Life between trips

Address: 56-2 Aioimachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0014, Japan We arrived at Takayama at 6 pm and head out for dinner to  Menya Shirakawa Annex around 7pm and were pleasantly surprised— no queue at all , which already felt like a small win. Service was quick and efficient, and the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming. Bonus points for having an English menu , which makes ordering easy for non-Japanese diners. Menya Shirakawa serves Takayama ramen , a regional style from Gifu Prefecture. Unlike the heavier tonkotsu ramen many of us are used to, Takayama ramen features: A soy sauce-based broth built on chicken stock Enhanced with fish (bonito) and vegetables, simmered for hours A darker, almost black-looking soup with deep umami flavour Curly noodles designed to absorb the broth well Toppings like flame-grilled chashu and a generous amount of spring onions, which are a specialty of the region It’s a style that leans more towards clean, layered flavours rather than richness. What We ...

We headed to Takayama and stayed at Amanek Hotel , a relatively new hotel that just opened in October 2025  and it definitely shows in the overall condition and design. Rooms The rooms were spacious (for Japan standards), very clean, modern, and tastefully furnished. Everything felt new and well put together, with a modern aesthetic that made the stay comfortable and relaxing. Facilities One of the highlights is the onsen located on Level 9. Includes a sauna and common bath area There is also a  mixed-gender section where bathing suits are required A nice spot to unwind after a long day The hotel also has a small lounge area with added perks: Dango served from 7–9pm Drinks available from 3–7pm These little extras made the stay feel more thoughtful and enjoyable. Parking Parking is available at two locations, but it is first come, first served , so you may need to plan ahead if you’re driving. The second parking space is a walking distance from hotel. Facilities (Lau...

At nagoya, I tried two very different food spots — a lively izakaya experience at Sekai no  Yamachan and a quieter, more comforting stop at T subame Milk & Bread . Both couldn’t be more different, but each had its own charm. Sekai no Yamachan — Peppery Wings & Izakaya Bites 3 Chome-9-16 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan I first visited Yamachan, famous for its Nagoya-style chicken wings, and it definitely lived up to its reputation — at least for the wings. Fried Chicken Wings (Tebasaki) The highlight of the meal. The skin was super crispy , and what really stood out was the heavy punch of black pepper . It’s not your typical saucy wing — more of a dry, spice-forward flavour. If you enjoy bold seasoning, this definitely hits the spot. I paired it with an umeshu soda , which turned out to be a great choice — refreshing with a slight sweetness that balanced the strong peppery kick nicely. Fried Garlic Rice This one was a bit underwhelming. The rice lacked fra...

Japan has a talent for turning everyday things into experiences — even something as simple as buying winter wear or checking into a small hotel. On this trip, two things stood out: a very successful shopping spree at UNIQLO Japan , and an unexpectedly delightful stay at Base Layer Hotel Nagoya . Here’s my full review — personal, honest, and exactly what made both moments special. UNIQLO Japan (Nagoya Gate Tower Store) – My Best Shopping Haul Yet 1 Chome-1-3 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-6611, Japan I always enjoy browsing UNIQLO, but shopping in Japan is on a completely different level. Prices are better, the options are wider, and the shopping experience feels smoother and calmer. What I Bought (and Loved): ✔ J.W. Anderson Winter Collection I couldn’t resist the JWA winter buys — the textures, the colors, the patterns, the slight modern British twist. Everything felt premium without the hefty designer price tag. It’s the kind of collaboration that actually looks and feels b...