The Voyageer

05/03/2024

NEW POST!! Curious what the weather is like in Tokyo during cherry blossom season, and how to pack for it? All your questions are answered here!

It's hard to believe that one year ago I was googling "what to pack for Japan in March" and now I'm taking a moment to summarize what I brought, in case it will help somebody else. My travel partner and I packed for Japan in a large hard side suitcase, a small hard size suitcase, and two backpacks,....

12/01/2024

NEW POST!! Have you visited Akihabara in Tokyo?! Talk about a one-of-a-kind spot in the world. If you've been, what was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!

Countless multistory electronics stores and anime-themed shops line Akihabara's bustling streets. You do not have to be an anime superfan to appreciate this unmissable neighborhood. Here, I'll share a must-visit Akihabara list as a jumping-off point for your exploration of "Electric Town."

01/01/2024

NEW POST! Wrapping up the evening by reflecting on the travel writing I've accomplished this year.

Happy New Year! Like I've done every, year, so, far I would like to take a few moments to summarize my 2023 Voyageer year in review. Every time I sit down to write these end-of-year reviews, I look back and dwell on why I started my site. This site was founded in January 2017 with the goal of inspir...

17/11/2023

NEW POST!

Check in to NagomiTsuki, an upscale traditional inn that will be a highlight of your experience in Japan.
This boutique ryokan is located in a quiet residential area in the north part of Beppu. All 12 rooms include an open-air bath fed by local spring water. The staff is friendly, polite and accommodating, and the onsite dining is absolutely divine.

Planning your visit to Beppu, you will read more and more about the abundant hot springs running beneath the city. With hot spring water being front and center to the Beppu experience, you naturally will want to experience an onsen, right? Well, check in to NagomiTsuki, an upscale traditional inn th...

08/11/2023

Click on over to my website for some more information on this picturesque limited service sightseeing train on the island of Kyushu in Japan. Isn’t it adorable? 😍

31/10/2023

NEW POST! When planning my itinerary for Japan, I knew I had to prioritize a hot spring experience: this was non-negotiable. Bathing culture is such an important part of the Japanese way of life, so I searched for top hot spring destinations in Japan and decided to visit Beppu, in Oita prefecture on the island of Kyushu. Even though I spent less than 48 hours in Beppu, it was definitely a highlight from the whole trip. If you are traveling in the south part of Japan, it should be on your itinerary any time of the year.

A tourist's immersive experience in Beppu, Japan, known for its numerous naturally occurring hot springs. We explored various hot springs and cultural events that define the city's attraction and also soaked in local baths, or onsens. The surprise encounter with an annual local festival, Beppu Hatto...

28/06/2023

NEW GUEST POST! By one of our favorite guest contributors, Doug.

One of the experiences I looked forward to when we were planning our trip to Japan was to visit a Japanese onsen. Onsen are bath houses traditionally heated by geothermal water (hot springs). Japanese onsen culture dates back over 1,300 years, and is deeply intertwined in their society. Before heading to Japan, I spent a little time learning about the background and proper conduct of visiting onsen.

This post on visiting a Japanese onsen is from a member of the Voyageer Contributor Team, Doug. Find out how to have your post featured here! One of the experiences I looked forward to when we were planning our trip to Japan was to visit a Japanese onsen. Onsen are bath houses traditionally heated...

01/06/2023

NEW POST!

For an unforgettable day trip from Osaka, venture to Himeji and stop in Kobe for dinner on the way back. Discover the awe-inspiring Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Then, indulge in the culinary delights of Kobe, renowned for its picturesque harbor and world-class Wagyu beef.

For an unforgettable day trip from Osaka, venture to Himeji and stop in Kobe for dinner on the way back. Discover the awe-inspiring Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Then, indulge in the culinary delights of Kobe, renowned for its pictu...

23/05/2023

NEW POST! We spent two days in Osaka, here is what you can look forward to in the neon city. Also included: a great day trip and hotel recommendations!

Osaka is among the most frequently visited cities in Japan. The beat of Osaka pulses towards modernity when compared to Kyoto, which favors tradition. (Read how to spend three days in Kyoto). There truly is something for everyone, and it should be included on your Japan itinerary. In this guide, I h...

16/05/2023

NEW POST! A review of the chic and comfortable hotel where we stayed in Kyoto.

One of the most visited cities in Japan is the old capital city of Kyoto. When we planned the Kyoto segment of the trip, we knew we would want a relaxing hotel experience after a bustling 4 days in Tokyo. Our main criteria were a spacious room, large comfy bed, and good amenities. Hotel Resol Trinit...

02/05/2023

NEW POST! What was it like to attend a baseball game in Japan? Our sports correspondent, Doug, has written a great post detailing how it went.

This post on attending a Japanese baseball game as a foreigner is from a member of the Voyageer Contributor Team. Find out how to have your post featured here! Early in the process of planning our trip to Japan, Staci and I knew we wanted to go see a baseball game. I’ve loved baseball my entire ...

28/04/2023

NEW POST! What did we do in Kyoto? What should you do that I didn't do?! Three days in one of Japan's top cities.

Although my trip did not start in Kyoto, my series of blog posts will. Sprawling Tokyo is taking me time for me to arrange my thoughts in a straightforward way. However, Kyoto is packed with must-see spots that are well laid out and an itinerary comes together pretty naturally. Here is how I suggest...

26/04/2023

I'm back! How did the trip go? What stood out? I've got a ton of posts in the pipeline but today I'm sharing my first impressions of Japan. Have you ever been? Please share your impressions or favorite parts in the comments!

I got back from Japan two weeks ago, unpacked and did laundry, and now I’m finally in the headspace to put together some impressions after my first trip to an Asian country. There are lots of blog posts in the pipeline, but first impressions is a good place to start. I consider myself pretty well...

17/03/2023

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Let's conclude our Ireland series with what you've been waiting for... the Guinness Storehouse Tour! 🍀

I know that titling this post "Dublin's Top Attraction" might ruffle a few feathers, especially considering other notable attractions like The Book of Kells at Trinity College. However, judging by how packed the Storehouse was on a Wednesday afternoon, and by the fact that it's the first thing peopl...

16/03/2023

Mark this down as one of the coolest natural phenomena I've ever seen.

Last month I had the opportunity to visit a site that I had only recently learned about, from a children's book, of all things: The Giant's Causeway. Located at the northern tip of Northern Ireland, I never even considered that I’d get to see this remote natural wonder, apart from TV or the intern...

15/03/2023

Kiss me, I'm... Northern Irish?? 🤷🏼‍♀️

I posted a little while ago about a lark of a trip I was able to go on last fall. I tagged along with a friend on her visit to the British Isles for work! We went to Dublin, Kilkenny, and Belfast. She now has a new position that requires less travel, so I'm glad I took advantage of this opportunity....

14/03/2023

Rachel and I braved driving on the wrong side of the road in our rented car and traveled to Kilkenny to see a beautiful castle in this smaller town.

Did someone say castle? Earlier this month I was invited on a spontaneous trip to Ireland. As my friend and I planned our itinerary, we thought it would be nice to do a half-day trip outside Dublin, so we looked for interesting things within a short driving radius. Visiting Kilkenny Castle came reco...

13/03/2023

Happy St. Paddy's Day! It's IRELAND WEEK! I'm sharing some posts from when I visited Ireland (and Northern Ireland) a couple years ago.

My Two Days in Dublin Last month, my friend told me she was going on a work trip to Ireland, but would have a ton of gaps in her schedule. We joked around for a bit that I should tag along with her. Wouldn't you know I found a round-trip ticket to Dublin at a good price and I spontaneously went to I...