Words & photos: Ollie Sungkar A small town where you see Japan through the lens of history, nature and culture. On my recent Japan road trip, I had a chance to visit Kurashiki, a historic city in western Okayama Prefecture that breathes a laid-back atmosphere. You can easily reach there by taking Shinkansen (a bullet train) – 3 hours from Tokyo, 45 minutes from Osaka. But I came from the other side of country where I enjoyed the beautiful panorama along the 150-kilometer bus ride from … [Read more...]
48 Hours in Osaka
Text: Chris Andre Images: Wikimedia.org A short but happy and memorable trip, that's what Osaka promises to those young at heart Those who have been to Osaka and Tokyo know that these two are basically apples and oranges. How Osaka shyly reveals its happy playgrounds as you saunter along from one destination to another is completely different from the experience of swimming against hordes of tired workers in Tokyo rushing for the subways. In fact, it’s so distinct that the moment you … [Read more...]
City of Thousand Temples
Words & photos: Chris Andre The old-world charms of Kyoto remain picture perfect today, a paradox to Tokyo’s futuristic present Kyoto seems always overshadowed by the capital city, Tokyo. But just several hours away on Japan’s bullet train could really transport you to what practically feels like a different planet. The old city breathes quaint charms that still live in the way how kimono-clad citizens wade through the swarm of daily commuters. In fact, you don’t have to roam far … [Read more...]
A visit to the floating world
Words & photos: Aulia R. Sungkar Originally was published in JPlus on July 26, 2015. Tracking the natural beauty and unique culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. Known for high-tech innovations that has led to decades of sustainable economic growth, Japan is a unique travel destination. Apart from local delicacies and an astonishing number of modern shopping and entertainment centers, the country features a host of heritage sites that represent the hospitality of the Japanese … [Read more...]
Green Tokyo
By Aulia R. Sungkar Exploring sustainable city living The world’s largest metro area and most populous city, Tokyo offers a unique destination. Apart from its excellent eateries, fun entertainment centers, fabulous shopping venues and other related cosmopolitan excitements, the concrete jungle of Tokyo is also a garden city. Despite blending into the rhythm of the city’s busy scene, Tokyo residents are accustomed to creating gardens in small public spaces outside apartment buildings, … [Read more...]
