LATEST STORIES
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Over 8,000 native plant and flower species bloom in the the South West region – and about 80 percent of these species are found nowhere else on Earth. Add to that the annual migration of several varieties of whale species that pass along the WA coast, many resting in Geographe Bay with their young at…
Super cool Karuizawa – Update 2026
As soon as I arrived at Karuizawa train station in Nagano prefecture, I knew I was in a place unlike any I had already visited in Japan over the last few decades. I instinctively felt I was in a European winter resort town – very on trend, very up market. Lots of the ‘beautiful super…
Japan’s gorgeous GEIBIKEI GORGE! 2026 update
Geibikei Gorge is centred on the beautiful Satetsu River, flanked by towering cliffs on either side. It is gorgeous – and I say that having seen some spectacular gorges in my time. Whilst it may not be well known amongst western tourists, it is famous in Japan – boats have been transporting visitors along the…
Winter magic – South Coast Western Australia
Sometimes a travelling treasure is right in your backyard! One of my favourite local holidays is in Albany, on West Australia’s south coast – about a four and a half hour drive from our home.
CYCLING IN JAPAN update – FURUKAWA, GIFU
You know how some people do something super adventurous for their significant birthdays? Like doing a parachute jump or a sky dive.Like minded, I wanted to do something a bit different and challenging to celebrate my birthday in Japan – so I decided on a 2.5 hour bicycle ride in a small rural town and…
Kamioka – railway cycling and super space town in the Japanese Alps – update 2026
This old Japanese Alps mountain town offers a great opportunity to cycle along its historical old railway tracks – and a chance to check out some of the world’s best science at the super-Kamiokando museum, is part of this magic experience. I understand there are some great hiking trails in this area too.
KYOTO’S SHIRAKAWA COMMUNITY Shirakawa community – July 2026 update
One place I will revisit will be Kyoto’s Shirakawa community. I wrote the original article about this delightful area in 2020, and I’m continually updating it after follow up visits. If any of my readers also plan to head to Japan, I suggest this is a place not to miss on your itinerary.
KYOTO WITHOUT CROWDS
Kyoto Temples and Shrines: The other way to avoid crowds is to find lesser known, but equally interesting and historical temples and shrines. And they are there – you just have to know about them. Yoshimine-dera, established in a spectacular location in the western Kyoto hills, is one of them.
A SILVER PAVILION AND KYOTO STROLL
On my first visit, more than 20 years ago, I stayed in a cheap ryokan where the family dog often tended the front reception! Not just lounging about, but sitting upright at the front desk, seemingly ready to greet and serve customers. I knew Kyoto was going to be something special!
SUMO, MONET AND A KYOTO SHRINE
What does Sumo, the french painter Monet, deer and Japanese royalty have in common? Don’t think too hard. I have the answer. The exquisite Oharano Shinto Shrine in the Nishikyō-ku area of Japan’s Kyoto hills!
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