Gero Onsen Trip, Central Japan: A stay in 4-star Award Winning Suimeikan Ryokan

Welcome to the enchanting world of Gero Onsen, one of Japan's top three hot springs! 🌊 Nestled in the heart of Gifu Prefecture, this onsen is celebrated for its rejuvenating waters and picturesque surroundings. Just an hour and a half away from Nagoya by a scenic limited express train, the journey to Gero Onsen itself is a delight! 🚄

Known as the "Bijin-no-yu" or the hot spring of beauty, Gero Onsen boasts a colorless and transparent alkaline hot spring that leaves your skin feeling smooth and radiant. Yes, you can feel the effect on your skin instantly! And when I say instantly, I do not exaggerate. No wonder Japanese love to incorporate Gero into their Girl’s trip itinerary!

3-5 days Central Japan Itinerary from Nagoya (Chubu) Airport: Nagoya+Takayama+ Gero+ Naegi + Magome+ Matsumoto

Nagoya (Chubu) Airport -> Nagoya -> Takayama -> Gero -> Naegi -> Magome -> Matsumoto -> Tokoname -> Nagoya (Chubu) Airport

My expedition from Malaysia to Nagoya began with the touchdown at Nagoya (Chubu) Airport. This is my second time touching down in this airport, and I am still very much excited to be here. Reason is that during my first visit in 2019, I did not have much time to explore the airport, but during my flight back, I was told that the Nagoya (Chubu) Airport is way more than just a transit hub. However, it was all too late. Now that I am finally able to experience firsthand the features and attractions that make Nagoya (Chubu) Airport arrival so unique, I am eager!

Chiba, Japan: 5 Days 4 Nights Itinerary (from Narita Airport!)

       Last month, I've been to Chiba Japan for the second time in my life. 1st time was 9 years ago to Tokyo Disney Land, but back then i did not realize that Tokyo Disneyland is actually located in Chiba! 

Tokyo Year End Trip: Free Itinerary sharing for blog readers and followers

       A lot of my blog readers expressed interest of visiting Tokyo end of this year. So, this Tokyo Year End Trip itinerary Blogpost is inspired by a IG follower's enquiry, especially suitable for family travel (Tokyo with kids).   
       However, I would like to remind everyone that this post is just a draft/ guidance for you to plan your own Tokyo trip. There is still a lot of details to figure out. So I hope this Tokyo Year End Trip itinerary post serve as a good start! 

Buy 1 free 1! Klook 11.11 Sale is here!

Klook 11.11 deals is finally here! In this post, I’ll teach you how to get the most of the annual crazy sale. So hang on tight to your chair while the clock is ticking! Save big this Klook 11.11!

4 Days in Japan Itinerary: Visiting Aichi, a Hidden Gem lying in between Tokyo and Osaka

       Japan is my obsession, I could go visit several times a year, but after a few trips I realized something: I am bored with dazzling lights in the city…. how about discovering more of Japan less traveled sites?

       Aichi prefecture has never made the cut into my itinerary, so when I got an opportunity to visit, I seize it. What is more fun than surprises? Expect less and you’ll gain more. What's genuine about Japan is the culture, the people, the activities, and the smiles. Let's take a step back and go find the real Japan in Aichi Prefecture, a hidden treasure chest buried between Tokyo and Kyoto.

Korankei, Best Place to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Central Japan

        Kōrankei is a famous valley not too far from Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture), reputedly one of the best spots for autumn foliage in Chubu Region (and believe me, it is not an over-statement!). Shaping the valley is the 254 meters tall Mount Limori terrain, on which the "mysterious" Kojakuji Temple stands.

Fruit Picking in Japan Experience Sharing: Gamagori Orange Park

       Situated on the coast of Mikawa Bay on the Pacific Ocean in southeastern Aichi Prefecture, Gamagori is a beautiful city famous for its ocean view, hot spring and most importantly a locally grown citrus fruit, Mikan, which is a type of mandarin orange that grows along the mountainside part of this seaside city. So naturally, our first mission of the day was to try some mandarin oranges and to up our game, we just haaaaave to work mandarin picking into our itinerary.

Best Place to See Cherry Blossom in Japan? Consider Obara, Aichi!

        Have you felt absolutely torn apart when you are trying to decide the best timing to visit Japan?
Spring (Late March- Early April) for Sakura or Autumn (Early November-  Early December) for fall foliage? Japan is famous for both sceneries and you can’t seem to decide... I totally understand. I’ve been there too in that exact situation.

A Visit to the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium: Is it Worth it?

      Our last attraction of the trip was the Nagoya Port Public Aquarium. After a brief stroll at the port, we headed straight into the North building of the aquarium, greeted by, our first sight, the bottlenose dolphins, killer whales, and Beluga whales! We ran for the dolphins show first because the show was about to start. It was spectacular, so please take note of the show time so that you won’t miss it! There are 3 scheduled dolphin shows per day at the largest main pool in all of Japan, with stands seating approximately 3,000 people.

Japan Experience: Strolling Inuyama, Aichi Dressing in Kimono

      Kimono is the traditional garment of Japan and it can be literally translated as a “thing to wear” (ki means “wear” and mono means ”thing”). The earliest Kimono were heavily influenced by Hanfu, which is the traditional Chinese clothing before the Qing dynasty. After a fantastic visit to the Inuyama castle, we had a chance to stroll the quaint old town of Inuyama in kimono! 

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? 

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.