Japan is not what comes to mind when you think about beaches. But in my recent trip to explore the lovely Kamakura, a daytrip from Tokyo, I had the most pleasant surprise. Near Hase was Yuigahama Beach, a lovely stretch
Yuan Ming Yuan – Ruins of the Old Summer Palace : Imperial Gardens – Beijing
One of the great tragedies of the colonial invasion of China by the British and French during the 19th century opium wars is Yuan Ming Yuan. The former imperial gardens part of what’s known as "old summer palace" were completely
Confucius Temple and the Imperial College : Beijing
In the recent visit to Beijing I had the chance to visit a few of the must visits I didn’t get around to in my first trip. I based myself in a more local area, at the hutongs just off
Ueno Park and Yanaka Cemetery : Tokyo
Japanese cemeteries are unlike anything I’ve seen before. Though you can sense the influences of Buddhism and Asian style, the Japanese cemeteries feel different. They’re extremely esthetic, they include symbols and accessories not used else where, and most intriguingly, they’re
Museum of Yebisu Beer : Ebisu – Tokyo
Japanese are beer fanatics and some of the world’s best beer brands are based in Japan with a history going back over a hundred years. To get a taste of the local breweries and learn a bit about the Japanese