The heart and soul of Tokyo, Shibuya is famous for its crowded pedestrian crossings, explosive nightlife, bright lights, and lively atmosphere. Popular amongst the country’s youth, the district is famous for its commercial and entertainment options. Among the many things to do in Shibuya, there is something for everyone, regardless of age, with the neighborhood’s offerings ready to satiate every preference. The ambiance the second you step foot in Shibuya is indescribable. It’s immersive to the max, urging you to participate, feel the vibe, and take in the perpetually buzzing atmosphere. Wheth ..read more

Going for authentic ramen in Tokyo is arguably one of the must-do activities when visiting Japan. As it happens, plenty of recommended places exist throughout the city and in every neighborhood. The good part about this is that no matter the area you are in, Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ueno, there is a place within walking distance. On the other hand, this leads to too many options, and as an outsider, we had no clue which of these specialty ramen restaurants would be worth our time and money. Our hotel in Tokyo was in Shinjuku, and it took us a good hour of research on the internet before we narrow ..read more

For most tourists, Nara is a day trip at most, comprising a visit to a few of the many local shrines and the iconic deer park. However, a slightly longer stay allows visitors to savor the culinary side of the ancient city, where you’ll find excellent restaurants and Japanese street food like the now-viral pounding mochi. Must-visit cafes in Nara are an equally worthy addition to its gastronomic landscape. Quaint, quirky, and surprisingly international in their character and menus, they make for a lovely respite in between exploring the city’s alluring sights. Cherry’s Spoon Address: 26 Nishite ..read more

Arguably amongst Japan’s most popular and viral destinations, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is as much a religious site as it is a serene nature escape in southern Kyoto. Famous for its bright vermillion torii gates that lead visitors up Mount Inari, the shrine is an iconic representation of Japanese culture ingrained in tradition and spiritualism. Mount Inari, which lies at the heart of the shrine, stands 233 meters tall and is sacred, belonging to the shrine grounds. Historically, Fushimi Inari was dedicated to the ancient rice god, Inari, in the 8th century by the Hata clan. It claims the highes ..read more

With ancient history scattered around every inch of the city, one would imagine Athens celebrates its old soul permanently. However, the modern-day zeitgeist of the town is remarkably different, basking in the glory of its imaginative and artistic disposition. Some of the best cafes in Athens reflect this contemporary outlook of the residents, breaking boundaries in design, ambiance, and food, happily integrating traditional Greek with the nonconventional for a unique culinary experience. The Underdog Address: Iraklidon 8, Athina 118 51 Google Location Photo: The Underdog Located south of Mona ..read more

After living in the shadows of Tokyo’s urban hustle and Kyoto’s cultural grandeur, Osaka is rapidly gaining its rightful popularity on the tourism stage. The city is undoubtedly “different,” offering a blend of futuristic, vibrant lifestyle and timeless Japanese heritage. Add to that Osaka’s growing fame as the “kitchen of Japan” for providing exotic and flavorsome Japanese street food, and a stop here is a must on any Japan itinerary. Consequently, the number of boutique hotels in Osaka is gradually proliferating. These world-class accommodations give tourists a much-needed break from standar ..read more

Shimla, once the summer capital of the British in India, is now among the most popular hill stations in the country. At approximately 350 kilometers from Delhi, the city offers scenic views of snow-capped Himalayas and direct access to dense deodar forests. While famous for its colonial architecture, the Mall Road, and fresh air, the many cafes and restaurants in Shimla also have a massive following among visiting gourmands. As with living arrangements in the vicinity that cater to all budgets, places to eat in Shimla range from cozy family-run eateries to fine dining restaurants in some of th ..read more

Traditional Spanish tapas are small portions of food that you can enjoy with a drink or sometimes as a complete meal. They can be cold, like cheese and olives, or hot, like calamari and croquettes. You will often find something that looks like tapas in different countries of the world; There’s Meze in Greece, Bocas in Central America, and Botanas in Mexico. The History of Tapa There are a few different opinions about the origin of the name tapas. The primary one is that the word comes from the verb ‘tapar’. This means “to cover”. In pre-19th century Spain, tapas were a way for innkeepers to se ..read more

For a place usually associated with traditional tea ceremonies, there’s no shortage of cafes in Kyoto. A city steeped in Japanese traditionality, Kyoto first embraced coffee culture during the late 20th century, coinciding with the beginning of the third-wave coffee movement.  With the city’s cultural relevance and harmonious environment, most cafes in Kyoto maintain zen aesthetics with a minimalist aura. However, there’s no compromise on the menu or quality of a freshly brewed roast. The popularity of slow-drip coffee, also known as Kyoto-style, further proves that the locals take their ..read more

A day of fun and excitement at Universal Studios Japan was an eagerly awaited event for everyone in the family during our two-week holiday to “the land of the rising sun.” Sadly, the weather gods had alternate plans. As it turned out, the entire country, not just Osaka, received heavy rainfall on the day of our visit to USJ (end of June). I’m talking about pouring cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, turtles, and every other possible pet! Still, our rainy day at Universal Studios Japan turned out to be quite a unique experience. Was it a washout? Well, that would be an emphatic YES! Still, there wer ..read more