The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort Hotel is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Toya, which is a volcanic caldera lake, an hour’s drive from Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo. One of the highlights of the hotel is the onsen on the top two floors: the infinity pool on the roof […]
7 Top Hotels Around the World
August 26, 2015 by
From time to time, we come across outstanding hotels and locations that are difficult to beat. Here are our current 7 top hotels around the world: Nakamanda Resort, Krabi Thailand – Contemporary Thai interiors and perfect service make this our favorite Thai beach resort. Quiet, intimate and relaxing. Son Brull Mallorca – Modern design in a restored […]
Top 7 Favorite Regions in the World
August 25, 2015 by
Here are our top 7 favorite regions in the world. These are the place we go back to again and again: Sud Tirol: Italian food and hospitality with German punctuality. Sounds like a perfect match. This region in Northern Italy is a paradise for winter skiing, summer hiking and cycling, with excellent food and hospitality. […]
Kyoto shopping recommendations 2015
May 28, 2015 by
Just back from Japan with the latest Kyoto shopping recommendations! Here’s where to shop in Kyoto for Imabari towels, makeup brushes, organic skin care, tea, incense and room wear. (1) Iori for Imabari towels Once you have used Imabari towels, you’ll never go back to your old towels. I was converted to the famous towels […]
Kurokawa Onsen: Hot Springs lodging in Japan
December 11, 2014 by
Kurokawa Onsen Resort is a part of Minami-oguni Town, located just about in the center of Kyushu, at the base of Kuju mountains. The spa resort is built along the upper stream valley of the Chikugo River, the longest river in Kyushu, at 700 meter elevation. Because of the topography, large hotels were never built […]
Japan tax free items now include cosmetics, food and beverages
October 20, 2014 by
As of 1 October 2014, tourists in Japan can get a tax refund for cosmetics, skin care, food and beverage (e.g. sake) purchases in department stores and other shops offering tax-free shopping. This is big news for tourists who come to Japan to buy high-end Japanese cosmetics brands such as Shiseido, Cle de Peau, Lunasol, […]
Top 10 Japan travel tips
November 22, 2013 by
Here are my top ten Japan travel tips. (1) Fly into Haneda airport, not Narita, if you are going to Tokyo. Narita airport is a nightmare, starting with the long queues at immigration (in a hot stuffy room) to the long ride from the airport to central Tokyo. Narita lies 57.5 kilometres (35.7 miles) from […]
