-
Japan trip: Kurashiki and Himeji Castle
Earlier this year, I finally set foot in Japan, a country that has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I spent three weeks exploring, visiting 12 of its 48 prefectures. In this post, I’ll share my experiences in Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture and Himeji, home to the iconic Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture. Kurashiki Kurashiki, a charming historic city near Okayama, the prefectural capital, is best known for its beautifully preserved Bikan Historical Quarter. White-walled, tile-roofed warehouses line a scenic canal, earning the city the nickname the “Venice of Japan.” Once a bustling centre for rice distribution during the Edo period, Kurashiki now blends traditional architecture with…
-
Japan trip: Osaka, Nara, Himeji and Koyasan
Earlier this year, I finally visited Japan, a country I’ve been fascinated with for as long as I can remember. My first time in Japan was for 3 weeks, during which I visited 12 of the 48 prefectures. In this post, I’m going to share details on Osaka, as well as nearby Nara, Himeji and Koyasan. Osaka is known for its friendly locals and lively atmosphere. But Japan’s third-largest city, is also famous for its street food, particularly takoyaki and okonomiyaki, earning it the nickname “Japan’s kitchen”. In this post, I recommend places to eat and drink in Osaka, as well as landmarks. I also suggest day trips you can…