Ever since my first trip to Tohoku two years ago, I’ve been yearning to visit more of that northern Japanese region. What better better way to do so than with the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass? Meanwhile, for a quick refresher on what constitutes the Tohoku region, here’s a map, with each prefecture’s most important […]
Hotel Review: Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Even if you weren’t specifically interested in architecture or history, you’d be in for a treat at Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Location & Access The Imperial Hotel Tokyo, close to the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Hibiya Park, also has very good rail connections. In addition to being a hop and a skip from Hibiya metro station, […]
Two New U.S. Routes for Aeromexico
Stand by, SkyTeam members, and Mexico fans alike: two new U.S. routes for Aeromexico are coming your way. Let’s start with Mexico’s capital, Mexico City. From 5 June, Delta’s partner south of the border will be inaugurating flights from the city’s main airport (MEX) to Philadelphia (PHL). Capable of seating 160-166 passengers depending upon the […]
Korean Air Starts Airbus A350-900 Service
As of 27 January, Korean Air starts Airbus A350-900 service. The inaugural flight of KE’s newest aircraft type connected Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Osaka Kansai (KIX). Indeed, with Japan being a rapidly growing center of inbound tourism, it was no surprise that Korean Air opted for a short-haul across the Sea of Japan. (the second […]
Japanese Theme Trains
Whereas I might take issue with Japanese rail bureaucracy, Japan is still one of a handful of countries where I consider it a pleasure to travel by train. Whether it’s the 15-car trains running every two minutes during Tokyo’s rush hour, the tracks running right along the sea, or the peculiarly named stations, one could […]
Japan Airlines Restarts Tokyo Narita to Chicago
That didn’t take long. Coming this spring, Japan Airlines restarts Tokyo Narita to Chicago. In fact, it was only in 2023 that this route was axed, leaving Chicago O’Hare to be connected with only Tokyo Haneda for a spell. However convenient Haneda is for passengers going to downtown Tokyo, or for connecting to domestic flights, […]
Hokkaido Introducing Lodging Tax
Starting next year, expect a Hokkaido lodging tax to be added to your bill. he government of Japan’s northernmost prefecture, and second-largest Japanese island, is planning for the Hokkaido lodging tax to be implemented from April 2026. But don’t fret; it is only expected to go up to ¥500 per night. As of today, 20 […]
Will On-Board Immigration Ever Return?
Over the more than two decades of solo travel, I’ve never encountered an immigration system quite so whimsical as that in Indonesia. I’m only going to speak in terms of entering a county as a tourist, although years back I did work in Jakarta for a spell. How would on-board immigration have worked then? As […]
