sigh/high

let me tell you a story

[noosphe-re]

Any object, intensely regarded, may be a gate of access to the incorruptible eon of the gods.

James Joyce, Ulysses

[seidkonaz]

artemis the moon goddess (tears of the sun), tino rodriguez

[enchantedbook]

"Pelléas and Mélisande" by Carlos Schwabe, 1892

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Western Hills

The Daibutsu Hiking Course connects Jochiji Temple in Kita-Kamakura with the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in the west of the city. The Zeniarai Benten and the Genjiyama public park with a statue of Minamoto Yoritomo can be found underway. It takes about 60-90 minutes to complete the entire trail.

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In Reykjavik, the best area for you to stay would likely be around the downtown area, especially near Laugavegur Street. This area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's also close to major attractions like Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the waterfront. Staying in this central location would give you easy access to everything, including public transport, while offering a great base to explore the city on foot.

If you're looking for a quieter, more residential vibe with good access to nature, consider the Vesturbær neighborhood. It's still close to the city center but offers a more relaxed atmosphere with access to the Reykjavik harbor, local swimming pools, and green spaces.

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The

Light Festival of The Garden of Morning Calm

A garden of light that blooms during the pitch dark of night while the plants and vegetation take their winter nap.

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GINZAN ONSEN

MANY OF THES PLACES TAKE BOOKINGS 179 DAYS OUT FROM OPENING DATES

ACCOMODATION 銀山温泉の宿泊施設

1. Notoya Ryokan能登屋旅館

Address: 446 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan

Phone: [phone]

Notoya Ryokan is one of the most famous and historic inns in Ginzan Onsen. It features elegant, traditional Japanese architecture and offers a serene, immersive experience with its beautiful hot spring baths and exquisite cuisine. The ryokan overlooks the river, providing stunning views.

2. Fujiya Inn 藤屋

Address: 443 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan

Phone: [phone]

Designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, Fujiya Inn blends traditional and modern elements seamlessly. It offers luxurious accommodations with a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on natural materials. The inn's hot spring baths and high-quality service make it a popular choice for visitors seeking a tranquil stay.

3. Kosekiya Bekkan古勢起屋別館

 My phone number is [phone].

Kosekiya Bekkan is another excellent option, known for its warm hospitality and comfortable rooms. It features both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, and the ryokan's location allows guests to enjoy scenic views of the river and surrounding town.

4. Ginzanso 銀山荘

Address: Japan, 〒999-4333 Yamagata, Obanazawa, Ginzanshinhata, ８５

Phone: [phone]

Located slightly away from the main street, Ginzanso offers a peaceful retreat with spacious rooms and modern amenities while still maintaining a traditional Japanese atmosphere. The ryokan boasts large open-air baths with beautiful views of the mountains and river.

5. Matsumoto Ryokan 松本館

Address: 421 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan

Phone: [phone]

Matsumoto Ryokan is a smaller, family-run inn known for its personalized service and cozy atmosphere. Guests can enjoy private hot spring baths and delicious home-cooked meals, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a more intimate experience.

6. Takimikan 瀧見館

Address: 522 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan

Phone: [phone]

Known for its scenic views and relaxing hot spring baths.

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NINJA TEMPLE

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g298115-d1153431-Reviews-Myoryuji_Ninja_Temple-Kanazawa_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html

N

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Ekiben Tournament | Tokyo Cheapo

The Ekiben Tournament brings 'ekiben' (station lunch boxes) from all over Japan to the one handy location in Tokyo.

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Earth Garden Winter Festival | Tokyo Cheapo

Get ready for the winter edition of Earth Garden, a sustainability focused festival with market stalls, workshops, and live entertainment.

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Tokyo January 2025

Handmade in Japan Festival Winter 2025 | Tokyo Cheapo

Get your hands on some handmade presents and souvenirs at Japan's biggest craft festival! Find out where, when and how to get tickets.

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Kanazawa

Here's a list of ten attractions and activities within walking distance from Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku that you can explore in January 2025:

Kenrokuen Garden: This is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens, known for its seasonal beauty which will be particularly enchanting in winter.

Kanazawa Castle: A historic castle offering picturesque scenery and architecture, with snow adding a majestic touch in January.

Higashi Chaya District: A charming district featuring traditional teahouses and shops where you can experience the old-world atmosphere of Kanazawa.

Omicho Market: Often referred to as "Kanazawa's kitchen," this market is the best spot to enjoy fresh seafood and local produce.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: A must-visit for art enthusiasts, this museum features innovative contemporary art from around the world.

Kanazawa Noh Museum: Learn about the traditional Japanese theatre art of Noh and see exhibits related to its history and performance.

Nagamachi Samurai District: Explore the restored residences where samurai families once lived, offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Seisonkaku Villa: A historical villa known for its architectural beauty and historical significance, offering a tranquil setting.

Kanazawa Phonograph Museum: A unique museum where you can listen to music from vintage phonographs and learn about the history of sound recording.

Myoryuji - Ninja Temple: Known for its deceptive defenses and secret rooms, this temple offers guided tours that explain its intriguing features.

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Balcony overflows with bougainvillea and other plants

On a walk with Chris Berthelsen of Fixes, one of my favorite Tokyo blogs, we noticed this balcony overflowing with bougainvillea and other p

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Oita Hot Spring Trail - Walk Japan Guided Tours

Guided walking tour from one onsen hot spring to another through the gorgeous but little known rural, Oita countryside to Beppu in Kyushu.

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booked our first hotel for our Trip to Japan in 2025. It will be my ninth trip to Japan.

I booked the last hotel first because the snow festival is on so the good rooms will go. I can't wait! I read about 40 hotel reviews but chose the Sapporo Stream because it has an onsen, members lounge and members terrace. whatever that means, it looks super cute. Also by some freaky accident we got upgraded to a much bigger room (350 sq feet, 35sqm), it has its own lounge room and dressing room. I don't understand my luck, although lately I've think its the force of my personality. I mean who was looking for snow festival hotels at 3am in the morning?

Last time we stayed at Yuen-Bettei Sapporo which was insta-cute and fakely traditional. The room was dysfunctional and so dark. I got so over trying to pack my suitcase in the dark. The three portaits we took in fake Japanese tea-room were not worth having such a small room. Apparently it was 24 sqm (258 sq feet) which is huge for a Japanese hotel room. It felt so cramped.

Our room in Setagaya Daita was 27sqm (290sq feet). I think with the tatami matts and the stair case it just felt so tight in there.

Our room at Trunk was 20 sqm (215 sq feet). That was too small for both of us, especially in winter.

Cerulean Hotel 38 sqm (410 sq feet), that feels every bit of that size. So luxe.

The crampiest room ever was Sunroute Plaza which was 15.7sqm (169 sq feet). At the time it seemed huge and I was so excited to be staying in Shinjuku. Even with Ben it seemed OK but the last time with Chris A, I hated how tight it felt. Bigger boyfriend and I was used to bigger rooms.

Shinjuku APA 11 sqm (118 sq feet) once again I felt weirdly happy in this tin can, it was so cosy

It was also a trek to the centre of town, so the other Chris just bailed. I mean it was snowing harder than you can imagine and we had to wear so much clothing.

I had this fantasy of buying an expensive textured jacket from somewhere like BEAMS PLUS but the staff there were bitchy and I looked so dowdy in my snow outfit trailing water onto their sales floor.

This time we are staying in Suskino. It has Tanukikoji Shopping Street and lots of restaurants. Last time one of our nights out was a super flakey vegan jazz bar where they took age making each dish you ate.

I bought an amazing fake fur snow jacket at Tanukikoji Shopping Street at the Vans Store. I decided to swap sizes after I left the store which did the girls head in.

We felt like we landed on another planet in Sapporo. The amount of snow felt unreal.

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Traveler's Notebook Accessories - Slip case, Passport size

Shop the full range of Traveler's Notebook refills and accessories. A popular addition for all Traveler's notebook. The transparent slip cas

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GET RID OF COLOUR CASTS