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Tips for Visiting Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village

Tips for Visiting Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village

About Gamcheon Culture Village Gamcheon Culture Village has been labeled the “Santorini of Korea” or the “Machu Picchu of Korea” due to the colorful homes built around the foothills of Saha-gu Mountain. The area used to be a poor neighborhood, but the government gradually turned it into an artsy tourist destination. The homes and buildings are painted in vibrant colors with murals and paintings along the alleys and walls. There are cafés, restaurants, and food stalls inside the village, too….

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Places for Autumn Leaves in Japan

Places for Autumn Leaves in Japan

Looking for some amazing fall colors while visiting Japan? Depending on what part of the country you’re in, the leaves will change color during different times of the season. This can make it tricky to plan some foliage spotting, but it is definitely worth the time and planning. Northern Japan is probably the best part of the country to witness the autumn leaves’ vibrant colors due to its numerous locations. Yet, there are other well-known places scattered throughout Japan to…

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Things to Experience in Gifu City, Japan

Things to Experience in Gifu City, Japan

What is there to do in Gifu City? Although not a major tourist destination, Gifu City is a nice place to relax and take a break from Japan’s bustling city centers. Located only twenty minutes by train from Nagoya, it’s an easily accessible destination. Here are three things you should experience while in Gifu City: 1. Kawaramachi Street This quaint street embodies Japan’s traditional charm through wooden shophouses, stores, and restaurants. Learn about Gifu’s art of paper making, as well…

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Mount Fuji from Nihondaira in Shizuoka

Mount Fuji from Nihondaira in Shizuoka

Nihondaira is a gorgeous location in Shizuoka Prefecture and has some laidback activities to appreciate the region’s natural scenery and mild year-around climate. It is known as being one of the best places to get a panoramic view of majestic Mount Fuji, complete with the Pacific Ocean for a backdrop. I had been patiently waiting for a clear, cloud-free day to journey up the hilltop to Nihondaira. The day finally came at the end of October! Travel tip: Late spring…

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Owakudani: Exploring Japan’s Active Volcanic Valley

Owakudani: Exploring Japan’s Active Volcanic Valley

Japan is full of geothermal activity; the country’s numerous onsen (hot springs) perfectly exemplify this. Specifically, Hakone is a hotbed for geothermal activity due to its proximity to Mount Fuji. For this reason, it’s aptly known as an onsen-town where local and international visitors frequent to soak in the piping hot water. However, Hakone is also famous for Owakudani, called “the valley of hell” by some. Owakudani is an open crater which formed 3,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption. To this…

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A 10-Hour Train Ride Across Japan

A 10-Hour Train Ride Across Japan

In early September, I traveled across Japan for a weekend in Niigata to experience the Echigo Tsumari Art Festival. For this long journey, I decided to use one of the final days of my summer Seishun 18 Kippu to take local trains from Niigata to Shizuoka. The route took me through the mountainous regions of Japan, passing through Gunma, Saitama, Tokyo, and Kanagawa Prefectures before reaching my home in Shizuoka. In total, the train ride was approximately 10 hours. This…

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Packing for a Weekend Trip

Packing for a Weekend Trip

While some weekends are dedicated to errands, chores, and relaxing, many of my weekends are solely carved out for short excursions to remind me why life is worth living. Back in 2017, I made a personal goal to take at least one trip every month. This slowly turned into taking trips every other weekend. Then, I moved to Japan and the urge to explore plagued me even further. Now, I go places as often as I can based on my…

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USA Road Trip: Los Angeles to Chicago

USA Road Trip: Los Angeles to Chicago

Hey wonderful people! In August 2018, I traveled to America from Japan for a two week vacation. During this time, I visited my hometown, spent time by the beach in Los Angeles, hung out with family and friends, and went on an epic USA road trip. Here you will find a general idea of what happened over those eight days, the total cost, and some travel tips. Happy reading! Road Trip Route Los Angeles >> Las Vegas >> Zion National…

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