Asia
Discover Asia’s diverse cultures, vibrant cities, spiritual sites, and breathtaking landscapes. From Japan to Thailand, explore the best travel experiences across the continent.
Learning Japanese for Beginners: Where to Start, Resources and JLPT Levels
Learning Japanese looks scary at first: three writing systems, thousands of kanji and grammar that works very differently from English or German. But the first steps are easier than most people think, and even basic Japanese makes life and travel in Japan much richer. Living in Tokyo for three years showed me how much a…
Studying Japanese in Japan: Language School Costs, Visa and How to Apply
How Japanese language schools in Japan work: costs, student visa and CoE, how to choose a school and what level you can reach in a year.
Japan Etiquette for Tourists: Dos and Don’ts From a Former Tokyo Resident
Japan has a reputation for strict rules, and many first-time visitors worry about doing something wrong. The good news: Japanese people are very forgiving with tourists, and nobody expects you to know every custom. Still, knowing the basics makes your trip smoother and shows respect, which people notice and appreciate. After three years of living…
Japan Student Visa Guide: COE, Steps and Work Rules
How to get a Japan student visa: school admission, Certificate of Eligibility, embassy application, residence card and part-time work rules.
K-ETA Guide: Who Needs It, Cost and How to Apply for South Korea
If you are visiting South Korea without a visa, you may need a K-ETA, the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, before you board your flight. Many travellers only find out at the airport check-in counter, which is stressful. As a Swiss citizen, I need one too. This guide explains who needs a K-ETA, how much it…
Best Day Trips From Tokyo: Mount Fuji, Kamakura, Nikko and More
Tokyo is huge, but some of the best experiences are just outside the city: Mount Fuji, onsen towns, samurai streets, beaches and mountain shrines. During my three years in Tokyo, day trips were my favourite way to escape the crowds on a weekend. This guide lists the best day trips from Tokyo, how to get…
Best Time to Visit South Korea: Seasons, Weather and Holidays
South Korea has four very clear seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, a hot and rainy summer, spectacular autumn colours and a cold, dry winter. I lived through all of them during my exchange year in Seoul, and the season makes a huge difference to your trip. This guide explains the best time to visit South…
Seomyeon Shopping Guide: The Best Places to Shop in Busan
If you want to shop in Busan, you go to Seomyeon. It is the commercial heart of the city, the neighbourhood where the two main subway lines cross and where the density of shops, brands, arcades and beauty stores is higher than anywhere else in Korea outside of Seoul. Think of it as Busan’s version…
Best Time to Visit Japan: A Month-by-Month Guide From a Former Resident
When is the best time to visit Japan? The honest answer: it depends on what you want to see, how much heat or cold you can handle and how much you hate crowds. I lived in Tokyo for three years and experienced every season, from cherry blossom picnics and sticky July evenings to quiet, sunny…
Golden Gai Shinjuku: The Honest Insider Guide (What Nobody Tells You)
Golden Gai is a warren of six tiny alleys in Shinjuku, Tokyo, packed with around 200 bars so small that many seat just four to six people. Born from a post-war black market, it kept its cramped, lantern-lit Showa era character while the rest of Shinjuku grew into neon towers. Today it is one of…
