Category: Japan
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Smile Hotel Utsunomiya Higashiguchi: A Review
About Smile Hotel Utsunomiya Higashiguchi Smile Hotel Utsunomiya Higashiguchi is part of the Smile Hotel group, a chain of business hotels found in most cities. They pride themselves on offering service with a smile (hence the name), great hospitality, and excellent Internet access through WiFi and LAN connections (provided in all rooms). Smile Hotel has…
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Blue Hotel Supreme: A review (Sapporo, Japan)
About Blue Hotel Supreme Location Gallery About the room The good The bad My review on Booking What I did while there Verdict About Blue Hotel Supreme Blue Hotel is part of a chain of love hotels located in Japan. A love hotel is a hotel that people rent for a set time rather than…
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Kyoto Kamanza Hotel: A review (Kyoto, Japan)
About Kyoto Kamanza Hotel Kyoto Kamanza Hotel is a hotel located in the heart of Kyoto near Nijo-jo (Nijo castle). A small botique hotel, it caters more to small families and couples than to larger groups and business people. It is only 3 floors and each floor has about 5 rooms per floor. In fact…
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Review of Big Barns Apartment Tagami (Kagoshima, Japan)
About Big Barns Apartment Tagami Big Barns Apartment Tagami (also known as 短期賃貸ビッグバーンズマンション田上) is a holiday rental located in a suburban neighbourhood in Kagoshima City, Japan. The apartment can sleep a maximum of 4, although if you are spending any length of time here or spending any time in the apartment other than to sleep,…
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Family Ryokan Kawakyu: a comprehensive review (Ibusuki, Japan)
About Family Ryokan Kawakyu Family Ryokan Kawakyu is a ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn) located in the town of Ibusuki in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Ryokan Kawakyu boasts Japanese-style rooms with Nitanda River views, green tea and traditional futon bedding. The Nitanda River is known for its white egrets, so you may spot one from the room.…
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Kyoto Tower Hotel: an honest review (Kyoto, Japan)
About Kyoto Tower Hotel Situated right in front of Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower Hotel is a four-star hotel that stands in a central location convenient for touring Kyoto. As the name suggests, it is located in Kyoto Tower and has a special door to access the hotel, which sits approximately halfway up the tower on…
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bnbplus Sarasa Nara: A full review (Nara, Japan)
About bnbplus Sarasa Nara bnbplus Sarasa Nara (yes the first b is lower case) is a one-star hostel located in central Nara, Japan. It is located on the third floor of a multi-storey building. The lifts will take you directly there. I normally would not have stayed in a hostel. However I went during the…
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The OneFive Osaka Sakaisuji: A review (Osaka, Japan)
About The OneFive Osaka Sakaisuji and Location The OneFive Osaka Sakaisuji is a three-star hotel chain with its headquarters in Fukuoka, Japan. It operates hotels in several cities across Japan, each with “OneFive” and the city and district in the name, including this location. Set in Osaka’s Chuo (central) district, popular points of interest near…
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Sapporo Festival: Hokkaido Jingu’s major festival of the summer
It is that time of year again! Once June arrives, Japan’s numerous summer festivals really come into full swing. In this post we are going to be exploring the Sapporo festival. Mark your calendars for this three-day event held annually from 14 to 16 June. It transforms western and downtown Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido,…
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Japanese Working Holiday Visa: How to apply as a UK citizen (2024)
Having spent 2 years in Japan as a student, I really wanted to go back and be able to spend a long time there. As a UK citizen, we can spend up to 6 months in Japan as a tourist. However I wanted to look into avenues that would allow me to stay for even…
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A Guide to Betsuin Temple: Unveiling Nagoya’s Buddhist Heart
Nagoya, a metropolis known for its modern marvels, also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Nestled amidst the city’s energy lies Betsuin Temple, a haven of tranquillity and a window into Japanese Buddhist history. This guide delves into Betsuin Temple’s intriguing past, explores its present offerings, and provides essential information for your visit. A Walk Through…
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Hello Kitty Haruka Express
Are you planning a trip to Japan and dreaming of whisking your way to adorable adventures? Then look no further than the Hello Kitty Haruka Express, a limited express train that takes you on a journey straight into kawaii paradise! Planning Your Purrfect Trip: This charming train whisks you from Kansai International Airport to three…
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Tagawa Yamakasa: Unveiling One of Kyushu’s Hidden Festivals
While the vibrant spectacle of the Gion Yamakasa Festival draws crowds to Fukuoka in July each year, nestled in the foothills of northern Kyushu lies another Yamakasa event brimming with its unique charm: the Tagawa Yamakasa. Often overshadowed by its larger cousin, Tagawa’s Yamakasa offers a more intimate experience, immersing you in the heart of…
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Hiraizumi Nature Trail: A Secret Path Between Temples
Located in Hiraizumi, Japan, the Hiraizumi Nature Trail is a nature preserve nestled in the space between Chuson-ji and Motsuji Temples. It also makes an excellent way to get from one to the other. About the Hiraizumi Nature Trail The trail is a series of trails that head through a forested wetland area. It is…
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Otagi Nenbutsuji: A Whimsical Oasis Amidst Kyoto’s Serenity
Nestled amidst the bamboo groves and verdant hills of Arashiyama, Kyoto, lies Otagi Nenbutsuji – a Buddhist temple far removed from the usual Zen solemnity. Step inside its gates and prepare to be greeted by a vibrant, almost playful, atmosphere. Hundreds of Rakan (disciples of Buddha) statues, each boasting unique personalities and expressions, line the…
