Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

Here are the best places for cherry blossom viewing, also known as ‘hanami’, in Japan: Ueno Park A huge park with seemingly hundreds of cherry blossom trees.  Very, very busy, but great atmosphere. Ueno travel guide More in Tokyo Himeji Castle Himeji Castle is breath-taking during the cherry blossom season.  It’s free if you justContinue reading “Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”

Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyushu

Kyushu, in southern Japan, has some excellent sakura (cherry blossoms) spots. They may be just as busy as those up north, but they make for a good change of scene. The times are about the same as in Tokyo and Kyoto. For forecasts check out the Super Cheap Japan sakura (cherry blossoms) guide. Fukuoka is the best place toContinue reading “Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyushu”

Snowy Buddhist mountain town – Koyasan Day 1

Koyasan is a secluded town south of Osaka, full of temples for people to stay in and view. I went here last week and had one of my holidays in Japan. This UNESCO World Heritage site is so stunning in the winter.  Day 2 report can be found here.  Here are some highlights from my trip:Continue reading “Snowy Buddhist mountain town – Koyasan Day 1”

Free sample chapter from my awesome new book!

The new Super Cheap Japan book is the ultimate guidebook for those traveling to Japan on a budget. Available across the world at retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Book Depository, it is a painstakingly researched book aimed at those who worry about spending too much money in the Land of the RisingContinue reading “Free sample chapter from my awesome new book!”

Sneak peak inside the new book

There it is! The new book delivered 😀 Now that everything is ready, my new travel book is ready to release on 22nd September. The brand new Super Cheap Japan book is the ultimate budget travel guide to Japan, full of the most useful, up-to-date information for a cheap holiday in Japan. With extensive tax-freeContinue reading “Sneak peak inside the new book”

Top 10 super cheap foods in Japan

This blog and my Japan book are all about saving you money on your holidays in Japan. Food, especially eating out, is one of the things that can really add to travel budgets, so here are the best foods to eat in Japan: 1) Cup noodles Fill up your belly for around $1, or even lessContinue reading “Top 10 super cheap foods in Japan”

10 amazing things not to forget about Japan

I recently came back to the wonderful land of Japan after a long break (think that’s a pretty good joke for those that know I broke my arm!). It was too long away! As I travelled around the country again, I was reminded about some of the best, most fascinating things about this country. ThisContinue reading “10 amazing things not to forget about Japan”

New book coming soon! Get the latest info

I have been working super hard on a super awesome new book for everyone 😀 It will be called Super Cheap Japan: Budget Travel in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima and Surrounding Areas. I hope to have it released around September time! For more info see the book page and be sure to join us onContinue reading “New book coming soon! Get the latest info”

Traveling to Japan? Learn how to drink for less while eating out

Japan is a mysterious place that I believe everyone should check out at least once in their life. The beauty of the islands can bring almost a tear to one’s eye. But after seeing the sights of the day, there is a common theme that everyone loves to do in Japan. Go out to eat!Continue reading “Traveling to Japan? Learn how to drink for less while eating out”

Exploring Yanaka

Yanaka is a peaceful neighborhood that is perfect for a morning stroll and that rewards exploration. A straightforward walk from Ueno to Nippori will take you along quiet streets of undamaged pre-war buildings, quiet temples and an eclectic selection of contemporary artist’s studios and galleries. Most notable among them is the Asakura Museum of SculptureContinue reading “Exploring Yanaka”