Pure and elegant, sakura (or cherry blossoms) has long been an unseparated part of Japanese culture. The flowers symbolize the arrival of spring, marking the time for renewals after a winter sleep. Yet this beauty is short-lived. After their peaks around two weeks, the blossoms start to wither, leaving a carpet of pink blush…
Continue reading Admire The Transient Beauty of SakuraGreen and soothingly beautiful, Kōyasan in Wakayama is a spiritual retreat and one of Japan’s holiest sites. It features long avenues of vast cedar trees, as well as hundreds of temples and gardens. It’s also here that Kōbō Daishi, one of the most significant religious figures in the country, established the first center of Shingon Buddhism some 1200 years ago.
Continue reading Kōyasan: A Trip to the Sacred MountainElegant and lustrous white, Himeji Castle appears like a giant heron flying in the sky. Together with a 400-year-long history, it’s undisputedly one of the most spectacular castles in Japan. After several years of extensive renovation, Himeji Castle was re-opened to the public in March 2015. The White Heron once again dominates the sky of Himeji.
Continue reading Himeji Castle: The Beautiful White HeronA forest of concrete buildings, Osaka is hardly Japan’s prettiest city in the conventional sense. But this brazen city packs more color than most, with eye-catching signs and vivid shopfronts that can be found at nearly every corner. From the bustling streets of Minami to spectacular skyscrapers in Kita, Osaka is a city that definitely isn’t afraid to express itself.
Continue reading Osaka: The Bold and the ColorfulTo all the world, the mountain town of Jiufen looks as though it has been plucked out of an old Chinese storybook. With red lanterns lining steep alleyways and atmospheric tea houses serving tea in the traditional way, the charm of yesteryear is vividly alive in this former mining town
Continue reading Jiufen: Seeking the Charm of YesteryearFood plays an essential role in Tết or Vietnamese New Year. In fact, celebrating the Vietnamese New Year is called “ăn Tết”, literally meaning “eating Tết“, emphasizing the importance of New Year dishes.
Continue reading Vietnamese Cuisine: New Year DishesLunar New Year is coming. In many Asian countries, including Vietnam, the preparation for the biggest and most important festival of the year is gradually completed. The festival is called Tết in Vietnamese and millions of people are returning home to celebrate this special occasion with their family and friends.
Continue reading Tết: How to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year“Look! (It’s) Over there!”, I heard an excited voice behind me. It was a boy and he kept pointing her finger to a nearby bush. A few seconds later, a black-white shape leaped out. Its yellow eyes seemed to notice us but showed no interest to interact. After a while, the figure gently walked away, swinging its tail back and forth. That was my first encounter with the citizen of Houtong, a place that is often dubbed the Cat Village.
Continue reading Houtong: Welcome to Taiwan’s Cat VillageKnown as the superlative and glamorous city, Dubai is perhaps one of the most popular destinations nowadays. The gem of the Middle East is famous for its skyscrapers, gigantic shopping malls, and the lavish lifestyle of its citizens. But Dubai is also full of history and cultural heritage. From the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, the bustling Deira to the still-developing Design District, Dubai is where tradition meets modernity.
Continue reading Dubai: Where Tradition meets ModernityIf the Old Quarter represents ancient Hanoi, the French Quarter reflects the time when Vietnam’s capital was under the influence of the French. With tree-fringed boulevards and mansions in French architectural style, this quarter evokes the image of Paris in the 19th and 20th century.
Continue reading Hanoi French Quarter: A Little Paris in VietnamCenturies-old history, spectacular landscape, and one-of-a-kind culture – Japan is an amazing destination for so many reasons. But for foodies, Japanese cuisine alone is reason enough to visit. With an endless variety of regional and seasonal dishes as well as international cuisine, Japan is definitely a paradise for any food enthusiast. From intricate haute cuisine at a luxury ryokan to down-to-earth street food, the country offers a wide range of gastronomical delights.
Continue reading Japanese Cuisine: Typical Comfort Food
