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Other Japan

Snow covered Tsugaru Railway Stove Train

The ultimate guide to the Tsugaru Railway Winter Stove Train

March 23, 2023 //  by Mae-Gene

This winter I was fortunate enough to visit Aomori and hence the famous Tsugaru Railway Winter “Stove Train”. It was a fun experience and I knew immediately after visiting that I’d have to write a blog post all about the Stove Train. If you’re looking to visit Aomori in winter or would like to know …

The ultimate guide to the Tsugaru Railway Winter Stove TrainRead More

Category: Japan, Other Japan

wizarding world harry potter osaka - hogwart's castle

A muggle’s guide to having a magical time at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

February 25, 2020 //  by Mae-Gene//  Leave a Comment

As a child in the late 90’s and early 2000s, Harry Potter was a huge part of my childhood. I was obsessed with the adventures that Harry, Hermione and Ron went on. And I was convinced that my owl inviting me to attend Hogwarts got lost (hey a girl can dream, right?!) Regardless of whether …

A muggle’s guide to having a magical time at the Wizarding World of Harry PotterRead More

Category: Japan, Other Japan

1 day in Osaka - Osaka Castle

How to have a perfect 1 day in Osaka

February 14, 2020 //  by Mae-Gene//  Leave a Comment

It took me a long time to visit Osaka. I’ve visited Japan 3 times, lived in Tokyo but it was only when I came across sale airfares to Osaka that I finally thought “I seriously need to visit this city”. And when I finally visited Osaka? I wish I had visited sooner. In fact, I …

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Category: Japan, Other Japan

Hiroshima Itinerary - atomic bomb dome

1 day in Hiroshima Itinerary

April 12, 2019 //  by Mae-Gene//  Leave a Comment

I only managed to visit Hiroshima after my third visit to Japan, and that was only after living in Tokyo for 3 months! Honestly, I wish I had visited sooner and if you have the time in your itinerary, I would highly recommend including Hiroshima (with a side trip to Miyajima Island!) To help others …

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Category: Japan, Other Japan

Miyajima itinerary - torii gate

The Ultimate Miyajima Itinerary

March 15, 2019 //  by Mae-Gene//  Leave a Comment

I still remember the first time I visited Miyajima. After spending a night in Hiroshima, and learning about the impact of the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima towards the end of WWII (psst: check out my 1 day in Hiroshima itinerary) we boarded a ferry to Miyajima Island. I still remember the moment like …

The Ultimate Miyajima ItineraryRead More

Category: Japan, Other Japan

off the beaten path in Japan - Naoshima Island

7 places you need to visit that are off the beaten path in Japan

March 16, 2018 //  by Mae-Gene//  22 Comments

Most visitors to Japan tend to stick to the traditional tourist trail of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I did this on my first trip to Japan too! After living in Japan and since visiting again, I wish I had ventured off the beaten path in Japan sooner! Exploring smaller cities or towns in Japan can …

7 places you need to visit that are off the beaten path in JapanRead More

Category: Japan, Other Japan

things to do in Hokkaido

9 things to do in Hokkaido, Japan

February 2, 2018 //  by Mae-Gene//  20 Comments

Sashimi that’s so fresh it melts in your mouth. Fields of flowers that go on forever you need to check your hayfever meds. A sea of clouds, you think you’ve stepped into a magical alternative universe. No, my friends… You haven’t accidentally started reading a book filled with make-believe or fairies. This is Hokkaido. The …

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Category: Japan, Other Japan

things to do kamikochi

Kamikochi: hiking in the Japanese Alps

October 13, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  13 Comments

If you’re looking for weekend trips from either Tokyo or Kyoto, then look no further than Kamikochi. This beautiful area in central Japan is part of what is considered the Japanese Alps. I spent 3 nights here, though you could visit just for the weekend and still not feel rushed. It was a great way to …

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Category: Japan, Other JapanTag: japan, kamikochi, off the beaten path Japan

The Giant Pumpkin Naoshima Island

8 things to do on Naoshima Island, Japan’s Art Island

September 29, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  26 Comments

Naoshima Island, also known as Japan’s Art Island is famed for its art museums and outdoor sculptures. Most famous is the “giant pumpkin” by artist Yayoi Kusama which is the unofficial icon for Naoshima. For me, visiting Naoshima started off as a crazy pumpkin hunting mission, but turned into a full-blown love affair. To help …

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Category: Japan, Other Japan

shirakawago travel tips

Shirakawa-go: Central Japan’s forgotten magical village

August 9, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  11 Comments

Japan has no shortage of things to do, things to see. As any visitor to this country can attest to, even just visiting the major cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) can leave you with aching feet and a to-do list longer than Santa’s. While it can be incredibly hard to avoid trying to do ALL THE …

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Category: Japan, Other Japan

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