Nagoya is Japan’s manufacturing hub and the headquarters of Toyota. It’s a destination that is often overlooked by tourists, both foreign and Japanese. I’m fortunate to have family living there and have visited several times. They are always keen to show me the best their city has to offer, and I hope to pass some […]
Palaces and Castles
Himeji Castle Day Trip from Osaka – Is it Worth It?
Himeji-jo is widely considered to be the best of Japan’s remaining original castles. UNESCO praises its masterful wooden construction and gleaming white walls. Locals lovingly call it the “White Egret Castle,” since the 400-year-old main keep perched atop a hill is said to resemble a bird in flight. Himeji is 100 kilometers from Osaka and […]
Hillwood Estate, One of DC’s Best Hidden Gems
I’ve visited many fine European palaces, and Hillwood Estate in Washington, DC, can compete with just about any of them. Hillwood was owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post, one of the richest women in America during her lifetime. She was the sole heir to the Post Cereal Company, which she later turned into General Foods. Marjorie […]
8 Places You Must See in the Berkshires
The Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts are considered one of the premier leaf peeping destinations in the United States. Every October, the trees put on a dazzling display of fall foliage to the delight of camera-wielding tourists like myself. But what else is there to do in the Berkshires besides look at the leaves? Plenty! […]
Fun Things to Do and Eat in Osaka, Japan
Osaka is quirky, colorful, and loud, like a Japanese game show come to life. (If you haven’t watched one, head over to YouTube to see what you’re missing.) Osaka is also Japan’s reigning food capital, making it an awesome destination for first-time visitors. This Osaka travel and food guide provides an introduction to some of […]