise oceans. However, there’s much more that lies beneath the surface. Okinawa has a rich and staggering history across many centuries. Not only was the island home to an ancient kingdom memorialised in the form of ruins and a scattering of tombs, but a more recent, horrifying past. The island played host to the bloodiest and most ferocious battles of the Pacific War. Okinawa stood as the last remaining…
