East Asia
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The Best 29 Memorable Things to Do in Seoul
Korean culture remarkably skyrocketed to fame within the last decade, with millions around the world following Korean culture. Riding on the Hallyu (or Korean Wave), Korean restaurants are populating city centers and K-beauty has its section in Western beauty stores. K-drama, Korean movies, and K-pop are the focal points of the public’s eye. So, naturally, with increased media visibility and increased interest in Korean culture, people all over want to visit Korea. Even though the an 85% drop in visitors during the pandemic, tourism in Korea is going strong, with 3.2 million visitors visiting Korea in 2022, and projected to grow. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably going to…
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Planning a Trip to Japan Guide: All You Need to Know + Useful Tips
I know you probably have a lot of questions. Like, how do I plan a trip to Japan? How early should I prepare in advance? When should I buy tickets? When should I book accommodations? You might feel anxious or stressed about planning a trip to Japan. And the internet is filled with travel and itinerary planning advice that can get overwhelming. This guide is made to be followed step by step, where, ideally, you can start at the top of this blog with no trip planned and end with a scheduled trip. I encourage you to read a section, reflect or work on your trip planning, and refer to…
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Matsuyama Japan: Must-Do Itinerary For a Unique Experience
Welcome to the largest city in Shikoku, Japan’s fourth largest island. Shikoku isn’t on most people’s itineraries when visiting Japan, but it’s an underrated destination. But of the cities in Shikoku, Matsuyama is the most popular and populous. With around half a million in population, Shikoku’s capital city offers splendid sites like the Matsuyama Castle and the Dogo Onsen. This area of Japan rarely gets international tourism, so it’s perfect if you want to see another side of Japan (the countryside). If you’ve found yourself visiting Matsuyama, congrats! It’s a great place to see. Here’s what to do on a day trip to Matsuyama, Japan, with my must-do itinerary. Matsuyama,…
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Kawagoe: How to Take The Perfect Day Trip to Kawagoe
Take a one-hour train ride from Tokyo to get transported back three centuries. Japan during the Edo Period had closed borders to the outside world, leading to a period of economic prosperity and peace. Only a few places in Japan can you experience was life in the Edo Period was like, and one of those places is Kawagoe. It’s a short train ride away from Tokyo that makes for one of the best day trips on your trip. Immerse yourself in traditional architecture and peruse through handmade goods as if you were living in older times. There’s so much to do in this small town, so here’s how to take…
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Top 10 EASY Day Trips From Tokyo That Will Be Unforgettable
The Golden Triangle in Japan, which includes Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, is the most popular itinerary for tourists. But Kyoto and Osaka are not the only cities that are worth visiting if you’re staying in Tokyo. There are tons of amazing destinations that are closer to Tokyo and worth checking out. From Edo-like neighborhoods to fascinating Buddha statues, there’s plenty to discover surrounding the Tokyo area. And it’s all easily accessible with public transportation. Here are the top 10 easy day trips from Tokyo that are worth putting on your itinerary! The Top 10 Best Day Trips from Tokyo Here are the top 10 best day trips from Tokyo: 1.…
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The BEST 16 Things to Do in Busan for an Exciting, Epic Trip
Everyone’s heard of the mega-popular K-pop group BTS, and it’s common knowledge that members Jimin and Jungkook are from Busan. Besides having two BTS members born there, Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, and it’s also known for its beaches, seafood, and the renowned Busan International Film Festival. There are so many fun things to do in Busan! I love going to Busan because it’s a big city but has the feel of a small town. Compared to Seoul, Busan has a laidback feel and a more relaxed lifestyle, perhaps because of its proximity to water (yay beaches). I wish my three-day trip to Busan were longer;…
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The Best Way To Get From Seoul To Busan: A Simple Guide
If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, visiting both Seoul and Busan is a must. Many locals from Seoul to Busan to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul. Who else wouldn’t want to relax by the beach and enjoy the pleasant ambiance? While there are various ways to travel between these two cities, the train is arguably the easiest, most convenient, and preferred option. If you’re a fan of the zombie movie Train to Busan, you’ll probably want to take this cool train to say you survived the actual train to Busan (haha). While I can’t promise any zombie sightings on your real-life KTX journey, it’s still an…