Must Try Food in Nagoya: Best Hitsumabushi Eel Rice

       Japanese simply lovvvveeee eels in their meal and if you've been to Nagoya, you'll definitely understand what i mean. In the regional cuisine in Nagoya, eel is one of the most significant ingredients, and grilled eel rice inevitably becomes the local's favorite.... So, how can we miss the chance to try one ourselves while we are here? 

Dr CYJ Hair Filler Experience at Premier Clinic, Malaysia

Dr CYJ hair filler is the world’s first hair filler injection gel that’s created for treating specific hair problems like hair fall and unhealthy brittle hair. After 14 years of research, Dr Yong Ji Chung recently finalized his invention that brings good news to all human with hair loss problem and it's introduced into Malaysia by the Aesthetic Giant, Premier Clinic. What it does is to strengthen hair cells and revitalize scalp.

Aesthetic Experience Sharing: Where to get Botox / Filler Injection in Malaysia and How was it?

       After months and months telling my mum about this great clinic that've been teaching me much about Aesthetic, I finally brought her to one of the interactive sharing sessions at the Premier Clinic Puchong Branch. This time, it is all about Botox and Filler injections in Malaysia. 

Aesthetic Sharing Session at Premier Clinic, TTDI

4 days after attending the beauty event in Starhill, I got another invitation from the Premier Clinic to share in their interactive session, this time in TTDI, KL.

Premier Clinic X Roberto Coin in Starhill, KL: When Top Aesthetic meets Top Jewelry

       My August ended off with a bomb when I received an invitation to Starhill Gallery for a collaboration event by Roberto Coin Jewelry and Premier Clinic.

Dermaroller Scar Treatment in Premier Clinic KL, Malaysia

Dermaroller is commonly known as skin needling with a sterile roller. Some call it micro needling and collagen induction therapy (CIT). Honestly, I was petrified when I hear needles and worst of all hundreds of them. however, Dr. Foo from Premier Clinic provides a clear explanation of the whole procedure, making the treatment not as intimidating as it sounds.

one of the Best Aesthetic Clinic in Malaysia-- Premier Clinic Bangsar

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Premier Clinic- Bangsar Baru branch grand opening by invitation! Interested in Aesthetic, I felt that it would be an eye-opener as well as a dope learning experience. Turned out, I am not wrong but under-expected. 

10 Incredible Experiences You Should Not Miss In Western Australia

       Honestly, when I was told that I had an opportunity to visit Western Australia, I didn't even have the slightest idea! What is interesting there? The only thing that came to my mind was the Pinnacles, that was all. Now that I've explored the Coral Coast and back, I feel that it's now my responsibility to spread the words, about how awesome is Western Australia.

Read more: 7 days itinerary in Western Australia

Western Australia: Visiting the Pink Lake from Perth

       I’ll start by showing you 5 pretty pictures of the pink lake that’ll make you want to visit it yourself.

Western Australia, Road Trip from Perth: 7 Days 6 Nights Itinerary

       Upon popular demand, here is my exact 7 days itinerary in Western Australia. Preferably, get a flight that lands at night to Perth (since it is considered a longer flight, 5 hours), so you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the adventures coming up. 6 full days of adventures starting from Perth, leaving the very next day!

       Honestly, it was a really sudden trip. I had my mind made up on a Thursday morning, did my Visa (it only takes a day! Click here to learn how!) and off I went on a Saturday! 

Tokyo, Japan: 5-9 Days Itineraries

       In Tokyo, I used a 3 days Subway Visitor Card to move around. I do not need a card using the 4th day because as I've stated below, it is possible to walk everywhere. On the 5th day, you can either use a Suica or ICOCA card or metro-only card, or if you are here for 3 more days, buy another subway card. In my humble opinion, the Subway Visitor Card is more useful for first-time visitors than the other IC cards because we tend to get lost in a new city. This card granted me unlimited use of the Tokyo Subway for 72 hours, so it doesn't matter how many times I ended up exiting the wrong station!  

       Other than that, always stay connected! If your Airbnb doesn't provide you with a 4G pocket wifi, rent one and pick up at the Airport (HERE). Honestly, it is not even that expensive and it is definitely worth every penny.

Kyoto, Japan: a 5 Days Itinerary (Kyoto, Nara, Uji)

       Every visitors to Japan whether first timers or repeating guests would put Kyoto in their itinerary. I mean who wouldn’t wanna explore Kyoto again and again? Although most of the time people visit Kyoto for 2 days at most, I actually think it deserves more time. I based myself in Kyoto for 5 days altogether, 1 day dedicated to Nara, and another 4 days visiting every site of Kyoto: East, West, North, and South. 

Kyushu, Japan Itinerary: Visiting the Hells of Beppu in 1 Day

       “Go to hell!” Such a strong expression used often to curse someone… Little did I know, it could be a well wish that one day you'll have the opportunity to visit Beppu!

Kyushu Itinerary: 1 day in Takachiho

       Takachiho is a town in Nishiusuki District Northern Miyazaki, known as the "land of Japanese Mythology”. It is made famous by the legend of the Sun Goddess who hid in the cave to protest against her brother’s (Susano'o) violence. Takachiho is also mentioned in many other legends, for example, the story of god Ninigi descending from heaven.

My 7 Days Itinerary with a Japan Rail Pass

Since I am spending 6 days in Tokyo, another 5 in Kyoto and 3 days in Osaka (using an Osaka Amazing Pass), it doesn’t make sense for me to activate my Japan Rail Pass any earlier. Hence, I only activated my Japan Rail Pass 2 weeks into my round Japan Trip and it worked exactly like this:

Read also: 2 Days in Osaka with an Osaka Amazing Pass

Japan Rail Pass- Everything You Need to Know

       There is a reason why JR pass is designed exclusively for foreign tourists on a short-term visit (max 90 days). If you are looking forward to seeing as much of Japan as you can in an affordable, convenient manner, JR pass is your best bet, thanks to the biggest rail provider (70% of all rail network) in the country, the Japan Rail (known simply as “JR"). There are a lot of passes under the JR company for example country wide pass, regional pass and more, which were introduced earlier HERE.

How to Buy a JR Pass (A Step By Step Guide)

Decided to buy a JR Pass for your trip to Japan? Congratulations, that's a brilliant move. Now, off to the big questions: WHEN? WHERE? HOW?

Buy a JR Pass HERE

 Exclusive discount for my dear readers: add the promo code KLOOKMHF to get RM15 off!

JR Pass- Is It Worth It?

       I’ve tested the JR Ordinary Pass over a period of 7 days trying out various modes of transportations nationwide. During my travels, my new Japanese friends all looked at my pass with awe follow with a sigh,

"only foreigners get all these great discounts". 

I was like HOW is this possible!? Then I found out that Japan citizens are only eligible to buy these passes if only they are living abroad for more than 10 years.

Kyoto other than shrines and temples? Hozugawa River Boat Ride!

       When it came to my 5th day in Kyoto, I was done with shrines and temples. Then I heard about Hozugawa Kudari (a riverboat ride) in the west end of town... Who knew Kyoto can also be a premier spot to enjoy nature? Since Arashiyama (the landing dock) is on my bucket list, I decided that I could add that to my itinerary.

Osaka: a 2-days itinerary with an Osaka Amazing Pass

       Osaka is one of the most important port city in Japan and since that it is the cheapest city to fly into from South East Asia countries via AirAsia, I am not surprised by the fact that there are more Malaysians in Osaka than in Tokyo. In fact, in certain touristy places, I nearly thought I was back in Malaysia (I am not exaggerating). The point is, Osaka is on the rise (if not already on top of the list) to be the top 1 vacation hot spot among Malaysians, so let’s talk Osaka!

       Recently, I’ve been to the Kansai area for 9 days with my family. We’ve spent 3 days in Osaka and used an Osaka Amazing Pass for 2 days. In this post, I’ll share my exact itinerary and how to fully utilize the Pass. Here goes nothing!

This Might be the Best Theme Restaurant in Tokyo— Ninja Akasaka

       When you are up for a food experience like no other in Tokyo, you will be spoiled with choices. Tokyo is a haven for theme restaurants, there is no shortage of quirky experiences— Robot, UFO, Maids, Medical prison, Alice in the wonderland, Pet cafes and so much more…
       However, I guess when a gimmicky restaurant invests too much into the decor and branding, you’ll have to settle for overpriced subpar food. Or… will we? Is there any place having the BEST of both worlds?

Ninja Akasaka it is!

Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen, Japan: a true Spirited Away setting

       Nagano Prefecture is famous in Japan for its 200 onsens (hot spring), and on this trip, I jumped on an opportunity to visit one of the most well-known one, the Yudanaka-Shibu onsen, an idyllic area overflow with history.

Read: Nagano 2 days Itinerary  

In Search of Powder Snow in Japan, Ryuoo Ski Park in Yamanouchi Town

       Ryuoo Ski Park is conveniently located in Yamanouchi Town and it is also the closest ski resort from Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen!

Zenkoji Temple, Nagano — The "most" unique temple in Japan you’ll ever visit.

       You’ve had enough temple and shrine visits in Kyoto. But Zenkoji is not “just another temple”.
There is a saying in Japanese: "you have to go to Zenkoji at least once during your lifetime". Hence, I have the responsibility to make sure that we wouldn't leave Nagano without paying a visit, and so you know about Zenkoji Temple.

How to visit the Snow Monkey Park in Nagano? Everything you need to know!

       When I say “Nagano”, most people think of the snow monkeys first, and this is what Nagano is most famous for. The snow monkey park is originally called the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (directly translated to the "Hell Valley Park”) and it is made famous by the international press in 1998 when Nagano held the Winter Olympic Games.

       It is the bizarre phenomena which wild monkeys bathe in natural hot springs that attracts people from all over the world to this part of Japan. This is the only place on earth where you can take a right up-close look at the monkeys soaking in hot spring, acting like human… and mark my words, this memory will last a lifetime.

7 things in Taiwan that you can’t find in Malaysia!

        So far I have visited Taiwan twice in my life. Both of the trips I did not really explore the tourism spots like a tourist. But I kind of experienced Taiwan like a local and also as a cyclist, and those are the reasons of me writing this article discussing what are the daily things that are so common to Taiwanese but surprised me as a Malaysian. 

Visit Nagano for the Ultimate Japan Experience: What to See, Do and Eat?

       I came here just for the snow monkey. Initially (Pardon me!). and I thought I would be back in Tokyo right after. I am glad someone persuaded me to stay longer.  

       Surrounded by soaring high mountains and highlands, Nagano is not short of beautiful sceneries. Reasons to visit Nagano can be summarized into 5 words: Skies, Forest, Times, Hot Spring and Food. In two days time, I am going to experience all 5. Challenging, but possible.