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NIKKO, JAPAN’S MAGNIFICENT LAKES
During the summer of 2021, my family decided to visit Nikko City in Japan for the second time. Our usual travel plans overseas are once again put on hold because of the pandemic. And as we are choosing which place to go which are not crowded, we consider the summer's humidity as well. That's why we choose Japan's top tourist destination Nikko City once again for its mild summers and picturesque surroundings. LAKE CHUZENJI Our trip to Nikko is not complete without visiting the city's magnificent lakes located in Okunikko--the center of Nikko National Park. The most popular is Lake Chuzenji which is located at an altitude of 1,269 meters. It was formed during the eruption of Mt.Nantai about 20,000years…
NIKKO’S BRITISH EMBASSY VILLA MEMORIAL PARK
During the summer vacation and Obon yasumi in Japan, my family had a chance to visit Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. While the city itself is world-renowned for its natural beauty, there are museums that are worth a visit. For people who are interested in history and foreign affairs, a visit to a foreign embassy memorial is an unforgettable experience. And one place I can recommend is the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE VILLA This museum is a former summer retreat of the British Embassy that was built in 1896. It has since been restored to preserve its original appearance. Exhibits from inside give visitors a glimpse of British culture. The villa is beautifully…
ROSE GARDEN AT IGASHIRA PARK, MOKA, TOCHIGI
IGASHIRA PARK ROSE GARDEN One of the most beautiful attractions in Japan in spring is the flower garden parks. There are lots of flower garden parks scattered all over Japan. Depending on the location, some have free entrances and some are not. These gardens are a refuge to most people seeking stress relief and it is similar to storybook gardens. Different species and colors of roses and peonies are in full bloom. And one of the nearest parks in my place is the Rose and Peony Garden, Igashira Park. BEST TIME TO SEE ROSES The spring flowering season is the most spectacular in the rose garden and is pleasing to the eyes of many visitors. You can also enjoy…
EXPLORING THE POTTERY TOWN OF MASHIKO, JAPAN
If you are tired of living in the concrete jungles especially in Tokyo and Yokohama, you may head north not far away from the Kanto region. Try exploring Japan's lush countryside without traveling on the road for 24 hours. Just about 2 and a half-hour north of Tokyo, lies Mashiko town, located in the southeast corner of Tochigi Prefecture. This town is not heavily populated and it has spacious greenery that you cannot find in big cities of Japan. It is also known for its pottery called Mashiko yaki. POTTERY MAKING The town relies heavily on tourism from its ceramic crafts industry through the years but now, different products are starting to gain popularity such as strawberry production, coffee beans…
EXPLORING KUALA LUMPUR D.I.Y.
Before the pandemic, I had the chance to explore Kuala Lumpur out of curiosity. This was my first international travel aside from the Philippines and Japan where I reside now. As a Philippine passport holder, Kuala Lumpur is visa-free for 30 days and easy to enter without a lot of requirements. Wanted to explore this city with limited time and budget? Do your own walking tour without a tourist guide. With the help of the internet and online maps, you can navigate through the metropolis and if you're a first-timer, it is normal to get lost. Things don't go as planned but Spontaneous is the best teacher. We got to know ourselves and our own problem-solving skills and this makes…
NOT SO TOURISTY PLACES
Canigao Island, Eastern Visayas, Philippines One of the most exciting experiences in traveling is going to unfamiliar places that are not crowded with tourists and commercial tourism. Visiting this beautiful Canigao Island in Leyte is highly recommended where we just learned from the locals on how to go and what to do there. This island is unheard of mainstream tourists who prefers luxury vacation. If you prefer to wander and get lost, this island destination is the place to be. Heading to the island and things to do Canigao is a small island with white sand beaches accessed by boat about 20 minutes from Hindang town. This is a local attraction and tourists are limited in numbers to prevent this…
Travelling during Covid-19 pandemic
Lockdowns and quarantine While most of the world are shutting down and people mostly stay outdoors, here in Japan is the opposite. Life is near normal to support the economy. There are no military orders and most people go to their jobs and children go to schools. Big events are cancelled. But life should not always be work and work. We have to relax and play as well and the most common hobby to enjoy and be happy during this pandemic is travelling. Domestic travel boom Japanese people are accustomed to travelling internationally. Japanese passport ranks no.1 of the world so those who are travelling for leisure could feel the boredom of just staying at home or at their local…
Michi no eki Motegi
Things to do in michi no eki Motegi Michi no eki Motegi is not just a simple farmers market and road station. This place is like an attraction for both locals and visitors. This road station is conveniently located before the main town of Motegi and it is also the pathway of the famous Steam Locomotive of Moka railway. Not only a place for shopping for vegetables and dining but it has an entertainment area with an interesting stage and a children's park. Many events were held in this place before the pandemic such as concerts, fireworks display, and musicals. A simple stroll, picnic, and eating out is recommended here, and last but not the least, taking pictures of…
Hiking trails outside Tokyo
Mt. Amamaki in Mashiko town If you want to experience nature outside the bustling city of Tokyo, there are nearby towns which are accessible by car or train around 2 hours or more. One of the towns I recommend is Mashiko where I live. It is a sleepy town famous for its ceramic potteries and fashionable cafes and not only that, you can explore nature by hiking the mountains and hills nearby. One of those attractions is Mt. Amamaki, with an altitude of 533 meters above the sea. It is a moderate hiking trail patronized by both professional and beginner hikers. Acsending and exploring around There are a lot of options to climb and for beginners, I suggest to follow…
SIGHTSEEING MT. FUJI
Mt. Fuji is referred to as the icon and symbol of Japan. If you plan to travel to Japan, make Mt. Fuji as one of your primary itineraries. For me, I love travelling when time and finances allow and I am a believer in creating special moments and experiences to attain happiness in life. When I was living in Yokohama for a year, I thought visiting Mt.Fuji is a great chance because I am based originally in Tochigi prefecture which is about 2 and a half car drive from Tokyo. It means distance is nearer and travel is more affordable. HEADING TO MT. FUJI I am traveling with my family by car from Yokohama going through Gotemba City in Shizouka…
