Taiyaki (たい焼き) - a fish-shaped snack which is traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste. Believed to have originated in Tokyo during the Meiji era. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for JR Pass. I only include affiliate links for products and services that I use … [Read more...] about Taiyaki, Tokyo
Asia
Five of the Best Cafes in Busan
Pin it for later! If I'm going to spend time in a city, I want it to have a decent cafe scene. After all, what better way is there to break up a day of sight-seeing than relaxing in a cafe with a hot drink and local sweet treat?I hadn't done much research into cafes in Busan … [Read more...] about Five of the Best Cafes in Busan
One Day in Harajuku and Shibuya
This itinerary, which takes you from one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines to the much-photographed scramble crossing in Shibuya, is the perfect introduction to Japan's vibrant capital. When I lived in Tokyo I always took visitors to this area on their very first day, so … [Read more...] about One Day in Harajuku and Shibuya
Six Day Gifu Road Trip
Gifu, a mountainous region west of Tokyo, isn’t high up on many travellers lists. If it is, it’s usually the historic village of Shirakawagō and the preserved merchant houses of Hida-Takayama that are the biggest draws. I’ve been to both these places and they are well worth a … [Read more...] about Six Day Gifu Road Trip
Conquering Mt Fuji
Pin it for later! One of my most memorable experiences from Japan has to be the time myself, Richard and some friends climbed Mt Fuji. Standing at an impressive 3,776m, it is by far the highest mountain I have ever climbed. Although I have loved hiking since I was young, I … [Read more...] about Conquering Mt Fuji