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For me, the Tsugaru Railways train near Aomori, Japan, is one of those beautiful relics of a bygone era whose continued operation is something any traveler can appreciate.
On my latest trip to Japan, I traveled to Hokkaido and the northernmost parts of Honshu, in search of unique onsen (“hot springs”) bathing experiences.
I have a fascination with bathing cultures around the world. The Scandinavians have their invigorating saunas and polar plunges and the Middle East, its fragrant and decadent Hammams.
For many years, the JR Rail Pass was one way to save money and experience the efficiency of Shinkansen (bullet train travel) traveling around Japan.
In March, I spent two days relaxing in a small village called Shiba Onsen. There, I completed a local tradition of visiting all nine public bathhouses and getting a stamp at each one on a special towel.
You’ve probably seen the photograph – a fluffy monkey, half submerged in water, eyes closed like its meditating while a swirl of steam rises around its thick coat of fur.
In the traveler’s never-ending battle to stay connected around the world, eSIMs have slowly begun to replace physical SIM cards. No longer do you need to swap out easy-to-misplace SIM cards when hopping from one country to the next.
I travel to Japan frequently and getting data for my phone is no longer as complicated as it once was. Still, the process is confusing enough for a perennial traveler, let alone someone visiting Japan for the first time.
Imagine a world without instant noodles. As early as I can remember, noodles came in a white styrofoam cup. You peel back the paper top, being careful not to tear it, and fill the cup up with steaming hot water.
