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 […]
Spring Travel
Three Perfect Days in Kyoto
Kyoto was built in 794 AD and served as the capital of Japan until WWII. The ancient city was spared during the war, and much of its 1,000-year history is still on display. Kyoto has such a great wealth of cultural attractions that one could spend a month there and still not see them all. […]
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 […]
Exploring Krakow, the Cultural Heart of Poland
Krakow is a special place. As one of the oldest cities in Poland, this former capital is a culture-lover’s delight. This is especially true since much of its medieval core survived WWII relatively unscathed. From a stately castle and ornate churches to a rich Jewish history and incredible food scene, there are tons of unique […]
15 Fun Things to Do in Riga, Latvia this Spring
Spring in Riga can feel a bit elusive. Winter starts in November and by the time March rolls around, it can be hard to remember that there are in fact other seasons throughout the year. Life slowly returns in April, when people once again venture outside and buds appear on the trees. Then after a […]