Cairns is considered the entry point to the Great Barrier Reef and is near the meeting point of two Unesco World Heritage sites: Cape Tribulation and the Great Barrier Reef. A wide variety of snorkeling and scuba tours are available in the area. In my opinion, neither Cairns nor Port Douglas are thrilling destinations outside …
Is Kuranda worth it? Short answer: no. The journey there offers beautiful views but the village itself has little activities to enjoy. Why isn’t Kuranda Worth the Trip? Before I went I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Kuranda or not. Online a lot of people enjoyed it, so I decided to go. Honestly, I was …
Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Kobe offers a surprising blend of history, breathtaking nature, and delectable delights. Only a short ride from Kyoto and Osaka, immerse yourself in the city’s maritime past at the Kobe Maritime Museum, then melt into the buttery texture of world-famous Kobe beef. Ascend the iconic Port Tower for panoramas that …
I confess, I used to be a “book-it-now-and-figure-it-out-later” kind of traveler. Snagging hotels with free cancellation seemed like a genius move, allowing me to compare options and snag the best deal. But here’s the harsh reality: free hotel cancellation doesn’t always mean free. This past year, my “brilliant” strategy cost me around $100 thanks to …
If seeing Mt. Fuji is on your bucket list then you’ve certainly come across debates between Hakone vs. Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes) vs. Nikko. While I can’t speak to Nikko, I have been to both Hakone and Kawaguchiko and can share my experience and recommendations. By the end of this guide, I hope you’ll be …
Craving panoramic views of Mt. Fuji? Look no further than Hakone! This mesmerizing resort-town getaway, just a 1.5-hour train ride from Tokyo, is a haven for both day-trippers and those seeking a longer escape. My recent 3-day adventure in Hakone was packed with unforgettable experiences, and I’m excited to share them with you! Get ready …
Kobe Animal Kingdom is a unique animal and flower park located in Kobe, Japan. An easy day trip by train from Kyoto (50 min) or Osaka (25 min). I have been to many zoos and aquariums while traveling around the world, including the famous Taranga Zoo in Syndey, Australia. But, there is something about the …
There are so many amazing places to visit in Japan and so little time. If I listed every city I thought was worth visiting you might as well pack your bags and move to Japan. Instead, I’m going to share some under-rated cities, like Uji, in Japan that I think are worth considering for your …
APA Hotels are an extremely popular budget hotel chain located throughout Japan. Frequented by travelers and businessmen, they are a no-frill option when convenience and price trumps comfort. I have personally stayed at APA Hotels in Tokyo and Hiroshima, I haven’t had bad experiences, but I still try to avoid them whenever possible. In this …
Shopping in Japan is so much fun! There are a lot of unique designs for clothing, interior design, and more! I definitely recommend setting a day or two aside in your trip to enjoy shopping. Loft The Loft is my absolute favorite places when it comes to shopping in Japan! I miss this store every …
