Honey Blossom
For the love of Japan
The love of a lifetime
My love for Japan started in preschool when a young Japanese family moved in next door. The father was a university lecturer and had been posted to Canberra for a year. I fondly remember spending many hours with their kids, who were about my age, and trying a few samples of Japanese life, like Calpis Water and origami. My parents must have also caught the Japan bug. Shortly after our neighbours returned home to Okayama, we stayed with them there and spent six weeks travelling all over Japan.
That was my first trip. Since then, I’ve been back many times, including a year in Kyoto and another on Chiburi-jima, the smallest inhabited island in the Oki archipelago.
Japan is never very far from my thoughts.
Japan Facts
Japan is an amazing place. Here are just a few interesting stats.
Temples in Kyoto
Shinkansen top speed (km/h)
Population Density of Tokyo (per km2)
Active volcanoes
Experience Japan
For years, it was unusual to find people who had spent any time in Japan, but it has become an increasingly popular travel destination for people from all around the world. Now, friends and family often ask me to recommend an itinerary for their first holiday to Japan.
So often, in fact, that I thought it might just be easier to write a blog about it.
First Time Kyoto: Downtown
On a winter's day, the warming scent of roasting chestnuts greets your nose as you make your way down Shijō-Dōri. Here in Kyoto's downtown, chestnut vendors, lantern-lit alleyways and ancient shops sit comfortably alongside department stores, markets and pachinko...
Top 10 Tips for Stress-Free Travel
Follow these tips for a stress-free holiday in Japan.
First Time Tokyo: Towers and Views
The views over the Tokyo megapolis are impressive, and on a clear day you might be lucky enough to see Mt Fuji.
First Time Japan
So you’ve decided to finally go to Japan for the first time? There are so many wonderful things to do and see there, it’s hard to know where to start. In this series of posts, I’ll give you a few ideas about where to go on your first trip.
Top 10 Tips for a Smooth Trip
1. Use a luggage delivery service
Find out how Japanese holiday makers can travel light and how you can too.
2. Plan your transport connections before your trip
Make the most of your holiday time with these easy to use apps.
3. Get a Japan Rail Pass
Save time and money with this great pass, only available outside Japan.
