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Kobe, Japan – More than Just Kobe Beef
Kobe, Japan pronounced Ko-Beh and not Ko-Bee, is a city in Japan on the outskirts of Osaka. When you think of Kobe, most people will think of the beautifully marbled Wagyu beef that comes from this region of Japan. Trust me, the Kobe beef was absolutely delicious but there are so many other things to do in Kobe that will keep any tourist occupied for days. Obviously, when in Kobe, try the world-renowned beef but also spend time at Ikuta Shrine, walk to the port and see the Earthquake Memorial and Be Kobe sign, stroll through Chinatown, check out the 19th century western homes, sample local brews, and make sure…
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Visiting Himeji – Japan’s Grandest Castle and Ancient Temples
Located between the Japanese cities of Okayama and Kobe lies the city of Himeji. Not known to many foreigners, Himeji is one of Japan’s best kept secrets. Himeji is home to Japan’s most beautiful and grandest castle, Himeji Castle. Himeji Castle dates back to 1609 and is still intact. Himeji Castle has escaped being damaged by civil wars, WWII, and natural disasters. When visiting Himeji, the castle is a must but there are many attractions that are worthwhile, especially if taking a day trip to Himeji. Across from the castle lies the beautiful Koko-en Gardens, there is a fantastic arcade street with dining and shopping options, and don’t forget to…
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Day Trip to Jiufen, Taiwan
This is post 5 of 9 in the series “Traveling Taiwan” Traveling Taiwan is a series post on my adventures around Taiwan. As of now it consists of travel in and around Taipei to include day trips from Taipei. 3 Days in Taipei – Attractions, Food, Day Trips, and Nature Escapes The Purrfect Day Trip To Houtong Cat Village from Taipei Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by Bus Our Guide to Night Markets in Taipei Day Trip to Jiufen, Taiwan 13 Things to do in Taipei: Must-Do Attractions and Experiences Taroko National Park Day Tour: Hiking, Culture, and Natural Beauty Things to do in Hualien: From Taroko Gorge to Night…
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Our Guide to Night Markets in Taipei
This is post 4 of 9 in the series “Traveling Taiwan” Traveling Taiwan is a series post on my adventures around Taiwan. As of now it consists of travel in and around Taipei to include day trips from Taipei. 3 Days in Taipei – Attractions, Food, Day Trips, and Nature Escapes The Purrfect Day Trip To Houtong Cat Village from Taipei Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by Bus Our Guide to Night Markets in Taipei Day Trip to Jiufen, Taiwan 13 Things to do in Taipei: Must-Do Attractions and Experiences Taroko National Park Day Tour: Hiking, Culture, and Natural Beauty Things to do in Hualien: From Taroko Gorge to Night…
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Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by Bus
This is post 3 of 9 in the series “Traveling Taiwan” Traveling Taiwan is a series post on my adventures around Taiwan. As of now it consists of travel in and around Taipei to include day trips from Taipei. 3 Days in Taipei – Attractions, Food, Day Trips, and Nature Escapes The Purrfect Day Trip To Houtong Cat Village from Taipei Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by Bus Our Guide to Night Markets in Taipei Day Trip to Jiufen, Taiwan 13 Things to do in Taipei: Must-Do Attractions and Experiences Taroko National Park Day Tour: Hiking, Culture, and Natural Beauty Things to do in Hualien: From Taroko Gorge to Night…
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The Purrfect Day Trip To Houtong Cat Village from Taipei
This is post 2 of 9 in the series “Traveling Taiwan” Traveling Taiwan is a series post on my adventures around Taiwan. As of now it consists of travel in and around Taipei to include day trips from Taipei. 3 Days in Taipei – Attractions, Food, Day Trips, and Nature Escapes The Purrfect Day Trip To Houtong Cat Village from Taipei Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by Bus Our Guide to Night Markets in Taipei Day Trip to Jiufen, Taiwan 13 Things to do in Taipei: Must-Do Attractions and Experiences Taroko National Park Day Tour: Hiking, Culture, and Natural Beauty Things to do in Hualien: From Taroko Gorge to Night…
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Fun Things to do in Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan right after Tokyo. Yokohama is very accessible from Tokyo and a quick 30-minute train ride from Haneda Airport. For such a large city, Yokohama is very walkable and easy to navigate. Chinatown is a must when visiting Yokohama, there are also many museums that are worthwhile to include the Cup Noodle, Ramen, and Japan Coast Guard Museums. We spent 3 days in Yokohama and barely scratched the surface. None the less, we explored a ton and here are some fun things to do in Yokohama. Getting to Yokohama from Haneda Getting to Yokohama from Haneda Airport is a breeze. I recommend using…
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Temples, a Pagoda, and Japan’s Tallest Waterfall at Nachisan Seiganto-ji
One of Japan’s most picturesque temples, Nachisan Seiganto-ji is a temple complex with a gorgeous 3-storied Pagoda in the foreground of Nachi Falls. Nachi Falls is considered to be Japan’s tallest waterfall at 133 meters. Seiganto-ji is one out of 33 temples and places that make up the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, visitors can take the pilgrimage and walk to all the temples and sites along the route. If you don’t have days to hike and want to just see Nachisan Seiganto-ji, it makes for a great half day to full day trip. Nachisan Seiganto-ji on a Map and…
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Best Things to do in Ise, Japan
Ise is not really on anyone’s radar when visiting the country of Japan. Ise is isolated and does take some effort and planning to get to. With all of the other beautiful towns throughout Japan, why should visitors go to Ise? Simple, Ise is home to the most sacred Shinto Shrines in all of Japan. The Ise Grand Shrine consists of two shrines Geku and Naiku. The shrines are separated and each surrounded by ancient forests with towering cypress trees. But the Ise Grand Shrine isn’t the only attraction in Ise that is worth exploring. Ise is home to a historic town with beautiful streets, the famed Wedded Rocks of…
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Train Travel in Japan – General Information and Tips
Train travel in Japan🚊🇯🇵 is perhaps the best way to explore this beautiful country. Japan is well connected by rail and traveling by train in Japan is relatively stress free. The Shinkansen or “Bullet Train” is regarded as one of the world’s fastest trains and is a remarkable experience. There are many other modes of train transportation throughout Japan that can get you from one city to the next. For visitors traveling to Japan for a week or longer, it’s worth looking into the Japan Rail Pass, or for those like me that live here, getting a prepaid IC card 💳 is a must. Whether you are a first time visitor…
