We spent 15 days travelling the length of the country to make the most of the limited time available to us. We spent 15 days travelling the length of the country to make the most of the limited time available to us. We spent 15 days travelling through Japan. This blog will provide you with the 15 most important first-hand tips to help you plan the perfect Japan itinerary, and if you're planning to visit Japan now or in the near future, these tips are just what you might nee

Osaka can be a great starting point for your trip to Japan. It's lively but not as crowded as Tokyo; it has many shrines but not as many as in Kyoto; it's a friendly city, making it an ideal option to ease into your Japanese vacation. This blog will give you all the tips you need to plan your perfect trip to Osaka.

This is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 3rd century, before the advent of Buddhism. There are over 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan, and they worship Kami, the gods who protect fishermen and sailors. This is the shrine of celebration for the people of Osaka. Around 2 million people come to visit the shrine each year in January, a ritual called Hatsumode, meaning the traditional first shrine visit of the year.

Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks. It was built in the 16th century, and it has played a very significant role in the unification and history of Japan. The castle has gained a lot of popularity in recent times since it's one of the most iconic places to see cherry blossoms or Sakura from late March to early April.

A whole lot of interesting sights make the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan a must-see attraction on your Osaka itinerary. The aquarium is home to almost 30,000 creatures spanning over 620 species, from the mighty whale sharks and sting rays of the ocean, to the most minuscule creatures like the jellyfish, spotted garden eels, mushroom corals and anemones.

Visiting the Shinsekai District in Osaka is to experience the retro charm of Osaka. You will find colourful neon signs, street food vendors, shooting galleries and more with the Tsutenkaku Tower serving as the backdrop.

Himeji Castle is the first monument to be recognised in Japan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been bestowed with the title of Japanese National Treasure. It's one of the 12 castles in Japan that have been preserved in their original state.

Hiroshima is a city that bore the brunt of unbridled human ambition when, on August 6th 1945, it became the first city to be the target of the atomic bomb during WWII. This blog will give you all the practical details about visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Miyajima Island is part of the famous '3 Most Scenic Views' of Japan. If you're wondering what makes this small island so special, you will have to get on a ferry across the Seto Inland Sea and see this heavenly sight for yourself. As the ferry approaches the island, the bright 50-feet-tall vermilion-coloured Torii Gate of the Itsukushima Shrine glistening in the sun comes into view.

Established as early as 806 CE, Daishō-in is Miyajima's oldest temple and one of the 3 great temples in Japan. The temple is believed to be what the Japanese call a 'Power Spot', implying it has miraculous abilities to ward off evil and bring good luck! The temple is a treasure trove of wonders, one more enchanting than the other.

One of the most riveting experiences of our Japan trip was a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Thousands of bright vermilion-painted torii gates straddle both sides of the narrow mountain path leading up to Mount Inari to create a stunning visual at the Fushimi Inari Taisha.

The Sanjūsangendō Temple in Kyoto is a cherished national treasure of Japan. If you're looking for an unspoiled spiritual experience right in the city centre, then Sanjūsangendō is a temple you must visit. The relics that you see here are unparalleled in their beauty.

The Southeast Asian country of Vietnam is fast becoming one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the world, owing to the myriad experiences it has to offer to its visitors. From vibrant cultural hotspots like Danang and Hoi An to the scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, Vietnam has it all.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City? This is a pertinent question that crops up for most travellers planning to visit Vietnam, as the entry point into Vietnam for their Vietnamese vacation. So, what makes both these bustling cities of Vietnam different and yet so similar? Let's find out which city wins the race for popularity among tourists.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city that offers an interesting insight into the Vietnamese way of life and proudly showcases its historical architectural landmarks. It's situated in Northern Vietnam on the banks of the Red River, which owes its name to the reddish-brown colour of its silt-laden water. There's a lot to do and see, so it's ideal to keep aside at least 3 days for this beautiful city.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is the final resting place of President Hồ Chí Minh, a revered Vietnamese leader and revolutionary, affectionately known as Uncle Ho. He was the first president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The mausoleum is located in the heart of Hanoi in Ba Dinh Square, a renowned landmark in Vietnam with significant historical significance. This is the place where Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vi

The temple is a historic relic, it is Vietnam's oldest university, also called Imperial Academy that was built in the year 1070, dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher, teacher and politician, Confucius, considered a paragon of all Chinese sages. It's not a religious place of worship, but rather a place of learning and knowledge. It's a must-see attraction in Hanoi, it will give you a unique insight into Vietnam's academic history and its rich cultural past.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi is a unique art form where puppeteers create magic in a knee-deep water pond from behind the curtain, accompanied by a lilting traditional live music band and singers. The show is woven around legends of Vietnam, the play creates vivid and colourful images of Vietnamese country life.

Ninh Binh, the gloriously scenic province in Northern Vietnam, will beguile you with its beauty of limestone karsts* as they seem to grow out of a verdant green landscape, earning this place the name 'Halong Bay on Land'.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay is renowned for its stunning limestone rock formations, which seem to be perched on the surface of the sea, spanning over 600 square miles of emerald-green seawater. These massive limestone rocks are covered in a thick green coat of tropical rainforests as far as the eye can see!