「Travel Smart, Explore More！」
When people think of a Hakone trip, the first things that usually come to mind are hot springs, art museums, or the stunning lakeside torii gate. But to me, there’s something else just as essential: indulging in Hakone’s local food! One of the absolute must-tries is the long-established Tamura Ginkatsutei…
When people think of Sendai, what often comes to mind is gyutan (beef tongue), the Sendai Morning Market, Sendai Castle, or maybe just a convenient stopover when heading to other parts of the Tohoku region. But Sendai itself holds plenty of surprises. One place that really stood out to me…
When people think of Akita’s Namahage (なまはげ｜Namahage), the first image that often comes to mind is a fearsome red or blue demon wearing a terrifying mask and holding a knife, something that seems like a character designed just to scare children during a festival. But when I actually stepped into…
When you think of Akita, what comes to mind first? Maybe Akita dogs, rice, or hot springs. But for Tsubaki, the most unforgettable highlight of a trip to Akita was the Namahage, those straw-clad, fang-masked demons who bang on doors and shout in booming voices. This traditional ritual in Oga…
When it comes to the most beautiful starry skies in Japan, many people might immediately think of Achi Village in Nagano. But in fact, Ishigaki Island is the only place in Japan officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park, making it the top destination for stargazing! Especially in areas…
Deep in Wakayama Prefecture, surrounded by the borders of Nara and Mie, lies the small village of Kitayama. Its most iconic summer activity is the Kitayama River IKADA-KUDARI Log Rafting (北山川観光筏下り), a rare and thrilling experience where you ride a real log raft down a rushing river. The whole experience…
If you’re planning to visit the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, taking a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is an experience you simply can’t miss. As the longest cable car system in Asia, it’s far more than just a means of transportation. I originally thought Ngong…
How do you get from Hong Kong International Airport to the city center?Whether it’s your first time visiting Hong Kong or you’re a seasoned traveler, it’s worth taking a closer look at the different transportation options available from the airport to downtown. Each comes with its own advantages depending on…
Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Beyond just mapping out your itinerary, there’s quite a bit of essential information that’s worth knowing beforehand. Based on my personal experience visiting Hong Kong, I’ve compiled this detailed guide to help you get prepared with ease. Whether it’s your first visit or a…
On this trip to Hong Kong, I had one breakfast spot on my radar from the very beginning: the legendary Australia Dairy Company, known for its long lines that people gladly wait in. Located near Jordan Station, this iconic cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style diner) is a symbol of local…
In Hong Kong, desserts are part of everyday street culture, you’ll find sweet shops on nearly every corner. But to stand out among the crowd and consistently earn recommendations in the Michelin Guide year after year? That takes more than luck. This time, Tsubaki headed to Kai Kai Dessert, located…
After landing in Hong Kong, the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the city center is the Hong Kong Airport Express. The very first time I visited Hong Kong, I took this line straight to the city without needing to think about train transfers. Plus, if you’re carrying…
When it comes to Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng (local diners), the very first name that pops into Tsubaki’s mind is Lan Fong Yuen. It’s practically a pilgrimage spot for every foodie visiting Hong Kong—locals and tourists alike crowd in for a taste of the original, old-school silk-stocking milk tea…
Cantonese dim sum restaurants are typically not cheap, but during our trip, we stumbled upon a clean and incredibly affordable place near our hotel called DIM SUM Here. With no expectations, we decided to give it a try, and we were completely blown away. It was such a pleasant surprise…
During my free-and-easy trip to Hong Kong, I finally got the chance to catch up with my friend Chung Wai, whom I’ve known for over 10 years. Together, we visited Waso Cafe (華嫂冰室), a cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe) that’s not only beloved by locals but also highly popular…
XEX Atago Hills Salvatore Cuomo Bros has always been one of Tsubaki’s treasured picks when it comes to Tokyo Tower view restaurants. Interestingly, it became a favorite of mine all thanks to work. My very first visit was actually for a client dinner organized by my boss. The moment I…
When it comes to Hong Kong’s iconic cha chaan teng (local-style diners), Kam Wah Cafe is undoubtedly one of the classics. Located near Prince Edward MTR Station, this time-honored cafe is best known for its legendary bolo yau (pineapple bun with butter) and attracts both locals and travelers alike. Especially…
One of the most common questions people ask when planning their first trip to Hong Kong is: Do I still need to use cash in Hong Kong? Or has the city gone fully digital like mainland China? In reality, Hong Kong sits somewhere between the traditional and the digital. While…
Last November, my boyfriend and I traveled to Kamikochi, a hidden gem in Nagano, for a two-day, one-night trip that included hiking up Mount Yakedake and exploring the Kamikochi area. From that moment, we completely fell in love with the magnificent landscapes of Japan’s Northern Alps. This time, we planned…
While researching for my article about how to eat tsukemen, one of Japan’s most unique noodle dishes, I stumbled upon an unexpected discovery: the birthplace of tsukemen is hidden right in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, at a shop called Taishoken. The moment I found out, I immediately saved the spot on Google…
