A travel blog for flashpackers
Matsuyama castle is quite extensive and one of our favourite Japanese castles. We chose to ascend via the ropeway in Ropeway street which was a great little street featuring restaurants, bars and antique stores. The castle itself was great to look around but so too were the views of Matsuyama from the castle. We walked... Continue Reading →
This would have to be one of my favourite pastimes in one of my favourite countries. Japan can be expensive but it's also possible to eat really well for not much money. A bowl of ramen is a very satisfying lunch on a cold winter's day and costs less than $10. Dinner sets Set menus... Continue Reading →
Nishiki market entrance Even though this was our fourth trip to Kyoto, I can never resist a quick visit to Nishiki market. Inside Nishiki market The market seems to be busy all day and offers loads of snacks and household goods. There are specialty shops selling knives, chopsticks, souvenirs and Snoopy paraphernalia! Snoopy mochi Snoopy... Continue Reading →
Pontocho lanterns Pontocho Pontocho is one of my favourite parts of Kyoto: a small laneway full of little restaurants. In the evening it is lit with lanterns and is a really pretty walk while you decide what to eat. Some of the restaurants can be quite expensive but equally there are small izakayas (bars with... Continue Reading →
During our one night stay near Meoto Iwa we realised that we were close to Mikimoto island and decided to spend a morning there before heading on to Kyoto. We caught the train to Toba and walked to the island. Garden on Mikimoto island There are nice gardens on the island and a great little... Continue Reading →
Meoto Iwa As we wanted to visit Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks), which was a little off the beaten track, we needed to find nearby accommodation and chose to stay in a ryokan. These are traditional Japanese inns with full or half board and public baths. We selected a Japanese room for the full experience. We... Continue Reading →
Royal Hawaiian hotel Waikiki has changed in the four years since we were last here. More development which can be seen to be an improvement but has also removed some of the feel of 'old Hawaii.' The old international marketplace was a bit of a mess and the new one is very glamorous but is... Continue Reading →
Kilauea lighthouse After spending five days in Princeville and Hanalei with our only sightseeing being Kilauea lighthouse and Anini beach (the road was closed past Hanalei due to previous flood damage), we were itching to hit the road and see some more of Kauai. Anini beach Our first stop was Kealia beach where we had... Continue Reading →
For our fourth trip to Hawaii, we chose to stay mostly on Kauai - the garden island. We spent five nights in Princeville and five in Kapaa followed by four nights in Waikiki on the way home. We had visited Kauai before, staying in Poipu, and had done a day trip around the island so... Continue Reading →
Wherever you go in Taipei, the focus is always on 101. The views to it from our hotel and elsewhere, and it also serves as a landmark when you’re walking or cabbing around town. There are sculptures at its foot and a shopping mall in its basement which includes a great food court featuring the... Continue Reading →
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