Culture

Japan

First Time Onsen Experience in Japan: A Beginner’s Guide and Izu-Nagaoka Ryokan Review

Planning your first time onsen experience in Japan? Discover essential hot spring etiquette for beginners, why private baths are a game-changer, and a luxury ryokan review in Izu-Nagaoka.
Japan

Tokyo Hidden Gems: 7 Off-the-Beaten-Track Neighbourhoods to Explore

Eager to escape the crowds of Shibuya and Asakusa? Discover the authentic side of Tokyo with our hand-picked guide to the city's best hidden gems, historic backstreets, and local neighbourhoods.
Japan

First Time in Japan: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

As a British bloke used to delayed national rail and quiet pints of ale at the local pub, my very first trip to Japan back in the 1990s was a beautiful form of sensory overload. Over the years, travelling alongside my Japanese wife, I’ve watched this incredible country seamlessly blend ancient traditions with cutting-edge tech. […]

Japan

The Zen of Packing Light: Why Understanding Danshari is Essential Before You Visit Japan

Planning a trip to Japan involves a ton of logistics—booking rail passes, securing eSIMs, and mapping out itineraries from bustling Tokyo to the quiet, forested regions of Tohoku. But there is another, often overlooked side to Japan travel prep: cultural and mental preparation. ​As we prepare for our upcoming slow-travel expedition to Japan, Mai shared […]

England

【Living Like a Local】A Day That Begins and Ends with Tea: Discovering the Real British Tea Culture at My Mum’s Home

When we travel, our theme is always to “live like a local,” and there is no better way to experience the real British lifestyle than through its everyday tea culture—something you will never truly find in typical tourist spots. When people think of travel in the UK, they often picture elegant afternoon tea at a […]

England

My Japanese Wife’s Culture Shock: 4 Surprising Things About British Houses: Our Annual UK Trip

When you think of a British home, images of charming terraced houses and historic brickwork probably come to mind. While...
England

Visiting the UK: 11 Things We Can’t Wait to Do on Our 3-Week Homecoming Trip

Heading back to the UK for a 3-week homecoming trip! Discover our slow travel itinerary around New Milton and Cambridge, plus a smart UK shopping list of 11 high-quality essentials that are much cheaper than in Canada.
England

Visiting the UK with a Foreign Partner: Cultural Shocks, Travel Tips, and Family Drama

Heading back to the UK for 3 weeks! Discover modern UK travel tips—from a completely cashless reality to train survival guide—and the funny cultural shocks of visiting British family as a cross-cultural couple.