Drawing of Sega Toylet video game urinal skirt blowing game

Japan’s Urinal Video Games – The Weird World Of The Sega Toylet

February 17, 2021

Japan is known for its high-tech toilets, with electronic control panels, retractable bidets, heated seats, and sound effects to mask the user’s sounds. But the most unusual (and fun) invention so far is surely the urinal video game, controlled by the player’s urine stream! Called the Sega Toylet, they can sometimes be found installed in … More Japan’s Urinal Video Games – The Weird World Of The Sega Toylet

Drawing of Hakodate Orthodox Church in Motomachi

Soaking Up Hakodate History In The Photogenic Motomachi Area

February 15, 2021

The Motomachi area of Hakodate is the city’s historic neighbourhood, where Japanese and Western architectures are uniquely blended into a mish-mash of styles. Hakodate, located on the northernmost Japanese home island of Hokkaido, was one of the first ports in the country to open its doors to international trade in 1854. Traders, consuls, and government … More Soaking Up Hakodate History In The Photogenic Motomachi Area

Sketch of the point zero des routes de france bronze marker at the Notre Dame

The Exact Centre Of Paris – The Point Zéro des Routes de France

February 12, 2021

Ever wondered where the exact centre of Paris is? Just outside the Notre Dame de Paris is a small bronze disc embedded in the stone. While most might walk straight over it without paying it any attention, this marker is actually quite an interesting hidden secret in Paris. The Point Zéro des Routes de France … More The Exact Centre Of Paris – The Point Zéro des Routes de France

Drawing of Tokyo manhole cover storm drain cherry blossom design art

The Real Meaning Of Tokyo’s Iconic Sakura Manhole Covers

February 10, 2021

Japan is known for producing some of the most incredible manhole covers in the world. Using artistic designs to celebrate a city’s culture, history, and industry, these street ornaments come to life with beautifully painted results. When it comes to Tokyo’s manhole covers, the most commonly spotted is the classic all-metal flower design. While not … More The Real Meaning Of Tokyo’s Iconic Sakura Manhole Covers

Drawing of fort Goryokaku in Hakodate aerial view in cherry blossom season

Goryokaku Star Fort – The Cherry Blossom Fortress Of Hakodate

February 8, 2021

Hakodate, in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, is home to one of most unique fortifications in the country. Fort Gorokaku is a bastion fort, a western-style fortress characterised by triangular bastions, and a spectacular star-shaped moat. Along with Tatsuoka Castle in Saku, it is one of only two in the country, and by far … More Goryokaku Star Fort – The Cherry Blossom Fortress Of Hakodate

Drawing of Elands River waterfall South African waterfall sight

Visiting Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) – Outdoor Adventures and South African Historical Sites

February 5, 2021

The South African town of Emgwenya (previously known as Waterval Boven) is known for its stunning waterfall, the Elands River waterfall. Originally founded as a railway depot, this town is now popular for its outdoor activities and rock climbing, historical sites, and a possible hiding spot for the Kruger Millions – the mysterious lost treasure … More Visiting Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) – Outdoor Adventures and South African Historical Sites

Bento Box sketch Shinkansen kids meal japan

The Best Ekiben Lunch Boxes – The Perfect Meal for Every Shinkansen Journey

February 3, 2021

Taking the Shinkansen high speed rail around Japan is one of the fastest, smoothest and most relaxing ways to get around the country. And to make the journey even better, there is the ekiben, a prepackaged bento box for the trip. These beloved lunch boxes are found at all main railway stations, and are the … More The Best Ekiben Lunch Boxes – The Perfect Meal for Every Shinkansen Journey

Hakodate seafood market squid tank

Visiting Hakodate, Hokkaido’s Port City Of Squid, Forts And Mountain Views

February 1, 2021

Hakodate is a historic port city in the south of Hokkaido, known for its fresh seafood, European-style architecture, and one of the best panoramic night views in Japan. It is built on a narrow strip of land that reaches out to sea, culminating with the dramatic Mount Hakodate at the peninsula’s end. Its history revolves … More Visiting Hakodate, Hokkaido’s Port City Of Squid, Forts And Mountain Views

Urban sketching paris metro arts et metiers amazing paris metro stations steampunk

Arts et Métiers Metro Station Paris – The Fantastic Steampunk Station

January 29, 2021

With polished copper walls, submarine portholes, decorative rivets, and even gears on the ceiling, the Paris metro station Arts et Métiers is a stunning design straight out of a Jules Verne novel. Serving both line 3 and line 11, the platform for line 11 was redesigned to fit in with the theme of the Musée … More Arts et Métiers Metro Station Paris – The Fantastic Steampunk Station

Drawing of Kusatsu Onsen Japan street cover Yumomi paddle

The Art Of Yumomi – Traditional Water Cooling At Kusatsu Onsen

January 28, 2021

The town of Kusatsu is one of Japan’s most famous onsen resorts, a popular destination for those looking to relax and bathe in geothermal hot springs. Located in Gunma prefecture outside of Nagano, the small onsen town of 7000 people attracts 3 million annual visitors who come for the relaxing hot springs. However, in the … More The Art Of Yumomi – Traditional Water Cooling At Kusatsu Onsen