To many of us in the west, the word Nagasaki is almost synonymous with the dropping of the second atomic bomb during World War II on the 9th of August 1945, only three days after the first bomb hit Hiroshima. …

Visiting Tokyo, perhaps the most hyper-modern of all cities, feels almost surreal with its into-the-future-like architecture, trend-setting youth fashion, pop culture geekery, and neon-lit skyline. However, it is also a city alive with ancient history and strong traditions, where traditional Japanese Inns still welcome guests into old Edo period houses…

We are met by a sweet and smiling woman who greets us with a bow and a “Konnichiwa” (hello in Japanese) at the entrance of the classic and stylish Yamakyu Ryokan in Takayama where we have booked a night. A young man comes out and helps us with our bags…

Miyajima is a small island outside of Hiroshima, declared as a Unesco World Heritage Site, and one of Japan’s most visited tourist attractions. Miyajima Island is a perfect day-trip or half-day trip from Hiroshima (only a short ferry trip). You have probably seen Miyajima’s star attraction, the floating Torii gate…