Life between trips

1 Chome-1-7 Central, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0811, Japan During our stay in Matsumoto, we chose Super Hotel Matsumoto Ekimae  スーパーホテル松本駅前   a practical hotel located just a few minutes' walk from Matsumoto Station.  We weren't looking for anything luxurious — just a clean, comfortable place for the night before continuing our journey. In that respect, the hotel delivered exactly what we needed. Excellent Location One of the biggest advantages of this hotel is its location. Being close to Matsumoto Station made it easy to: Walk to nearby restaurants and convenience stores Explore the city centre Leave early the next morning without any hassle Although we were driving, having everything within walking distance was still very convenient. Parking The hotel parking is chargeable, but this wasn't an issue for us. The parking area is shared among several hotels in the vicinity, and despite arriving by car, we had no difficulty finding a lot. Considering how convenient the location...

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...

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...

Travel  Itinerary from 10 September 2025 to 21  September 2025. Here's a day by day for reference. Click on link for more details on the place of interest or the food. Plan on day 4 changed. Originally also plan to take a cruise around Sai Kung. But the round trip island hopping will take about 2 hours minimum excluding hiking in the area. Hence, i decide to skip this part. Otherwise, the trip is as planned.  Day 1:   DO:  Flight from Singapore to Hong. Arrival at 1.20 pm, Symphony of Lights EAT:   Lunch  at Hung delicacies ,  Dinner  at   Bolton Cafe STAY: Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Day 2:   DO: Tsz Shan Monastery   EAT:   Coffee  at Ometsesando , Br unch  at  One Dim Sum Yi Dian Xin  ,  Dinner  at   Kam Roast Goose,  STAY:  Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Day 3:   DO: Shopping at harbour city and sim city EAT:   Breakfast  at Bakehouse ,  Dinner  at Littl...

 13 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong I recently stayed at Marco Polo, and my experience turned out to be a mix of unexpected hiccups and pleasant surprises. Arrival Mix-Up The adventure began even before check-in — I accidentally went to the wrong Marco Polo hotel. There are a few with similar names in the area, so it’s definitely something to watch out for if you’re heading there for the first time. A little inconvenient, but at least the staff at both locations were helpful in pointing me in the right direction. Room Size: Smaller Than Expected Walking into the room, the first impression was that it felt smaller than what the online photos suggested. If you’re traveling with multiple people or larger luggage, the space may feel a bit tight. Third Bed Surprise One of the bigger surprises was the third bed. Instead of being set up as part of the room, it turned out to be a mobile bed . And to add to that, it wasn’t prepared at all when we arrived. I had to spend extra time coor...

 Itinerary from 10 October 2024 to 21 October 2024. Here's a day by day for reference. Click on link for more details on the place of interest or the food.  Day 1:   DO:  Flight from Singapore to Osaka. Arrival at 8.30 pm,  EAT:   Dinner   at Bottle Bird Yakitori STAY: Osaka : Hotel Hokke Club Osaka Day 2:   DO:  Castle visit at Himeji Castle EAT:   Breakfast  at Hotel Hokke Club Osaka,  Lunch  at Tamagoya ,  Dinner  at   Washoku Japanese Tonkatsu,  Dessert  at Manneken & Rikuro Cheesecake STAY: Nara: Piazza Hotel Nara Day 3:   DO: H ike up Wakakusayama Hill, Shrine visit at T odaiji EAT:   Breakfast  with Rikuro ,  Lunch  at Kotoya , Dinner  at Maguro Koya, Snack : Nakatanidow (mochi) STAY:  Nara:  Piazza Hotel Nara Day 4:   DO: Chair lift up Amanohashidate and Amanohashidate Viewland EAT:   Breakfast at  Vie ...

STAY: Osaka : Hotel Hokke Club Osaka 12-19 Toganocho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0056, Japan Location: Umeda area, near Osaka and Umeda Stations ✅ Highlights: Spacious and clean rooms : Our room was large for a Japanese hotel, with a double bed and plenty of space to move around. Everything was spotless and well-maintained. Excellent breakfast : A generous buffet with a good mix of Japanese and Western dishes . We especially enjoyed the Japanese options—fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Great value : Affordable rates with high standards of cleanliness and service. ⚠️ Things to Note: Location near adult entertainment area : While the hotel is close to a nightlife district, we didn’t feel unsafe or uncomfortable. The area was surprisingly quiet and orderly. No onsen experience : Although the hotel offers a public bath, we didn’t use it during our stay. 👤 Best for: Travelers who want a clean, spacious, and ...

SHOP:  Rinku Premium outlet Just a 6-minute walk from Rinku Town Station ,this outlet is perfect for travelers with layovers or those heading to/from Kansai Airport. Plus, duty-free shopping and free coupons for foreign visitors (passport required) make it even more attractive. Nestled in the scenic Rinku Town,  Rinku Premium Outlets is more than just a shopping destination—it's a vibrant experience that blends retail therapy with seaside relaxation. With over 250 stores, Rinku Premium Outlets is the largest outlet mall in western Japan. From global fashion giants like Michael Kors, Coach, Nike, and Adidas to beloved Japanese brands such as BEAMS and Onitsuka Tiger. One of our favorite stops was the Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet Store, which was running a change-of-season sale with as much as 70% off. We spent a lot of time browsing through timeless classics and stylish summer pieces at fantastic prices. The store was well-organized, and the staff were friendly and helpful—de...

  If you're looking for a luxurious and serene escape in Japan, Nakanobo Zuien in Arima Onsen is a destination that truly delivers. Our stay here was the most indulgent of our trip, and every detail—from the service to the onsen—was thoughtfully curated to create a deeply relaxing experience. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was impeccable. The staff greeted us warmly and made us feel at home instantly. One charming detail: while we were always offered the escalator, the staff would take the stairs—an understated but touching gesture of service. All guests are also offered the traditional matcha tea upon arrival.  Our room aptly named AKATA was huge, spotlessly clean, and incredibly comfortable. It had a modern Japanese aesthetic with a private open-air bath and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. There were so many complimentary drinks provided that we couldn’t even finish them all! The onsen facilities were a highlight. There are both indoor and outdoor...

  STAY:  Osaka : Park front hotel at Universal Studio If you're planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and want to stay as close to the action as possible, the Park Front Hotel is the most convenient option - literally steps from the park entrance. But while the location is unbeatable, the overall experience may not live up to the hype for everyone.  The main lobby is a vibrant, theme park inspired atmosphere with art deco interior design The location is where the hotel truly shines. Being right in front of USJ means you can stroll into the park the next morning without the stress of transport. We really appreciate the convenience, especially after a long day of walking.  The rooms here reminded  me of  Resorts World Sentosa - grand in concept but not quite polished in execution. The room we had feels a little tired and in need of maintenance.  Though we had a comfortable bed and plenty of space which was a pleasant surprise.  The furnis...