After three hectic months stuck in Hong Kong, the last stage of a long pandemic, I was finally able to venture out in December 2023 to visit one of my favorite countries – Japan. I’ve previously visited and enjoyed the

Sengan-en Gardens : Kagoshima
Japanese gardens are always a treat, and the Kagoshima Sengan-en Gardens are a wonderful example. Overlooking the bay, with the scenic backdrop of the volcano mountains surrounded by water, it’s a magical place to explore, both for the gardens and

Sapporo summer festivals : Hokkaido
My trip last summer to Sapporo was completely unplanned. I was originally planning to tour the Nagoya area following a conference, but the scorching heat of 35-38c had me looking for cooler alternatives, and Hokkaido seemed like a good alternative.

Japanse Tuin & Cosplay : Hasselt
On my first visit to Hasselt, a small city not too far away from Maastricht to the west in the Belgium Limburg, I went to see the local Japanese gardens (Japanese Tuin). When parking the car I already realized there was something

Ro Ho En – Japanese Friendship Garden : Phoenix
Part of the Phoenix charm is with its desert scenery. Not much green, very distinct vegetation, so when you tour around Phoenix you become used to the yellowish flavor of it all. Which is why the Ro Ho En –

Kenchoji Temple : Kamakura – Japan
A forgotten temple on my Kamakura temple run day is Kenchoji, one of the greatest Zen temples in the area dating back to mid 13th century. Here’s a bit from the informative Japan Guide: Kenchoji is the number

Visions of Kyoto : Japan
When it became clear that I’ll be leaving Asia to go to the US, I sat down in front of a map of Asia and thought to myself – where is the last place I’d like to visit before I

Daienji Temple : Meguro Toyko
Tokyo is filled with little hidden gems around every street corner. There’s definitely something very special about the Japanese temples. They’re extremely esthetic, delicate and beautiful in design, tranquility that calms your mood and lifts your spirits. When visiting Tokyo

Golden Gai Tiny Bars Area : Shinjuku – Tokyo
My strangest experience in Tokyo goes, hands down, to my visit to the Shinjuku Golden Gai bar area. If you’re anything like me – having a strong preference for the casual-small-quiet bars/pubs rather than the full-blown noisy-party-dress-up bar/clubs – then

Yuigahama Beach near Hase : Kamakura – Japan
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