Travel
Pay-by-weight airfares are an ethical minefield
Imagine checking in for a flight with your two teenage children. At the counter, you are told that your youngest teenager’s suitcase is two kilograms over the limit. You get slapped with a $75 penalty for their excess luggage. This penalty feels arbitrary and unfair. The youngest weighs about 45… Read
Cost-conscious Chinese tourists look to affordable options for Golden Week holiday
Chinese tourists are expected to take longer trips than last year during the Golden Week holiday that kicks off on Tuesday, but that will not necessarily lead to a bump in spending, travel industry experts said. With the economy slowing and consumer confidence hovering just above historic lows, they expect… Read
Crowds, water guns and protests: Could ‘slow tourism’ be the answer to overtourism backlash?
With overtourism in the spotlight as the travel industry continues to rebound after the pandemic, popular destinations around the world are feeling the strain. Bali is overwhelmed by waste and traffic, Australia’s sacred sites have suffered environmental damage, New York is facing rising rents due to short-term rentals and Singapore’s scenic spots are… Read
Smell the fragrant pine while soaking in the natural hot springs of Shirabu Onsen
Tucked away in the mountainous region of Yamagata is the onsen town of Shirabu. The name translates to “white cloth” and refers to the blanket of snow that covers the mountain during the winter months. The fine powder snow is desirable to snow sports enthusiasts, and Tengendai Highland Ski Resort is located nearby.… Read
Slurp noodles and savor the sights of Japan’s ‘top 3 ramen’ regions
Sapporo ramen, Hakata ramen and Kitakata ramen are known as Nihon sandai (Japan’s top three) ramen. This distinction’s exact origin is unclear, but Japan's top three ramen earn their fame. Sapporo — the capital of Japan’s northernmost prefecture Hokkaido — is the birthplace of miso ramen. Hakata ramen comes from… Read
Kinchakuda Manjushage Park has stunning display of red spider lilies, one of the largest clusters in Japan
If you ever find yourself in Japan at the end of a humid summer, one place you absolutely must visit is the Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama Prefecture. This park is well-known for its stunning display of crimson higanbana or red spider lilies, one of the largest clusters in Japan. Kinchakuda Manjushage Park A… Read
Yoshida Tea Farm: Exploring tea production up close
Tea, especially green tea, is ubiquitous in Japan. From the hastily prepared pot that remains popular at breakfast (and most other times of day, for that matter) to cakes and noodles flavored with matcha (green tea) powder, tea is everywhere. This perennially popular item is produced in various regions across… Read
Enjoy a nostalgic cruise along the historical Otaru canal
Northwest of Sapporo, the port city of Otaru is most famous for the Otaru Canal Cruise. The cruise is an immersive way to learn about the history of the port town and Hokkaido as a whole. History of Otaru Canal A town with a rich history in sea trade Image: PIXTA/ gandhi… Read
Okuma Kabuto Festival honors bravery and spirit of samurai warriors
The Okuma Kabuto Festival is an annual event at the Kumakabuto Arakashihiko-jinja Shrine in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture. This festival pays tribute to the samurai era and commemorates significant historical figures and events in Nanao’s history. The festival’s main character, Sarutahiko Image: PIXTA/Choco Mint The festival is named “Kabuto” after the helmet worn by… Read
Hilton Hotels & Resorts opens its first hotel in Kyoto
Tokyo Tatemono Co Ltd and Hilton Japan, Korea & Micronesia Region have opened the Hilton Kyoto, the first hotel in Kyoto under Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's flagship brand, and the fifth hotel in Kyoto under its fourth brand. Hilton Hotels & Resorts, a full-service hotel chain, currently operates over… Read
