Something strange happened when the clocks hit 5pm in Nikkō. The town suddenly fell quiet, the people disappeared, the shops shut their doors, and restaurants turned their ‘open’ signs around to ‘closed’. The sun went down in a haze of muted oranges and purples, a chilly evening began to creep in, and we were left … More Sketching Nikkō, Japan’s UNESCO Temple Town
Nara might be the perfect day trip. Easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka, friendly and quaint, with plenty to see on foot in a just a few hours. But what are day trippers missing out on? Dinner menus unique to Nara, for one, and excursions out of the city. So is it worth extending a … More Visiting Nara – is it best as a day trip or overnight stay?
Kyoto’s eye-catching bamboo forest is called Arashiyama, and you’ve probably seen photos of it before. The forest is dense and tall, and wandering through it is a lovely, elemental experience, feeling completely enveloped by these hollow giants.
Kyoto is not really a busting supercity like Tokyo or Osaka. While there still are high rises and department stores, Kyoto is best known for its cultural treasures. Think of it as a place of culture; traditional houses, geishas in elegant kimonos, and amazing food. Alll these things are celebrated in a city that has … More Kyoto for first-timers
I always imagined Coney Island to be different to modern amusement parks. More nostalgic landmark than weekend activity. A relic of the glory days of carnivals and rides. A throwback to the classic amusement park tropes. I thought about ferris wheels for a nickel, haunted houses with a guy dressed as a ghost to scare … More A day trip to Coney Island in New York City
A wild pig covered in black, wiry hair shuffled and snorted through the snow on the side of the road, snout crusted in ice. The car stopped and it waddled across the road, looking up at us. It knew we had carrots; and so did the silhouettes of larger animals were moving in the treeline … More Parc Omega – A Snow Safari in Canadian Winter
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