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. 

Homestay Series: All the wonderful weird things happening in a Japanese Home

Although I am yet to experience a month-long homestay myself, I’ve interviewed several friends who had gotten the chance to do just that and “live to tell the tale. " Here is what I’ve got:

15 Tips for a Wonderful Homestay Experience in Japan

        The idea of spending a whole week (or even months!) with a complete stranger-family in a foreign land far far away from home might sound intimidating, but anyhow, do it in Japan!

        Homestay with a Japanese family is the most intriguing experience one can get in the land of rising sun. Not only that it is a much cheaper alternative to cramped-up hotel rooms, Homestay is simply the best way to gain an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and their way of living. Here, you’ll be granted the front row seat to the daily life of a typical Japanese family, try delicious home cooked food, alcoholic beverages and more.

Ditch the Hotels, Try Homestay in Japan!

        I was traumatized by the expensive room rate and the lack of space in Tokyo hotel rooms during my last visit. Bearing in mind that I will be traveling with my family this time, I searched high and low on the internet for an alternative that I can deem the “Perfect Place to stay”...

Taiwan Cycling - Checklist, Budget and Recommended Tour for Beginners

  After we posted pictures and itinerary about the Taiwan Cycling Tour on our social media, we found out there are many people out there interested and keen to do cycling around Taiwan as well!