[JAPAN] Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum

A visit to Cup Noodles Museum is not to be missed if you visit Yokohama. For any instant noodle fan, the museum is a fun place to learn about the history of ramen. Best of all, you can try making your own cup noodle or your own chicken ramen by hand at the museum. There are two cup noodle museums in Japan, one in Osaka and another in Yokohama. I decided to visit the one in Yokohama, which is only half an hour train away from Tokyo.

[JAPAN] My Shopping Guide to Tokyo Solamachi

Tokyo Solamachi is the large shopping complex at the base of the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. It has over 300 shops and restaurants. Even if you don’t go up to the Tokyo Skytree, it’s still worth to spare some time visiting Tokyo Solamachi.

[JAPAN] Tokyo - Cheap and Delicious Tendon at Kanneko Hanasuke

Priced at only 950 yen, the Edomae Tendon (tempura rice) at Kanneko Hanasuke is perhaps the most affordable tendon in Tokyo. Cheap and delicious food is well worth a special trip and I decided to pay it a visit while I was in Tokyo this year.

[JAPAN] A Night in Shinjuku

Shinjuku has one of the busiest railway station in the world and it’s best known for its shopping and nightlife. Staying a night in Shinjuku is recommended especially if you want to explore the sleepless town of Kabukicho (Japan’s largest red light district).

[JAPAN] Tokyo - Ghibli Museum, A Dream Come True

Finally! I got to enter Ghibli Museum for real this year! It was closed during my last visit in 2010 due to renovation (read about it here). It certainly lived up to my expectation and imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed the museum, especially the exclusive short film shown in its theater.

[JAPAN] Tokyo - Asakusa & Harajuku

This is the second time I visited Tokyo, however, it was the first for my sister. So I wanted to bring her to see Asakusa Sensoji (the oldest temple in Tokyo) and do some shopping at Harajuku. I still managed to see something new revisiting Asakusa and Harajuku.

[JAPAN] 6D5N Amazing Kansai Itinerary (Wakayama, Osaka, Nara, Kobe & Kyoto)

I spent a total of 6 days in Kansai region: half day in Wakayama, 2.5 days in Osaka, half day in Nara, half day in Kobe and 2 days in Kyoto. The pass that I used was 3 days Kansai Thru Pass which allows me to move from one city to another without hassle.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - Geiko and Maiko Spotting at Hanamikoji

Hanamikoji Street in the Gion district is the best place for geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) or maiko (geiko apprentices) sighting. The street is filled with ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) and ochaya (teahouse) where geiko and maiko entertain their guests. I was lucky enough to catch sight of a geiko and maiko at Hanamikoji Street in the evening!

[JAPAN] 5-Minute Guide to Train Services Between Osaka and Kansai Airport / Major Cities

If the complicated train system in Kansai region is making you dizzy (see map above), guess what, you’re not alone. In this post, I will attempt to summarise the train services (approx. duration and fare) between Osaka and Kansai International Airport / other major cities (Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji) in the Kansai region.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - Arashiyama (Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Groves & Togetsukyo Bridge)

Arashiyama is the second most important district for sightseeing in Kyoto. Although the journey to get there typically takes about 30 minutes from the center of Kyoto, it is well worth a day trip for its many attractions such as Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Groves, Togetsukyo Bridge and many other temples and shrines.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - A Walk Through Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is nicknamed as “Kyoto’s pantry” and it is definitely the best place to find fresh ingredients and everything you need to make traditional Japanese cuisine: tsukemono (Japanese pickles), fresh tofu, Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), wagashi (Japanese sweets), fresh fish and other produce.

[JAPAN] Kiyomizudera Temple, Sanneizaka and Nineizaka

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most famous temple in Kyoto. It is inscribed on the World Heritage List as a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto. Nothing beats exploring Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its surrounding area such as Sanneizaka and Nineizaka walking trail on foot while wearing a kimono.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Taisha

There is no other places quite like Fushimi Inari Taisha where you will find thousands of bright orange torii gates densely erected next to each other, forming a seemingly never-ending trail leading up to a mountain. If you have watched “Memoirs of a Geisha”, you would recognize it as one of the sites where the movie was filmed.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - My kimono experience

Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan, provides a perfect backdrop to take photographs while dressing up in kimono. It is one of the must-do things for ladies while visiting Kyoto. There are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto, especially around Gion or Kiyomizudera area, which are tourist hotspots. The shop I chose was Mission Gion, which is conveniently located in the Gion area.

[JAPAN] Kobe Harborland and Kobe beef

Two must-do things in Kobe is to visit Kobe Harbourland at the waterfront and to eat Kobe beef. I arrived in Kobe late in the evening but I managed to do both. If you have more time, visit Kitano Ijinkan (former residence of foreign merchants and diplomats) and take the cable car to the top of Mt. Rokko and enjoy the panoramic night view of Kobe there.

[JAPAN] Osaka - Alice on Wednesday, Amerikamura

Amerikamura (American Village) is a retail and entertainment area nearby Shinsaibashi, mainly catering for Japanese youth culture. It is known for its quirky clothing shops, cafes, music stores with an American influence. It even has a mini replica of Statue of Liberty on its roof to boot.

[JAPAN] Nara

Nara, the ancient capital city in Kansai region, is famous for its hundreds of freely roaming deer in Nara Park. Its most famous temple, Todaiji houses the second largest Buddha statue in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

[JAPAN] Osaka Food Recommendation

Osaka is a food heaven for foodies. If I resides in Osaka, I will gain 10 pounds in no time as there are plenty of delicious food available. Here are some of the must try food in Osaka.

[JAPAN] Osaka Universal Studio

Universal Studio Japan in Osaka has greeted over 100 million visitors since its opening in 2001. The popular ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is named the world’s number one ride for five consecutive years. Of course, I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Universal Studio Japan while I was in Osaka.

[JAPAN] Tips on Using Osaka Amazing Pass

Buying an Osaka Amazing Pass is an easy and economical way to explore the city as the pass includes free admission to 35 attractions and unlimited ride with Osaka buses and train. In addition, the pass also offers various discounts through TOKUx2coupons.

[JAPAN] Osaka - Kuromon Market and Umeda Sky Building

Kuromon Ichiba Market is nicknamed as “Osaka’s kitchen” because for more than 170 years, housewives and restaurant chefs regularly come here to get their supplies. On the other hand, Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of Osaka cityscape. It is a perfect way to end an evening in Osaka: sampling and snacking around Kuromon Ichiba Market before moving on to to Umeda Sky Building to view sunset.

[JAPAN] Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

In Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, you can explore the town of Osaka in the late Edo period that was replicated to the actual size. Best of all, you can also rent kimono for a small fee and dress in it while strolling the streets!

[JAPAN] Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle has a turbulent history since its construction began in 1583. It was destroyed twice and it was not until 1931 that the current castle tower was rebuilt. It miraculously survived the city wide air raid and was used as military base during World War II. Today it houses an informative museum about the history of the castle and its founder, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

[JAPAN] Osaka - Harukas 300 Observatory Deck

Abeno Harukas which opens in 2014 is a new landmark in Osaka. The 60 floor building houses the largest department store in Japan, an art museum, a hotel and the highest observation deck in Osaka. The observation deck is called "Harukas 300" and occupies the building's top three floors (floors 58 to 60). It is the best place to get 360 degree views of Osaka.

[JAPAN] Wakayama Kishigawa Line

Kishigawa Line is a railway line in Wakayama. The line has 14 stations, which extends from Wakayama staion to Kishi Station. Kishi Station has appointed a cat named Tama as its stationmaster and has cute themed trains in a bid to attract passengers and avoid its fate of facing closure.

[SWEDEN] Stockholm Travel Recommendation

Stockholm, capital of Sweden, is on a series of islands on the edge of the Baltic Sea. The charming old town, Gamla Stan, is where the Royal Palace stands today. Today Sweden still has a royal family but one without any political power. Besides the several royal palaces, including the UNESCO World Heritage listed Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm is famous for Vasa Museum which houses the world’s only preserved 17th century ship.

[SWEDEN] Stockholm Metro

Stockholm metro system is said to be the world's longest art exhibit, stretching 110km long. It is also very affordable. For the price of a Stockholm Metro ticket, you get to see sculptures, mosaics, paintings, art installations, inscriptions and reliefs at most metro stations (over 90 of the 100 stations).

[SWEDEN] Evening in Stockholm

Stockholm is a lively city and there’s plenty to do in the evening. This is how I spent the evening in Stockholm. First, I had dinner at Meatballs for the People. After dinner, I went to the view point at Fjallgatan and walked about the city. Then my beau went to the popular Icebar before calling it a night.

[SWEDEN] Stockholm - Vasa Museum

Vasa Museum houses an ancient ship, Vasa. After 333 years lying at the bottom of Stockholm bay before it was salvaged, Vasa is now the world’s only preserved 17th century ship and the museum is the most visited museum in Scandavania.  It is one of the highlight of my trip to Stockholm.

[SWEEDEN] Stockholm - Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace is Sweden’s best preserved royal palace constructed in the 17th century. The palace features a beautiful Palace Park, a unique Court Theatre and a Chinese Pavilion. In 1991, Drottningholm Palace was the first Swedish attraction to be put on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

[SWEDEN] Stockholm - Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Stockholm is the Swedish Royal Family’s official residence. Completed in 1754, it is partly built on the remains of the former castle which was destroyed by fire in 1697. The palace is built in baroque style and it has more than 600 rooms spread over eleven floors. It has three museums with royal history: the Treasury with the regalia, the Tre Kronor Museum that portrays the palaces medieval history and Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities.

[SWEDEN] Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan)

Stockholm, the beautiful Swedish capital is just about an hour flight away from Helsinki, Finland. Swedish people would say that Stockholm is made up of one-third water, one-third parkland and one-third building. Despite being a modern city, the old town (Gamla Stan) still retains its medieval street layout and the houses are painted in their original colours.

[FINLAND] Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Village

Lapland is globally known to be where Santa Claus lives. Lapland is the largest and northernmost region of Finland and the capital of Lapland is Rovaniemi. Every year, tourists from all around the world pours into Rovaniemi to meet the ‘real’ Santa Claus 365 days a year at his official hometown. In Santa Claus Village, the city’s top attraction, you’ll also be able to cross the Artic Circle, feed the reindeer and send postcards to loved ones at Santa Claus’ Main Post Office.

[FINLAND] Rovaniemi, Lapland

Rovaniemi is best known as the official hometown of Santa Clause in Finnish Lapland. From the capital city, Helsinki, you can take a night train (approximately 11 hours) to reach Rovaniemi. But it is more convenient to take a 80 minutes flight to Rovaniemi.

TURKEY - Touristanbul Free Tour

Turkish Airlines is offering a free Istanbul tour if you have an international connecting flight through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and your layover is between 6-24 hours. Since I booked Turkish Airlines flying from Kazan to Doha with a long layover, I took the chance to join the free tour, of course.

IDAHO FALLS, USA

Idaho Falls, a beautiful city in Idaho. Stopped here to enjoy the surroundings.   Idaho Falls is the largest city in Eastern Idaho and is often featured as one of the "best places to live” in various publication due to its high quality of life.

AZERBAIJAN - Shaki

Shaki or Sheki is a small city on the southern part of the Greater Caucasus Mountains with beautiful views and historic attractions.

SLOVENIA - Ljubljana (A tour of the city)

Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. With a population less than 300,000, Ljubljana is one of the smallest capital city in Europe. It takes only half a day on foot to cover the city centre of Ljubljana. As there are no world famous attractions in the city, you can take your time exploring what the city has to offer.

[RUSSIA] Kazan

Branding itself as the “Third Capital” of Russia, Kazan is a unique city which is located between Europe and Asia. Having both Russian and Tartar populations, Kazan peacefully blends Muslim and Christian cultures.

[RUSSIA] Moscow Travel Recommendation

Moscow, capital of Russia, has many attractions that draw visitors from around the world - the Red Square which is dominated by the glory that is St Basil’s Cathedral, the fortified Kremlin wall, the golden dome of Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the unique wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich and the sumptuous decor of Moscow metro station…

[RUSSIA] Walking Around Moscow

Many attractions in Moscow are within walking distance from the Red Square and Kremlin. Therefore, I decided to explore Moscow on foot, apart from taking the convenient metro.

[RUSSIA] Moscow - Arbat Street

Existed since at least the 15th century, Arbat Street is one of the oldest and most popular walking streets in Moscow which attracts tourists like a magnet. It was a location where craftsmen set up shop. Today it is the most popular place to shop for souvenirs with lots of cafes and restaurants.

[RUSSIA] Moscow - Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich

Built in the 17th century without using any fasten materials, nails or hooks, wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich in Kolomenskoye is considered to be one of the best masterpieces of Russian wooden architecture. It is also a popular site outside Moscow city center. The palace was destroyed in the 18th century and reconstructed in 2010 according to the old blueprint.

[RUSSIA] Taking Metro in Moscow

Taking metro in Moscow is the most convenient and efficient way to explore the city. On top of that, Moscow metro station is a tourist attraction itself as it is renowned for its beautiful and interesting decor inside the station, each with unique design or theme.

[RUSSIA] Moscow - Kremlin

The Kremlin which means “fortress inside a city”, is a vast, fortified complex of buildings at the heart of Moscow. The Kremlin is surrounded by gardens to the west, the Moscow River to the south, and Red Square to the east. The complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Built in 1482, the Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[RUSSIA] Moscow - Red Square

Red Square, the central square of Moscow, is the heart and soul of Russia. It is dominated by the 16th century St Basil’s Cathedral with its colorful onion domes topped by golden needles. Queues still form along the Krelim wall to walk past Lenin’s embalmed body in his mausoleum at the Red Square. Directly opposite the mausoleum, lies Russia’s most famous shopping mall, GUM. Red Square is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[RUSSIA] Volgograd

Volgograd is formerly known as Stalingrad. It was the site of one of the most important and bloodiest battles of World War II - Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943). The battle is regarded as the single largest battle in the history of warfare with over a million military personnel on each side. The battle itself lasted only 5 months, 1 week and 3 days. However, the casualties (killed, wounded or captured) is estimated to be almost two million in total.  It is a must visit place for any World War II history buff.

[RUSSIA] St Petersburg Travel Recommendation

The second largest city in Russia and Russia’s imperial capital, St Petersburg never fail to amaze visitors with its architectural gems like Winter Palace, Kazan Cathedral etc. I would recommend to spend at least three days in St Petersburg to fully appreciate what it has to offer.

[RUSSIA] St Petersburg - Peter & Paul Fortress

Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, Peter and Paul Fortress was the first structure built in St Petersburg. It has a rich and somewhat sinister history as a military base, a home of government departments, burial ground of the Russian imperial family, the site of ground breaking scientific experiments and one of the most feared prisons in the Russian Empire.

[RUSSIA] Churches in Saint Petersburg

St Petersburg is known for its amazing array of churches, among which Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Kazan Cathedral and St. Isaac’s Cathedral are most visited by tourists in St Petersburg.