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Battle of Okinawa: WWII Sites Around Okinawa to Visit
When you think of Okinawa, you probably think of beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and its unique culture. Today, Okinawa is a peaceful sub-tropical island that was once involved in one of the most intense battles of WWII. For visitors that love history or have a deep fascinations and passion about WWII, there are many WWII Sites Around Okinawa that are a must visit, some easier to explore then others. I am by no means an expert when it comes to Okinawa’s WWII history, there are others in Okinawa that are far more qualified to talk about the history and sites around Okinawa. But I love exploring all things Okinawa, which…
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Okinawa Food Guide: Discovering the Island’s Must Try Dishes
This is post 19 of 19 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Visit Zamami Island, Okinawa from Naha Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves…
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Visiting Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
The Jomon Prehistoric Sites are a collection of archaeological sites found in Hokkaido and the Northern Tohoku region (Akita, Aomori, and Iwate Prefectures) of Japan. There are 17 unique sites that make up the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settlements, earthen mounds, stone circles, intricate pottery and figurines, are all hidden treasures of the Jomon people, a hunter-gatherer culture that dates back over 10,000 years. Learn more about the Jomon Prehistoric Sites, its people, and the locations I visited while touring specific sites in Northern Japan. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page,…
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Why You Should Stay at a Ryokan When Visiting Japan
If you are looking for an authenticate experience, then staying in a Ryokan Hotel in Japan is as genuine as it gets. Ryokan hotels are traditional Japanese hotels that offer a unique experience that will certainly be a highlight from your trip to Japan. Staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan is a cultural experience that typically includes meals, a Yukata to wear, hospitality, and an onsen (public bath). I’ve stayed at several Ryokan hotels throughout Japan and want to share my love of Ryokan hotels with you. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor,…
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Visiting Japan’s 12 Original Castles
There are hundreds if not thousands of castles in Japan. I’m sure you’ve visited famous castles in Japan like Osaka Castle, Okayama Castle, or Hiroshima Castle. Truth is, these are all reconstructed and restored castles. The majority of castles have been destroyed due to either war, environmental disasters, or politics. A few castles scattered throughout Japan have survived these obstacles. There are only 12 original castles in Japan and I’ve visited them all. This post explains what makes a castle “original” and gives a first-hand account of my visits to Japan’s 12 original castles. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout…
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Overnight Layover at Incheon Airport: Eat, Sleep, and Explore
For many travelers, the idea of a long or overnight layover sounds miserable. However, Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea can be a wonderful place to have a layover. There is plenty to see, eat, and do in the airport. For those that have an overnight layover at Incheon Airport or a longer layover and are itching to experience some of the Korean culture, might I suggest leaving the airport. Just a couple subway stops away is Unseo Station in the Jung District of Incheon. Here you can experience Korean nightlife, eat delicious food, and even stay in a nice hotel, all without going directly to Seoul or getting…
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11 Things to do in Ulaanbaatar: From Cultural Sites to Shopping
When visiting Mongolia, most people tend to leave Ulaanbaatar for tours to Central Mongolia or the Gobi Desert. You never really hear anything related to Ulaanbaatar outside maybe Naadam, the huge festival that takes place every year. We spent two full days in Ulaanbaatar. I say we scratched the surface. We didn’t get to all the museums I wanted to visit or other attractions but we really enjoyed exploring this city. I want to share some of my recommended things to do in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or…
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5 Day Central Mongolia Tour: Itinerary, Sites, & Expectations
Central Mongolia is a region full of beautiful landscapes, rich history, and it’s own unique cultures. From visiting Terelj National Park to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley, there is so much to see and do. Experiences include staying in yurts with nomadic families, riding horses and camels, visiting monasteries and temples, and sampling local food from mutton to yak. A Central Mongolian tour offers an immersive experience and deep dive into the “Real Mongolia.” If you have a week or longer in Mongolia, I highly recommend getting outside of Ulaanbaatar and exploring Central Mongolia. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the…
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Must-see Sites Around the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
Located in Mongolia’s central region is the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. Listed as one of Mongolia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Orkhon Valley has a surprisingly rich history, is home to the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, and has stunning natural beauty. There are archaeological sites scattered throughout the region, cultural landmarks, and beautiful nature areas that make the Orkhon Valley worth visiting. Visiting the Orkhon Valley can be done as a day trip from Ulaanbaatar or over several days. Join me and learn about some of the must-see sites around the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links…
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Visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park from Ulaanbaatar
Are you looking for great or easy day trips from Ulaanbaatar? Or perhaps you want to stay in a yurt but only have enough time for one night. Maybe you just want to get outside the city and do some hiking and see cultural stuff. If all that sounds great, then it’s highly recommended to visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Just a few hours drive from Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park offers great hiking, horse back riding, cultural attractions, and so much more! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I…
