「Travel Smart, Explore More！」
A few years ago, I traveled to Atami for a solo trip. At the time, I only knew about the city’s hot springs, coastal views, and art museums, I had no idea there was a charming Showa-era style café called Momoyama-kan Retro View Café (展望レトロ喫茶 桃山館). It wasn’t until I…
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…
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…
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…
As I wandered down the nostalgic, Edo-era streets of Narai-juku, surrounded by traditional wooden townhouses and timeworn cobblestone paths, the thing I looked forward to most was indulging in the town’s most iconic specialty: the local soul food known as Tōji Soba (とうじそば). For this trip, I made it a…
When it comes to Ishigaki’s nightlife, one of the most iconic experiences is spending an evening at a shamisen live izakaya in the bustling downtown area, singing and dancing with strangers who quickly turn into friends. Usagiya Ishigaki Main Branch (うさぎや) was one of the most unforgettable stops during my…
Seoul has long been one of my dream destinations for a free and easy getaway. However, the trip kept getting postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t until a casual dinner with friends that the topic of travel came up, and someone mentioned wanting to visit Korea. In that…
When visiting Shiretoko Utoro, beyond soaking in the stunning natural beauty of this World Heritage Site, what kind of local food can you look forward to? While planning my trip to Shiretoko, I made a point to research local food spots and came across a restaurant highly recommended by Japanese…
On this trip to Utoro in Shiretoko, I wasn’t just here to admire the breathtaking landscapes of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site—I was also hoping to discover some local culinary gems. However, there isn’t much detailed information online about restaurants in Utoro, not even on Google Maps. That made…
When visiting Seoul, one dish you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Seolleongtang, and among the many places that serve it, Sinseon Seolleongtang stands out as a crowd favorite! While dishes like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), handmade noodles, and bibimbap often come to mind first, Seolleongtang is actually one of Korea’s most…
When visiting Seoul, Korea, most people think of eating dishes like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), handmade noodles, or bibimbap. However, one traditional dish that should not be missed is Seowon Abalone Porridge ! On this trip to Seoul, Tsubaki discovered Seowon Abalone Porridge through a friend’s recommendation and decided to…
This time, I came to Kanazawa from Tokyo to attend a junior’s wedding, which also gave me a few extra days to properly explore Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula. To be honest, when I travel, I usually care more about natural scenery and outdoor experiences than food. But this bowl…
