RIP to travel blogger Ryo Izaki. A young man full of life and was traveling the world and blogging about it since Feb. 2016. This past weekend, Ryo’s next country to visit was Colombia. On Saturday afternoon, his latest stop was in Medellin, the second Read More …
Originally planned, I was to travel to multiple countries in Europe as final vacation for 2016. But one thing that had gotten on my nerves was the fact that I didn’t cover so many locations in Tokyo in 2015. So, I decided to take on Read More …
If there is one shrine in Japan that is controversial, it’s Yasukuni Shrine. For those not familiar with Yasukuni Shrine, since 1869, the shrine is where people go to honor the souls of those who died in service of Japan. Known back in 1869 as Read More …
In October and November, I will be embarking on several travel challenges. The main travel challenge is known as the “Tokyo Ward Challenge”. The challenge is quite simple: Visit each of the 23 wards in Tokyo. For those in the United States, think of it Read More …
For sushi enthusiasts, the name Jiro Ono is internationally known. The sushi chef is considered one of the greatest sushi craftsman alive and in Ginza, his restaurant “Sukiyabashi Jiro” has received a three-Michelin-starred rating. There is also a restaurant in Roppongi as well. And many Read More …
Before traveling overseas, assuming your passport, tickets, luggage, hotel and important details have been taken care of. But there are a few things one should make sure they take care of before traveling. Here are my Top 10 Things One Should Do Weeks Before Traveling Read More …
You are in the market for luggage as you are planning to travel. But what key things should one know before purchasing luggage? 1. STAY AWAY FROM 28″ OR HIGHER LUGGAGE This will shock some people that I start off with this because I own Read More …
I have had the opportunity to review a good number of travel guides over the years but this is the first time I will be reviewing Lonely Planet’s Ireland travel guide. For those not familiar with Lonely Planet, for the last few years it was Read More …
A question I receive a lot is whether I prefer to use a backpack or shoulder bag when traveling. I use both and both have their own positives and negatives. I tend to enjoy using shoulder bags, since I tend to prefer the classy black Read More …
Shibuya is the trendiest area for young people in Shibuya and there are a ton of restaurants and shopping areas. And to get there, you need to cross the road at the popular Shibuya crossing (or Shibuya Scramble Crossing). And if you are going to Read More …
Omotesando is best known for an area lined with trees and luxury shops but near Omotesando crossing is a small shrine (jinja) that is not hard to miss. Known as Akibajinja (note that the shrine is not located in Akihabara), the history of this small Read More …
The first city that I slept overnight (back in 1999) for the first time in Japan was in the city of Kawaguchi. Located in Saitama prefecture, in the central Kanto region of Japan, Kawaguchi is the 9th most populated city in Greater Tokyo and the Read More …
Possibly the biggest question I receive from friends, family and acquaintances is how I am able to travel. First and foremost, if you dream about traveling and you want to travel, you just have to do it. I did not grow up in a wealthy Read More …
NOTE: This “reminiscing” travel post features the crappiest photos taken with my digital camera used at the time. Let’s go back in time. The year was July 2000 and I had the opportunity to travel to Phoenix, Arizona and St. Louis, Missouri. While staying in Read More …
Tower Records, the music store that was created by Russell Solomon back in 1960 in Sacramento, California. The music store would become a record store giant opening stores several years later in San Francisco, West Hollywood, New York City and eventually opening stores all over Read More …