Final verdict: Solo travel vs. group travel

I have listed all of the positives and negatives for both traveling by yourself and the ups and downs with traveling with a group. So what is the answer? Is it better to travel on your own or to travel with a group? The answer, at least to me, is not that simple.

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Blog: Trying something new

All of my posts on this site are geared to inform and entertain travelers. While I enjoy doing that, I find myself wanting to add a personal touch to the posts but have been reluctant to do it. However, a lot of thought, I figure, why not?

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Hotel Review: The Gate Hotel by Kaminarimon by HULIC

The Gate Hotel by Kaminarimon in Asakusa, Tokyo is one of the nicer hotels I have stayed in while visiting Tokyo. It is located right across the street from Sensoji Temple, putting it in an ideal location for any tourist wanting to explore this incredible part of Tokyo.

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5 restaurant experiences to try in Tokyo

There are a lot of amazing restaurants, both big and small, to experience while exploring Tokyo (and throughout Japan). Here are five that are a must when you visit Japan. They are sure to fit any appetite and budget, no matter what you are looking for.

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Restaurant Review: Gonpachi

If you are a fan of Kill Bill and the epic fight scene against the Crazy 88, then you should visit this restaurant. If you are looking for an average meal in Tokyo with high prices, then this place is also for you.  

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Top travel websites for planning a trip to Japan

There are a lot of websites out there when planning an international trip to Japan. While the amount of information can be overwhelming at first, these are some of the top websites I have used and have trusted in my past trips and recommend you visit before heading out on that next vacation.

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Picking a hotel in Japan

Japan is full of of hotels, each one with unique styles and features that ideal for whatever you are looking for. Here are a few notes about different types of hotels and what you can expect from each as you plan to book your trip.

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Restaurant review: Bill’s Omotesando Restaurant


This location of Bill’s Omotesando Restaurant is located in Tokyo Plaza Omotesando in the Harajuku district of Tokyo (there are several locations in Tokyo including one in Ginza). 

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Hotel Review: Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka

Time for a hotel to review that I stayed in 2019, the Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka (Namba area) which might have been the nicest hotel of the entire trip to Japan (and one of the nicest hotels I have seen while in Japan).

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Chopstick Manners in Japan

Knowing how to use chopsticks might seem like a small part of the Japanese dining experience, however, it is a very important one. Having proper manners and etiquette is very important, so here are some quick things to remember about chopsticks in Japan. 

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5 tips while riding the Bullet Trains

Bullet trains are simply incredible machines that will get you across Japan in just a few hours. They are fast, efficient, and are one of the best ways to get around all of Japan. Here are some tips if you choose to take one on your way out of Tokyo.

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Japan does away with vaccine requirement for arrivals

As of April 29, Japan is no longer requiring incoming arrivals to provide proof of their Covid-19 vaccine or a negative Covid-19 test, opening the door even to a full return to normal.

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