Here is a very basic itinerary for 3 weeks in China and Japan: Guangzhou, Macau, Hong Kong, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Included in this post is an essentials packing list. In addition, there are some suggestions for what to pack and how to keep it lightweight. Traveling light can make life easier and more enjoyable.
Lost in translation – Japan edition
Similar to China, I was able to keep myself entertained with signage in Japan. The Japanese are a little more diligent in ensuring that their English translations make sense. Some things still get through though. It's interesting to see how different cultures convey rules and ordinances in signs. Products can be advertised in an interesting …
Osaka and Kyoto – cities and temples
It turns out we picked a few temples for the itinerary. I didn't know what to see in Japan. So when we decided to travel to Japan, my wife did most of the planning. Looking at the map, there are too many temples to see them all, but I suppose we made it to the …
Pictures of food – Osaka and Kyoto
The title says it all. This is the "millennial" thing to do I suppose. Pictures and descriptions of food, drinks, and food-related places during our time in Japan. Food! Food is generally pretty cheap in Japan (and really good). We were able to get a solid dinner (usually with drinks) for 2 people for under …
Arashiyama – The Ryokan Experience and Nature
After a few days in Osaka and Kyoto, we moved outside of the big city to Arashiyama; located on the outskirts of Kyoto. This is more of my kind of town since I'm not a big-city kind of guy. However, the big cities in Japan are remarkably clean, safe, and quiet compared to the rest …
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Nara, Japan – a day trip to see the deer (and temples)
Nara Park, only 45 minutes by train from Osaka, is home to hundreds of Sika Deer that roam the city freely.