Timothy Blake

Japan: Two weeks exploring

Timothy Blake — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:03:34 GMT

Japan is one of the ultimate travel destinations, a country rich in history, culture, and food. The experience is incomparable to any other place I’ve visited, creating amazing, unforgettable memories. Thanks to Japan’s incredible travel network, getting around is a breeze, making it easy to visit different cities across the country. My best advice? Don’t confine your trip to just Tokyo; you’ll only get a small glimpse of what makes Japan a must-see and explore country. Here is a look at my 14-day journey!

Part 1: Osaka and the Kansai Region

After a 7-hour flight from Chiang Mai, Thailand, to Osaka airport, arriving at 8 AM, I caught a train from the airport to the hotel. I dropped my luggage at the hotel in Tennoji, a great central location. Since I was unable to check in immediately, I walked and explored nearby attractions.

Osaka sign

Days 1: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka Tennoji Zoo (大阪市天王寺動物園): which first opened its doors in 1915 and is home to 1,000 animals and 170 different species. The really affordable cost of only £2.60 makes it a very family-friendly attraction for local Japanese people.

Black-crowned Night Heron

Grey Heron

White Stork

Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower: We grabbed some great food in the picturesque Shinsekai area and took in the city views from the huge observation deck of the Tsutenkaku Tower.

Osaka Shinsekai

Tsutenkaku Tower Street View

Yokozuna Signage

The Golden Billiken

Day 2: Osaka

Namba Yasaka Temple: An early start, getting up at 5:30 AM and leaving the hotel by 6 AM. One thing about Japan is that the earlier you get up, the fewer people there are, which is great if you want to capture some photos. Headed straight to Namba Yasaka, a very unique and iconic temple. It is believed that the lion’s giant, open mouth swallows evil spirits, bringing good fortune, particularly for success in business or school.

JR train Namba Yasaka Temple

Namba Yasaka Temple

Namba Yasaka Temple close up

Osaka Castle: This was one of the places I was really excited to visit in Japan after reading so many references to it in books and video games. The castle grounds are huge and free to explore. There is a fee for going inside the castle, which, when the castle was last destroyed, was reconstructed with the inside being turned into a museum. On top is an observation deck for panoramic views of the castle grounds.

Front of Osaka Castle

Shitennō-ji Temple: Founded in 593 AD by Prince Shōtoku, Shitennō-ji is regarded as the first Buddhist temple in Japan to be officially administered by the state [1.1]. It was established to honour the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitennō) after the prince prayed for victory in a conflict against anti-Buddhist clans.

Shitennō-ji Temple entrance

Shitennō-ji Temple

Paying respects to Kobo Daishi (Kukai). The inscription Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo on the stone pillar marks this as a site of Shingon Buddhism

Dotonbori: An abundance of food stands and restaurants. It is really enjoyable to walk along the river and see all the neon signs. This is home to the world’s most popular neon sign and a very popular photo spot: the Glico Man, a large-scale, illuminated advertising billboard located in the bustling entertainment district. The sign advertises Ezaki Glico, a major Japanese confectionery company headquartered in Osaka, famous worldwide for producing snacks such as Pocky and Pretz.

Glico Man

The Angry Chef (Kushikatsu Daruma)

Neon Streets & Retro Gaming

Day 3: The Deer of Nara

Nara is an easy, short train journey (30–55 minutes) from Osaka and makes for a fantastic day trip.

Nara Park: A prime, must-visit spot where hundreds of wild Sika deer roam freely. You can purchase crackers to feed them, and they will even bow before taking the treat—it’s both hilarious and charming!

Deer nara park

Todai-ji Temple: Visited the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall), which held the record for the world’s largest wooden building for centuries. The huge Nandaimon Gate with its imposing Nio guardian statues is a national treasure.

The Great South Gate (Nandaimon)

The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden)

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社): Famous for its approximately 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, only fully lit during the Mantoro festivals in February and August.

Lanterns of Kasuga Taisha

The endless lanterns of Kasuga Taisha

The Main Sanctuary

Day 4: Majestic Himeji & Gastronomic Kobe

Both cities are on the same train line and are easily accessible from Osaka.

Himeji Castle: A stunning UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1609. Remarkably, it was never destroyed or rebuilt like many others. We spent hours exploring the grounds and climbed to the top for spectacular panoramic views.

Himeji Castle

The Hishi Gate (Hishi-no-mon)

Himeji-jō against the blue

Kobe: A pilgrimage for foodies! Indulging in the infamous Kobe beef was pricey but absolutely worth the splurge.

Kobe Animal Kingdom: A wonderful place with huge open enclosures where you can get incredibly close to animals like Chinese Mandarin ducks and the African shoebill—an amazing experience.

Toco Toucan

Spoon Bill

Part 2: Remembrance, Serenity, and Culture

Day 5: Poignant Hiroshima

A very poignant day spent exploring the history of Hiroshima, a city that had to be rebuilt after the 1945 atomic bomb.

Atomic Bomb Dome: The only building that wasn’t destroyed by the blast, standing as a powerful and moving symbol of peace.

Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) river view

Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) the park context

Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) – The skeletal remains of the Industrial Promotion Hall.

Peace Park & Peace Memorial Museum: A serene, reflective memorial park and an impactful museum documenting the bombing. Be warned, the photographs are very graphic and make for a very emotional experience.

Memorial park

Visited Hiroshima Castle and the Observation Tower Deck for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s incredible recovery.

Hiroshima Castle – The Omotegomon Gate

Hiroshima castle

The Ninomaru & Skyline

Hiroshima Castle grounds

Day 6: Floating Torii of Miyajima

This is a great day trip from Hiroshima, easily reached by speed boat or ferry. The island is famous for shrines, temples, and more wild deer!

Miyajima Torii Gate: The iconic “floating” gate and entrance to the sacred Itsukushima Shrine. Travel tip: Head straight there upon arrival to beat the crowds and get close to the gate.

Miyajima Torii Gate

Miyajima Ropeway: A scenic cable car ride offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, with various hiking routes to explore the mountain further.

Miyajima Ropeway

Breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea

Days 7 & 8: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, and its historical center is unforgettable.

To-ji Temple & Nidec Kyoto Tower Started with To-ji Temple, home to the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan (55 meters), then contrasted it with the modern views from the Nidec Kyoto Tower, the tallest structure in Kyoto.

Tō-ji Temple Pagoda

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower City View

Gion District: The famous Geisha district, where walking through the machiya (traditional wooden merchant houses) feels like stepping back in time.

The Slopes of Higashiyama (Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka)

Traditional Merchant House (Machiya)

Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)

Kiyomizu-dera: A UNESCO World Heritage site whose main hall features a massive wooden stage built without a single nail—a truly mind-blowing marvel of Japanese engineering.

The vibrant entrance to Kiyomizu-dera

The Three-Story Pagoda (Sanjunoto)

Nestled in the green hills of Higashiyama.

Nijō Castle: The former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, famous for its “nightingale floors” (uguisubari) that chirp when walked upon to warn of intruders.

The Main Hall (Honden)

Fushimi Inari-taisha (Senbon Torii): We walked through the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates that straddle the trails up sacred Mount Inari—an incredible photo spot!

Entrance to the sacred Mount Inari

Senbon Torii (The Thousand Gates)

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. A truly stunning sight against the water.

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

Part 3: The Modern Metropolis and Natural Beauty

Day 9: Journey to Tokyo

The journey from Kyoto to Tokyo on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) took just over 2 hours a fast and comfortable way to travel!

The Shinkansen – The sleek nose of the Bullet Train

Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building: We found a fantastic free alternative to the Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower. Its observation deck offers panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, you can even spot Mount Fuji! Definitely go here to save money.

Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building view point

Day 10: Tokyo – Culture & Tech

Tokyo is a blend of old tradition and hyper-modern technology.

Tokyo National Museum: It rained the whole day so visited the Tokyo National Museum located in Ueno Park, which is the oldest national museum in Japan. It houses a vast collection of art and archaeological artefacts, including samurai armour and katana swords, providing deep theoretical insight into Japanese martial history.

The Wooden Guardian

Blue Samurai Armour

Helmet Detail

Standing Buddhist stone sculpture

Akihabara Electronics District (“Electric Town”): The center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture. As a video game fan, visiting “Super Potato” for retro gaming history was a must, along with checking out the various Sega/Gigo arcades.

Akihabara (Electric Town)

Day 11: Mount Fuji – The Iconic Landscape

Chureito Pagoda: This day was all about getting that classic photo! We visited the Chureito Pagoda, which is the location of the “classic” Japan photo featuring the pagoda in the foreground with Mount Fuji in the background. It is worth the climb.

Chureito Pagoda & Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

Lake Kawaguchi: On a calm day, the lake acts as a perfect mirror for the mountain. We were lucky enough to catch a great reflection.

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba (Village & Fuji)

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba: A beautiful, reconstructed traditional Japanese village with thatched-roof houses, now an open-air museum and craft village.

Thatched House

Day 12: Tokyo – Nature & Tradition

Ueno Park & Ueno Zoo: Started the day at Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo, opened in 1882. It is located in Ueno Park, a massive public park known for its museums and shrines. It is a prime spot for bird watching in the city; keep an eye out for Azure-winged Magpies, which are common here but rare in Europe a nice little wildlife bonus!

Uneo Park

UENO ZOO Entrance

Uneo Zoo Panda

Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its massive red lantern is a major symbol of the city.

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Five-Story Pagoda

Senso-ji Main Hall (Hondo)

Tokyo Skytree: At 634 metres, it is the tallest tower in the world. Its earthquake resistance engineering, which mimics the central pillar (shinbashira) of traditional pagodas, is a fascinating architectural study.

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Tower The Cityscape View

Great Hall (Daiden) of Zōjō-ji Temple (San’en-zan Zōjō-ji), located in the Minato ward of Tokyo, Japan. The red and white lattice structure visible in the background is the Tokyo Tower.

Zōjō-ji Temple & Tokyo Tower

Day 13: Narita

Narita is an hour away from Tokyo and is where the airport is located. If you have a late or early flight, you can stop in Narita and take advantage of what the city has to offer instead of just heading straight to the airport.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: One of Japan’s largest and most popular Buddhist temple complexes, famous for its daily Goma fire rituals performed in honor of Fudo Myoo. It’s a powerful thing to witness before heading home. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, one of Japan’s largest and most popular Buddhist temple complexes, founded in the year 940.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple – The three-story Pagoda

The Prince Shōtoku Hall (Shōtoku Taishi-dō)

Final Thoughts

Japan has to be one of the ultimate travel destinations, rich in history, culture, and food. The culture is incomparable to any other country I have visited in the world, creating amazing, unforgettable memories I will cherish and never forget. Japan has an incredible travel network, making it easy to visit different cities across the country. The best advice would be to not confine your itinerary to only exploring Tokyo, as you’ll only get a small glimpse into what makes Japan one of the countries to see and explore.

Exploring Beijing

Timothy Blake — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:10:45 GMT

This covers some of the mus see attractions if you’re visiting Beijing. Everything covered is something not to be missed. 2-3 days are needed to cover everything featured on the list.

Day 1 – Discovering Beijing’s Imperial Majesty

Great wall of China

Start your journey with one of the most iconic landmarks on Earth, the Great Wall of China. Though not located directly in Beijing, it’s easily accessible from the city and absolutely worth the trip. The Mutianyu section is the best area to visit it’s less crowded and offers two distinct experiences: the Western section, which has been extensively restored, and the Eastern section, which remains less renovated and provides a more authentic glimpse of the Wall’s original state. The experience is truly breathtaking.

Travel Tip: Get there early to avoid crowds, and wear comfortable shoes there are plenty of steep steps and uneven surfaces!

Great wall of china

Summer Palace

Next, head to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Its a great way to slow down and soak in some history. You can purchase a ticket for boat which takes you around the lake where you can up close and personal with the sights.

Beijing summer palace

Day 2 – Culture, Pandas & Imperial Grandeur

Beijing Zoo & The Panda House

Start your day with something a little more playful a visit to the Beijing Zoo, home to a wide range of animals, but most famous for its Panda House. Watching the pandas lounge around and munch on bamboo is a heartwarming experience. With only 1,900 pandas left in the world, seeing these rare animals up close is truly special.
Fun Fact: Giant pandas are considered a national treasure in China!

Panda House Beijing

Yellow-billed stork

Forbidden kingdom

This massive palace complex served as the home of emperors for nearly 500 years. It’s such an impressive infrastructure, another UNESCO Heritage site and one of the highlights of my time spent exploring Beijing, as it’s just filled with an abundance of history where you could spend hours exploring.

Forbidden kingdom – Beijing

Temple of Heaven

Next, make your way to the Temple of Heaven, a serene complex of religious buildings set in a beautiful park. This is where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

Temple of heaven – Beijing

Exploring Chiang rai

Timothy Blake — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:55:35 GMT

Chiang Rai, a northern province of Thailand nestled within the mountains, offers a peaceful alternative to bustling provinces like Bangkok. This guide shares an engaging one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Chiang Rai.

Since three of our destinations are places of worship, please remember to dress appropriately and modestly no exposed knees or shoulders.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

The White Temple is one of Chiang Rai’s most popular attractions. Visit early to avoid crowds. Entrance fee is 100 baht.

Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this temple stands unique in the world. Its pure white exterior, symbolizing Buddha’s purity, is studded with tiny glass pieces that sparkle in the sunlight.

The Black House (Baan Dam Museum)

The Black House Museum offers a fascinating exploration of death, spirituality, and the afterlife. The complex features over 40 black structures, with artwork crafted from animal bones, skins, and horns.

Big Buddha (Wat Huay Pla Kang)

Wat Huay Pla Kang, known as the “Big Buddha” of Chiang Rai, beautifully combines Thai and Chinese architectural styles. The 79-meter-tall structure features a lift (40 baht) that takes visitors to the top for panoramic views of Chiang Rai.

Outside the temple, there’s a great restaurant which offers pad thai and ice cream for 20 baht each. It’s an affordable and delicious meal, or you can simply enjoy some ice cream to cool down from the heat.

Blue Temple (Rong Suea Ten Temple)

Built in 2016, the Blue Temple showcases vibrant blue colors and contemporary Lanna art. This striking temple harmoniously combines traditional Thai architecture with modern artistic elements. Entry is free, and it tends to be less crowded than the White Temple.

Chiang Mai temples

Timothy Blake — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:09:01 GMT

Chiang Mai is a hidden gem within Thailand, a great affordable place some refer to as the spiritual home of Thailand because of how many temples are located within Chiang Mai.

This is a list of 5 temples you must visit in Chiang Mai, which all can be visited within a few hours. I would recommend starting the visit as early as possible all temples open from 6am. Starting early makes the experience more pleasant as it’s not as hot in the morning. It’s best to follow the temples visit in the order below.

Top 5 Chiang Mai temples

1. Wat Phra Singh

Located in the heart of Old Town, this 14th-century temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most revered sites, featuring classic Lanna architecture and housing the famous Phra Singh Buddha image.

Wat Phra Singh temple

2. Wat Chedi Luang

This is a short walk from Wat Phra Singh. It’s a temple that dates back to the 14th century. This temple was one of the tallest structures in Chiang Mai. Though partially ruined, its impressive architecture and elephant sculptures make it a must-visit destination.

Outside of the temple there’s a 7-Eleven, so it’s a great opportunity to pick up a drink or refreshments before walking onto Wat Chiang Man.

Wat Chedi Luang temple

3. Wat Chiang Man

This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to 1296 when it was built. This temple houses the Crystal Buddha and Marble Buddha, both believed to have protective powers.

Quieter and less touristy perfect for a peaceful moment.

Wat Chiang Man temple

4. Wat Lok Moli

Its massive ancient chedi (stupa) is made of exposed brick very raw, striking, and different from the usual gold plated or whitewashed styles. This is another quiet temple situated at the north gate of the old city.

Wat Lok Moli temple

5. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This is the only temple that’s not within walking distance but easily accessible via taxi using Bolt or Grab from Wat Lok Moli, which is fairly cheap and affordable.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples, perched on Doi Suthep mountain with stunning views over the city. Built in 1383, it features a golden chedi containing holy Buddha relics.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple

Exploring Singapore

Timothy Blake — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 19:08:43 GMT

How to spend 2 days exploring Singapore

Singapore is the wealthiest country in Southeast Asia and a great place to visit if you want culture and luxury combined. This guide provides insight into how you can explore some of the best parts of Singapore over the course of 2 days.

Day 1 Exploring Singapore

Morning

Hawker centre

A great option when visiting Singapore is to check out one of the affordable hawker food centres, which you’ll find various ones all across the country. What I love most about the hawker centers is that they’re affordable yet offer authentic Singaporean food, so it’s a great way to indulge in some of the local dishes.

Singapore zoo

Singapore Zoo is comparable in size to Disneyland theme park. It comprises four different parks: Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Bird Paradise, Night Safari, and River Wonders. Visiting all four parks would take the better part of a day. If you’re short on time, I’d recommend exploring just one or two parks.

What I love about this zoo is the spacious enclosures for the animals. They have ample room to roam, creating an almost natural environment. Unlike some other zoos, you never get the impression that the animals are neglected or mistreated. Theres also opptunitys to feed animals and theres also live shows throughout the day you can sit and watch..

My top tip is to arrive at the zoo early. Many animals retreat to shaded areas during the hottest part of the day, typically around midday. By starting your visit early, you’re more likely to see your favorite animals when they’re most active, reducing the chance of missing out on exciting sightings.

Afternoon

Chinatown

Head to Chinatown, where you’ll find several authentic Chinese restaurants to enjoy. It’s a delightful area to stroll through and experience the Chinese culture that’s an integral part of Singapore’s heritage. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is within this area which is a great temple i recomend checking out while visting this area.

Little India

Little India is also close to Chinatown, offering a similar experience with vibrant streets and shops to explore. No visit to Little India is complete without seeing the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple with exquisite attention to detail. You’ll be awestruck when you see it for the first time.

Evening:

Gardens by the Bay and the Cloud Forest

For the evening, I recommend heading over to explore Gardens by the Bay and the Cloud Forest in Singapore. It blends togther a great blend of nature and technolgy from the worlds tallest indoor waterfall to super trees you can walk across for amazing views of city skyline or just observe the symphony of lights and music.

Day 2 Exploring Singapore

Morning

Botanic Gardens Nature Walk

Start your day early with a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a chilled escape from the bustling city. This lush oasis, spanning 82 hectares, is home to over 10,000 species of plants and is certainly worth experiencing when visiting Singapore. As you stroll through the grounds, don’t miss the National Orchid Garden, which houses the world’s largest orchid display featuring over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.

Afternoon:

Sentosa Island

For your afternoon adventure, head to Sentosa Island, a man-made island that has been transformed into a premier leisure destination. You can take a scenic cable car ride over to Sentosa, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and harbor. Once on the island, you’re spoiled for choice with activities. If you’re in the mood for thrills and excitement, Universal Studios Singapore awaits with its movie-themed rides and attractions. Nature enthusiasts can explore the S.E.A. Aquarium, home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, Sentosa’s pristine beaches offer the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding with a good book.

Evening:

Marina Bay

As the day winds down, make your way back to Marina Bay for a spectacular end to your Singapore adventure. Time your return to catch the Marina Bay light show, where the waterfront comes alive with a symphony of lights, lasers, and music. Following the show, treat yourself to dinner at one of the many rooftop restaurants in the area.

Summary

This carefully crafted itinerary strikes a balance between Singapore’s cultural experiences and natural wonders, giving you a taste of the city-state’s diverse offerings. To maximize your time and budget, remember to utilize Singapore’s efficient public transportation system. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus networksare very cost effective and reliable. We hope this guide enhances your Singapore adventure, helping you create lasting memories in this vibrant and multifaceted destination!

Tarragona Spain

Timothy Blake — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 19:05:01 GMT

Tarragona is a great coastal city on the coastline of Spain that offers a wonderful blend of ancient history and Spanish culture. Here’s how to make the most of your one day visit:

Morning

Pont del Diable

Pont del Diable, also referred to as “Devil’s Bridge” in English, is an ancient Roman aqueduct. It is a significant historical landmark known for its impressive architecture and engineering, dating back to the 1st century AD. It’s a popular tourist spot amongst people exploring Tarragona, but if you get there early, it’s fairly quiet and you can even walk across the bridge.

Tarragona local market

Tarragona hosts a vibrant outdoor market twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This popular market offers a range of items, from clothing to flowers.

Central Market of Tarragona

Located just outside Tarragona’s central market, it complements the indoor market venue perfectly. The central market itself is an excellent spot to purchase fresh meat and enjoy a quick meal.

Central Market of Tarragona

Afternoon

Rambla Nova

Walk along the Rambla Nova, the city’s main boulevard.

Tarragona Mediterranean Balcony

Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s coastline. It’s a great viewpoint and a must visit when visiting Tarragona.

Ancient Roman Circus and Praetorium

During the afternoon exploration at the Roman Circus and Praetorium complex, essential components of the ancient city’s layout. The Circus, once a venue for thrilling chariot races, and the Praetorium, a tower offering panoramic views, together paint a vivid picture of Tarragona’s importance during the Roman era.

Summary

Tarragona is a charming small town, easily walkable for exploring its main attractions in a day. The surrounding areas offer excellent hospitality and lovely hotels, making it perfect for a day trip. You can stay nearby and visit Tarragona to experience the best of the city. A day in Tarragona is sure to be a great experience it’s well worth the visit.