(Nov. 16, 2024) Shizuoka City is in Kanagawa Prefecture, which stretches over a vast area of 83.1 km from north to south, but only 20% of the city is urban, with the remaining 80% being mountainous and rich in nature. The natural part of Shizuoka deep in the mountains is nicknamed Oku-Shizuoka, or “Oku-Shizu“. “Oku-Shizu”… Continue reading (Japan) The Best Autumn View @ Okushizu
Author: Astra
(Japan) Discover Choshi in Chiba
(Oct. 12-13, 2024) Choshi city is at the easternmost point of Chiba, which is just next to highly-populated Tokyo and Kanagawa. Chiba is well-known for Narita Airport, Tokyo Disneyland and beautiful beaches, but since Choshi is at the furthest end of Chiba, I had never been to there. I found Byobugaura Bay and Former Kashima… Continue reading (Japan) Discover Choshi in Chiba
(Japan) Izu Islands – Kouzushima
(Sept. 21-23, 2024) This Sept. we had 2 Mondays off because of public holidays, so we decided to spend all the 3-day holidays going camping at the Izu Islands. Getting on the large passenger ship (Tokai Kisen) on Friday night, arriving on Saturday morning, camp for 2 days, return on Monday. It was perfect! Kouzushima… Continue reading (Japan) Izu Islands – Kouzushima
(Japan) Good Places to Visit & Camp at Izu
(June 15-16, 2024) We went for an mini trip camping and visiting some new places in Izu. Although I have already visited Izu so many times, we still managed to find surprise and great places that I would like to recommend. Atami Moon Terrace This is a great public park including white sand beach. Also,… Continue reading (Japan) Good Places to Visit & Camp at Izu
(Japan) Izu Islands – Niijima
(Sept. 14-16, 2024) There are total 9 Islands in Tokyo Prefecture. Most of them are just several hours away from Tokyo by large passenger ship (Tokai Kisen), or a few hours away from Tokyo by high-speed jet ferry. Then, you’ll come to totally different world, beautiful sea and nature all around. I am particularly fond… Continue reading (Japan) Izu Islands – Niijima
(Morocco) Marrakech & Essaouira & Casablanca
(Aug. 13-19, 2024) Marrakech After our private tour ends at Marrakech, we are by our own again. I must say that we missed our luxury hotels and rich meals, because we are back to budget hostels and random meals (such as meat sandwiches and fresh juices…) We booked a city tour at our raid, which… Continue reading (Morocco) Marrakech & Essaouira & Casablanca
(Morocco) Merzouga Desert & Atlas Mountains
(Aug. 9-13, 2024) We wanted to visit the famous Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains, so we have looked for a local travel agency called “Berber Magic Tours” on Trip Advisor, and asked them to customize the following private tour for us. Day 1: Pick up from Fes, to Merzouga Desert, Camel riding at sunset, staying… Continue reading (Morocco) Merzouga Desert & Atlas Mountains
(Morocco) Rabat & Fez & Meknes
(Aug. 3-9, 2024) First of all, I must say that we appreciated Moroccan Railways (ONCF) very much. It has made our self-guided travelling in this big country possible and stress-free. We decided not to book the train tickets online, just buy them at train stations, which turned out to be quite easy. RABAT At “Aeroport… Continue reading (Morocco) Rabat & Fez & Meknes
(Turkey) Around Tour & Northern Cyprus
(April 26 – May 11, 2024) I have briefly visited Istanbul twice in the past. Both times I had a lot of fun, was amazed by the unique culture and scenery of Turkey, and always wanted to return there. This time, we planned our trip into 3 Parts: ・Self Sight-seeing in Istanbul & Ankara ・Travel… Continue reading (Turkey) Around Tour & Northern Cyprus
(Taiwan) Cycling from Gaohsiung to Taipei
(Jan. 1-10, 2024) This was by far my longest overseas solo bike touring trip. I was quite nervous before the trip, so I chose the most bike-friendly place I know, Taiwan, to be my destination. It has proved to be a correct decision. Taiwan is not only bike-friendly (many bike shops, police stations and convenience… Continue reading (Taiwan) Cycling from Gaohsiung to Taipei