ghibli museum

A magical day in Tokyo

We conclude our series in Tokyo with two iconic Japanese cultural forces: Studio Ghibli and contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. If you haven’t watched any of the movies of Studio Ghibli you should change that immediately.  Both the movies of Studio Ghibli and the art of Yayoi Kusama explore the magical and surreal so it’s interesting more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

kobuntei

Mito & Tokyo | Great garden of Japan and the history of Edo

Three Great Gardens of Japan Japan is famous for many things, among which it’s highly stylized gardens. Traditionally there are three gardens seen as the best. These are Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Koraku-en in Okayama and Kairaku-en in Mito. The first two are too far away from Tokyo for a day trip, but the Kairaku-en in more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

senso-ji

How to spend a fabulous week in dazzling Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world and with its ever-sprawling suburbs it feels like a city with no end. So, it can be hard to decide where to start and how to spend your limited time there.  We’ll try to help you on your way with our favourite places, great ideas more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

The other ancient Iran

Persepolis and its nearby sites are well known, but Iran has much more to offer for those who love history, culture and antique architecture. There are a couple of excellent sites relatively close together in the South Western part of Iran. They are of the beaten track, so most ordinary tours don’t go there, and more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

Jerusalem

The amazing highlights of Israel

Israel has unbelievable much to offer for its relatively small size. From the holy city of Jerusalem to the party city Tel Aviv. From dry deserts to Roman ruins, to coral reef and white beaches. Not to mention its cuisine: We cannot get enough of hummus and falafel. Because Israel is not exactly the cheapest more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

mosque

Highlights of Shiraz

Most people come to Shiraz to visit the ancient sites of Persepolis and Pasargadae. But Shiraz itself holds many beautiful gems too. So, make sure to have at least one full day to spend in this lovely city. As with most Iranian cities, traffic can be a nightmare and pollution can be a hinder. Don’t more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

Himeiji castle

Best itinerary for 4 unforgettable weeks in Japan

Are you ready for Japan? U-erukomu! Are you ready for a modern world in the eastern part of the globe spread out over 6,000 islands? Get ready for an unending journey of temples, pagodas, modern art and high tech. But also neighbourhoods of samurais and geishas, Japanese gardens and a highly organized society? A world more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

Masjed-e-Sheikh-Lotfallah

Isfahan a two day itinerary

According to a Persian saying, “Isfahan nesf-e jahan“, Isfahan is half the world. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful city in the world! In the same range as Rome, Paris and Saint Petersburg. So Isfahan is a must-visit city, even if you are on a tight schedule. We made you an two-day itinerary, covering more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

Golestan Palace

How to spend two days in Tehran

It was difficult to decide whether to make a 2 or 3-day itinerary for Tehran. Not so much because of all the things to see but more because of the sheer size of the city and the difficulty navigating it. But two days should be enough for the highlights. And most of the time, the more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

chogha-zanbil

UNESCO World heritage site review: Chogha Zanbil, Iran

History Chogha Zanbil is an Elamite ziggurat built in the 13th century BCE. The Elamite king Untash-Napirisha founded it in honour of the god Inshushimah. Smaller temples dedicated to other Elamite gods surround the ziggurat. The ziggurat is made from mud bricks, stacks of unused baked bricks still stand next to the building. The original more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

Ritsurin-koen

Top 3 Japanese Gardens

Introduction:Most list of Japanese gardens list the same three gardens in no particular order, the so-called three Great Japanese gardens. After visiting dozens of different Japanese gardens, we came to a different conclusion. Continue reading to broaden your horizon. Nr. 3 Ritsurin-koen Ritsurin-koen is not on many other lists, but undeservingly so. Maybe because the more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject:

Food in Japan

Eating in Japan

Eating in Japan is a treat and an experience on its own. From the quality of the products to the love and work put into the preparation and presentation, it’s hard to have a bad meal. Furthermore, eating out is relatively inexpensive, even more so when you skip the alcoholic drinks. Japanese food is a more…

Archives by Month:

Archives by Subject: