Japan
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Why is Japan Overrated?
The Land of the Rising Sun has long been seen as the ultimate clichéd fantasy destination of anime lovers and introverted dreamers alike. The praises for the land of samurai, sakura, and sushi are sung ad nauseam across social media and through the perspective of doe-eyed visitors alike. However, does the Japanese experience deserve such high praise? A surprising number of travellers find themselves feeling rather disappointed, while some might go as far as to say Japan as a whole is overrated! How could that be? What isn’t being talked about? It’s time to explore why some visitors might need to manage their expectations before touching down in Japan. The…
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The 15 Best Things To See in Nagoya
Nagoya, despite being Japan’s fourth-largest city, is often overlooked by travellers rushing between Tokyo and Kyoto. Those wise enough to take a little detour are rewarded with a fascinating blend of tradition, innovation, and vibrant culture. From its imposing samurai-era castle to the futuristic architecture of the city’s science museums, Nagoya offers a unique mix of history and modernity. So, in that case, here are the 15 best things to see in Nagoya! The article may contain affiliate links through which I may be compensated at no extra cost to you, dear readers! Nagoya Castle Nagoya sadly suffered extensive damage during the Second World War, with many of its most…
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A Complete Transport Guide: Tokyo
Few cities can appear as daunting as Tokyo. Holding the title of the biggest and most populous city in the world doesn’t really ease the anxiety of new arrivals all that much. Yet, despite the enormous layout of this sprawling metropolis, this city of megalithic skyscrapers and dazzling lights has one of the best transport systems in the world. From bullet trains to a spiderweb of subways, Tokyo’s transport system is surprisingly much easier to decipher than you would think. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transportation in and around Tokyo. So, here’s your complete guide to Tokyo transport! This article may contain affiliate…
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The 25 Best Temples to Visit in Kyoto
Standing as the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan, Kyoto is renowned for its immense amount of temples…many many temples! In fact, there are more than 1600 temples scattered throughout the city and 400 Shinto shrines to boot! While some find themselves amongst tranquil Zen gardens or beside rippling mirror-like ponds, others hide amongst creaking bamboo forests and overgrown moss. From big to small, Buddhist artwork and megalithic halls, Kyoto has it all! With such an immense selection to choose from, it can be difficult to work out which ones are worth visiting. So in that case, let me show you the 25 best temples to visit in Kyoto! This…
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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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Why Foreigners Should NOT Wear Kimonos!
Amongst each national monument, Buddhist temple and historic avenue in modern-day Japan, men and women from across the world come to play out their little fantasies of living as 16th-century nobility by dressing up in authentic rented kimonos. Many say that it’s a beautiful sight to behold and blends so perfectly amongst the narrow brick lanes and high-rising pagodas. Of course, those who wear kimonos think they look utterly fantastic and truly lose themselves in their mythical fantasies. Yet the cold hard reality is that these tourists look absolutely ridiculous, and some even find the practice to be offensive! So before you mark down this tired cliché onto your itinerary,…
