Finally after more than a month of research and planning, we embarked on a Kyoto and Osaka family DIY vacation, with a side trip to visit Shirakawa-go in Gifu prefecture. This was our first visit to mainland Japan on a free-independent-traveler (FIT) leisurely pace utilising the impressive and superb Japanese transportation network, after gaining experience from a self-driven vacation to Okinawa 2 years back.
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Dear friends, was there a time when you felt you just have to get that pic? It happened to me many times and the latest was at Nara city, photographing Japan's fastest mochi pounders Nakatanidou. Nakatanidou won the national high-speed mochitsuki (the pounding of rice... This visit to Hokkaido is my third over a four-year span but the beautiful island never fails to fascinate me each time. Perhaps the different season and travel theme conspired to maintain that novelty feel. Indeed, Hokkaido has been so successful in establishing herself as a winter holiday destination that the notion winter is the best time to visit sticks in the mind of most visitors. But I beg to... This blog is a continuation of my earlier Okinawa travelogue (Part 1) which detailed the highlights from my coastal phase of the road trip and marks the transition from the relaxing and laid-back ambience of the northern part of the island to the hustle-bustle of Naha city in the south. The itineraries flow from the north to south is ideal as the airport is located at Naha in the south. Starting a vacation from the south and ending in the... To most travellers, a trip to Japan are usually the mainstream cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto or the winter wonder-island of Hokkaido. Unlike the key cities, Okinawa is less on the mind of most travellers heading to Japan. Personally, my interest in Okinawa was roused rather by pictures of Whale Sharks at the renowned Churaumi Aquarium. And also being a military enthusiast, the happenings at Kadena Air Base, which is the largest and most active US... When one mentioned Hokkaido, images of snow-capped mountains, breathtaking natural scenery, fresh seafood and gorgeous hot springs start to flood the mind. Such is the impression that most visitors tend to miss other gems that this enchanting island has to offer. I hope through my travelogue, readers (especially those on self-drive vacation in the western region comprising Sapporo, Kuriyama, Ishikari and Niseko) will be able to tailor a more balanced... Hidaka, Hokkaido’s Hidden Gem (2015) When travelling, sometimes it’s the unplanned itineraries that reward us with the best memories. Such is my experience with Hidaka, a coastal town in Southern Hokkaido, just about 130km or a 2.5 hours drive from the New Chitose Airport. Hidaka is Japan’s largest horse breeding hub accounting for nearly 80% of all horses bred in Japan. In 2011, out of about 7,000 thoroughbred horses bred in Japan, 5,600 came from Hidaka. So it’s no surprise the...Japan Fastest Mochi Pounders Nakatanidou
Eight Reasons Why Eastern Hokkaido Should Be Your Next Photography Destination
Eight Reasons Why Eastern Hokkaido Should Be Your Next Photography Destination
First-timer Road Trip to Okinawa – Part 2
First-timer Road Trip to Okinawa - Part 2
First-Timer Road Trip to Okinawa – Part 1
First-timer Road-Trip to Okinawa
Enjoy Hokkaido Food Tourism
Enjoy Hokkaido Food Tourism
Hidaka, Hokkaido’s Hidden Gem
