The sweet aroma of umami, still in my mind from the recent adventure into “The Paradise of The Gourmands”—the name that I have for it. The people from there also known as “Latins of Japan” called this amazing place as “Tenka no Daidokoro” or the nation’s kitchen. This place’s real name is…Osaka, it is well known for the delicious food that it contains and not only that, it is also pretty famous for the birthplace for most of Japan’s comedians which raised the idea that the “Latins of Japan” are naturally funny. The mouth-watering umami or the outgoing people there was something that I will always remember in my heart. The pinkish cherry blossoms or the beautiful foliage will completely release all your stress and make you feel happy.

Delicious food, friendly people…what more could you ask for?

But of course traveling in general is expensive, so let me give you some tips so you can make the most out of it.

ATTRACTIONS OF OSAKA

1.Osaka Castle (大阪城)

Osaka Castle is a symbol and one of the main attractions in Osaka. It began its construction in 1583 and was modelled after Azuchi Castle and had a reputation of being unsurpassed in the country.

Opening Hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm

Entrance Fees:  600 yen

2. Dotonbori (道頓堀)

An area that is one of the most renowned tourist destinations due to the glowing neon lights, the amount of signage and the huge variety of restaurants and bars. “Kuidaore”, meaning eat till you drop is often associated with Dotonbori as the variety of delicious food goes to the extreme especially the takoyaki and fugu(pufferfish) there.

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Entrance Fees:  Free of Charge

3. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

This humongous aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. There are about 29000 animals in the aquarium, in the central tank is home to a whale shark which is one of the aquarium’s main attractions. Visitors start the tour on the 8th floor and spiral down floor by floor around the central tank which is a unique design.

Opening Hours: 10.00am to 8.00pm

Entrance Fees:  2300 Yen

4. Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社)

Sumiyoshi Taisha, also known as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. It displays a unique style of shrine architecture, known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which means it is free of influence from the Asian mainland. It is an amazing place to go to take pictures as it is very beautiful.

Opening Hours: 6.00am to 5.00pn

Entrance Fees:  Free of Charge

5.Osaka Expo ‘70 Park(万博記念公園)

The Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a very large park which hosted Japan World Exposition in 1970, the first in Asia. It showed off other countries’ wonders but now it has changed into a park where nature can be enjoyed. Around 5000 cherry trees are in the park which turns the park into one of Osaka’s most cherry blossom places. It also has the Tower of Sun which is a 70 meter tower that is also the main attraction and acts as the icon of the park.

Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5.00pm

Entrance Fees:  260 Yen(Additional is required for the museum)

Food of Osaka

1. Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi and sashimi is one of the most renowned and important foods in Japan, although almost every country has it but the freshness and the quality of the sushi in Japan is unparalleled amongst all. Osaka is home to the largest fish market in Japan with frequent tuna fish auctions.

Stores To Buy Sushi and Sashimi

1.Tokisushi (ときすし)

Tokisushi is a small and friendly sushi bar where they sell mouth-watering delicious sushi. There is a 12-piece set of nigiri sushi that was changed daily which probably depends on the availability of fish and seafood everyday. Along with the sushi, the service was great and the staffs were friendly and helpful as well

Opening Hours: 11 am – 2 pm for lunch at 5 pm – 10 pm for dinner on Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Monday)

Average Price: 1,050 JPY ($8.70) for the 12-piece set

Address: 4-２１ Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0075, Japan

2.Harukoma Sushi (春駒 支店)

Harukoma Sushi is not a place to find extreme quality sushi but to get generous cuts of sushi that will make you full. It’s a restaurant to get a meal that will make you full with great quality food. The staff there were great and friendly as well although the store is a bit crowded.

Opening Hours: Around 11 am – 9:30 am daily

Average Price: 1,000 JPY for one person

Address: 5-5-2 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan

2. Ramen

Ramen is a traditional and delicious food in Japan, it is also popular and has many types of broth to complement it. My favourites are shoyu, a salty-based soy sauce based broth and also the tonkotsu broth which is heavy as it is cooked using pork bones. Both of these broths give extreme umami in my opinion. Toppings are also placed on top of the ramen, notably spring onion, thick slices of chashu and half boiled eggs. In Osaka, they take their ramens pretty seriously as it is a traditional food in Japan.

Stores That Sell Ramen 

1.Ramen Yashichi (らーめん弥七)

This ramen restaurant is quite small but it is filled with small food bombs that will explode in your mouth and release umami. The signature of the restaurant is a bowl of shoyu based broth ramen with vegetables and thick slices of chashu and with the springy ramen. 

Opening Hours: 11 am – 4 pm on weekdays only (closed on Saturday and Sunday)

Average Price: 990 JPY ($8.24)

Address: 3-4-8 Toyosaki, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

2.Hakata Ippudo Ramen (一風堂 池田店)

Ippudo Ramen is one of the most famous ramen restaurants in the world with countless branches all over the whole world. The ramen in this restaurant is very much delicious and has a spot in my heart. It also sells udon, which is another main noodle in Japan.

Opening Hours: Lunch and Dinner

Average Price: Approximately $13 for a bowl of ramen

Address: 2-10 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture 563-0041, Japan

3.Takoyaki

Takoyakis are one of the iconic foods of Osaka, they are basically ball-shaped batter filled with many toppings. One of the most interesting things for takoyakis is to watch how they are made. Firstly, batter is poured into the grid, then toppings such as octopus cheese, spring onions and much more. Lastly, they are taken out and bonito flakes are poured on them. When you bite into them, it’s like an explosion happening inside you and the crispy outside will make loud noises as you bite into them.

Average Price: 400-500 Yen

4.Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is also another iconic food in Osaka and its popularity in Osaka reached the same level as takoyakis. Watching how it is made is also enjoyable, similar to takoyakis. It involves using batter, eggs, vegetables and octopus as well. Then it is cut into pizza-like cuts which you then eat. It is a great snack to eat while exploring the wonders of Osaka and it is practically an essential experience in Osaka.

Average Price: 600 Yen, 1500 Yen for higher quality ones

Currency in Osaka

The budget on Osaka is a bit high but it is all worth it as everything there is worth for the price such as the food, accomodations and transportations. There are also many nice attractions that are free to go so the budget is lower if you’re planning to go more to these types of attractions.

1MYR = 26.49 Japanese Yen

Best Time to Visit Japan, Osaka

The best time to visit Osaka is in Spring which is from March to May, it is the best time as it isn’t hot and isn’t too cold as well. It’s warm with a bit of coolness. At the end of March, you also get to see the cherry blossoms which means a newfound spring life for the whole of Japan. The temperature there is about 10ºC to 20ºC.

Language

Osakans normally use Japanese as their main language to communicate, English is also commonly used to communicate with foreigners. You should know how to at least speak the basic words you need to communicate with Osakans. Here are some Japanese words that I learnt and frequently use in “The Land of The Gourmand’s Paradise”.

Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます) – Good Morning

Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello

Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good Evening

Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank You

~ wa Doko Desuka? (～はどこですか？) – Where is ~?

Ue, Shita, Migi, Hidari (うえ、した、みぎ、ひだり) – Up, Down, Right, Left

~ wo Kudasai. (～をください。) – May I have ~

Ikura Desuka? (いくらですか？) – How much is it?

Wi-fi Arimasuka? (Wi-fiありますか？) – Do you have Wi-fi?

Mou Ikkai. (もういっかい。) – One more time.

Guai Ga Warui Desu (ぐあいがわるいです。) – I don’t feel well.

Access to Internet/WiFi

Internet/Wifi is a very hard thing to find in countries especially when you’re travelling, it is very important when you are lost or trying to find some good restaurants that sell delicious food. Even going to Japan, a country that is so advanced in technology, Wifi isnt found everywhere, here are some trips to prepare for it. Before going to Osaka, or arriving at the airport of Osaka, there are many hotspots rental that allows you to rent unlimited hotspot for how many days you want depending on how much you pay for it. Normally it costs 1100 Yen to rent a hotspot for 7 days.

How To Get Around

Getting around Osaka might be troublesome as cars are not often seen as Japanese prefer using public transport or even walking to work but certain times they would use cars to travel further around their country for vacations or work that are in other states.Trains are one of the most commonly used transportation.So it is recommended to use trains to travel around Osaka and walking as well. The fares for the train tickets in Osaka are different for both children and adults. The fares ranges between 180-370 Yen for adults and ranges between 90-190 Yen for children. The subways in Osaka are also a great way to get around Osaka. The trains in Osaka operate from 5.00am till midnight and have reduced services on weekends and holidays. Getting a prepaid icoca, suica or pasmo card is muchly suggested for travellers as it is one of the best and convenient ways to pay for trains and subways in Osaka. Icoca cards are available to purchase at JR stations from vending machines, they are also able to be used in convenience stores.

Osaka’s taxis are also a great way to get around the city as they are everywhere in the city. It is very convenient if you wanna get to places that are unable to get to using trains or subways unless using cars. The general fare is 660 Yen for the first 2 km and 80 Yen for every additional 296 meters. All the taxis accept cash and some do accept credit cards as well.

For more information please use this website:https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/timetable/pdf/map_osaka.pdf

Places To Stay in Osaka

For the places to stay in Osaka I would recommend Hotels or Inns as its quite a lot around Osaka.I would recommend trivago to book your hotels as it has good prices and discounts(if there is one).As enjoying yourself is the most necessary thing during a vacation or a trip with your family.Some of the example for the hotels are:

1. InterContinental Osaka

One of the best places to stay if you can afford it as it is quite expensive, but it is absolutely worth it as it has many facilities and good services.

Rating: 5 Stars

Price: 1352-1728(Malaysia Ringgit)

2.Rihga Royal Osaka

This hotel is a middle range if you want a comfortable and affordable accomodation yet with good rating.

Rating: 5 Stars

Price: 306-1342(Malaysia Ringgit)

3.Dormy Inn Shinsaibashi 

This hotel is quite cheap yet with good ratings if you are looking for a budget stay when you’re short on money or in need of a quick stay this is the place.

Rating: 3 Stars

Price: 227-325(Malaysia Ringgit) 

An Enjoyable Trip To Osaka

In my opinion Osaka is one of the greatest places to visit if you’re a first timer in Japan since if offers the traditions of Japan yet still shows the high technology they have.Beautiful sceneries are not to be wasted as Osaka offers it very well.With all that said I hope that anyone reads this will have an enjoyable trip to Osaka even though I’m not a expert on these, I hope this blog will help you on your glorious journey to Osaka.                              

The most isolated city in the world, peaceful yet you’ll never feel alone. Known for stunning beach sunsets and home to exotic animals, Perth is that perfect place to calm your senses and explore. 

Let your breath be taken away by the aesthetics of nature and gorgeous scenic parks. Food, wine art, and the landscape is one way to describe Perth. There’s so much you can do in one day. 

So I will share tips on how to make the most of traveling Perth in the best way in my experience of being here.

First up food! The raw kitchen is housed in a 1920’s warehouse with aesthetic vibes for your Instagram pictures to spice up your feed. it is filled with various 90s diner’s vibes chairs, tables, and drawers that colours will pop out in all your best pictures

This aesthetically pleasing cafe is located 181A High St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia. It is a cafe that serves vegan dishes and it opens at 11:30 AM every day and closes 3 pm on Monday and Tuesday, 9 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 4 pm on Sundays.

After eating, exploring the city was the best exercise for me. Kings Park is one of the biggest parks in the world and is located right in the center of the city. It has the best views of the skyscrapers in Perth and the Swan and Canning River. While you’re there you could also enjoy the fresh air of the city, admire the greeneries and also enjoy hot coffee in the nearby cafes.

If you are a person who doesn’t really enjoy the scenery and enjoys more thrill on your holiday or maybe the Kings Park just didn’t take you to breathe away you could also try visiting Fremantle. Fremantle is a port city that is part of the Perth metropolitan area. It took me 30 minutes to arrive there but trust me it was worth it. Visiting the prison was the best tourist attraction in my opinion and it is really worth the 30-minute drive there. Taking its tours is a good experience as you could explore the terrifying history at the Maritime Museum. Now you could say you’ve visited a prison if u haven’t.

Check out the prices at https://fremantleprison.com.au/tours/tour-prices/

Other than that I’ll introduce you to the well-known dish the seafood platter which could be found in Bathers Beach House. This is a dish I highly recommend as Perth is known for its fresh seafood. Bathers Beach House is a fancy restaurant facing the beach so while you enjoy your seafood platter alongside a glass of tequila you could also enjoy the sunset and the beautiful view of the beach. I could taste the breeze of the sea while enjoying the delicious meal.

Perth is known for its stunning parks so undoubtedly Kings Park and Botanic Garden make it to your bucket list. 

Enjoy a little scroll through the soothing park that overlooks Perth city or have a picnic under a tree. It is open free to everyone and anytime despite the weather conditions. 

The garden truly looks like a home to fairies or other magical creatures so grab your camera and bring your loved ones to have a lovely afternoon there! 

There’s also a minimalistic shop where I bought unique souvenirs for my friends and family back home. 

Scarborough Beach is a must place to go when you’re visiting Perth. It’s a wonderful place to socialize and eat.  

The calming salty breeze brings an amazing atmosphere for people. Stepping my foot into the warm sand and take pictures for unforgettable memories. There’s also a playground for kids and the facilities are 100% safe.

Or you can sit at a bar and eat fresh seafood that’s so good you crave for more by the second.

Take stunning photos when the sun sets as clouds turn a mix of pink, purple and orange. 

Love animals? Rottnest Island is the top place to go. It’s an island full of nature and home to adorable quokkas (probably the happiest animal on earth)

I fed them leaves from trees and took selfies with them because they enjoy it but they are strictly protected by the authorities there.

You can also take a ferry from the port which will take 25 minutes from Fremantle. Rottnest Island is also known for an area to cycle around with your family. 

Do not miss the opportunity to have fun in this welcoming place! 

If the other tourist destinations couldn’t blow your mind enough, behold the one and only Hutt Lagoon. It is also known as the lake which is pink in colour. It is one of the region’s most vibrant attractions. Depending on the seasons when you travel, the lake changes colour. This magical lake changes from red to pink, and even to lilac purple. But it is suggested to visit it during mid-morning or sundown to catch its colourful spectrum. However, visiting it while you have the chance is the best idea you will have on this whole holiday.

Not to miss out on the famous Wolf Lane, it is located Rear 321 Murray St, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia. It is known for its unique design that referenced the theme fairy tales. This lane is known by many locals and tourists love this lane. It is an Instagram worthy place and I’m sure people will go crazy when they see your post.

If yall never heard the hot song Secrets by p!nk was shot at the Perth Arena. She was on a vacation tour with her husband and her two kids while she was shooting for her Secret music video. She was also spotted a drink in Fremantle and also at Swan Valley’s Cuddly Animal Petting Farm with her kids

After adventuring these pictures of Perth I’m sure you would like to travel to the city of Perth. I had an uneasy feeling leaving the place as I knew I was leaving a wonderland. Going home was the hardest part of this trip but I had the greatest time there and I definitely knew I was going back there soon. Goodbye Perth see you soon.

A city of ornate shrines and vibrant streets. With the boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeding into its networks of canals and home to the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok. 

Means Of Transportation

The trip to Bangkok would be rather easy as there are many means of transportations to Thailand. Taking a flight would be the most efficient and the least time consuming way. Pubic access to trains could also be a reliable souce of transportation depending on the country you are from. Not having a budget is not an excuse not to visit Bangkok as road ways to Thailand are readily available for public usage.

Hotels

Bangkok has a variety of hotels to choose from but the main preference is to go to beautiful and affordable hotels such as the Hilton Sukhumvit which is a 5 star hotel with two restaurants, an outdoor pool and an amazing gym. The cost of a place like this would easily cost you a good RM572($138). Now if you are looking for something a little bit more cheaper but similar i would suggest going to the Millennium Hilton where there is a rooftop bar, a pool and even a spa. Now the price for something like this would cost you RM469($113). How good a deal is that huh?

The weather in Bangkok

The hottest time in Bangkok lasts between March and May. Daytime temperatures can soar as high as 40°C. Thailand’s New Year, Songkran takes place at this time of the year. Thecountry celebrates this annual event with a 3 day long  water fight. 

Exclusive car rentals

Bangkok never gets boring when you are driving around with a 250,000 DOLLAR car. Instead of sitting in a taxi, getting stuck and traffic and being bored to death. Ever wondered why I should sit in taxi’s when I can rent exclusive cars from Prestige Car Rental Bangkok and be the king of the roads. Yes, today you can rent your very own Lamborghini for the price of 50,000 Baht for as long as 24 hours. It might seem out of the budget for some people but trust me it is worth the money.  

Money conversion 

Last but not least we have to talk about money. Now this determines where you are from as thai baht might lower or vary in your country. However it has been listed down below in USD.

convert US Dollar to Thai Baht

USD	THB
1 USD	31.2993 THB
5 USD	156.496 THB
10 USD	312.993 THB
25 USD	782.481 THB
50 USD	1,564.96 THB
100 USD	3,129.93 THB
500 USD	15,649.63 THB
1000 USD	31,299.25 THB
5000 USD	156,496.26 THB
10000 USD	312,992.53 THB
50000 USD	1,564,962.63 THB

  Bangkok the city of lights and sacred gold temples, luxurious hotels and super cars.  With a high conversion rate and friendly locals welcoming you with open arms. A luxury lifestyle and party life. Leaving would make you feel sober. With an easy entry and excess into the country, it’s basically calling out to be visited. Not a moment should be wasted, grab your passports and pack your bags it’s time to restart with a new kind of lifestyle. The true holiday life, life in Bangkok.

Paris. Mostly known for its Eiffel Tower, it is seen as peaceful and well-mannered from the eyes of the world. There is a saying which goes: A bad day in Paris is still better than a good day anywhere else.  I did not really abide by this saying as I didn’t really get how amazing a place can be. But, after my visit to Paris I can assure you that this place is simply too good to be true with it’s wonderful and mouth-watering cuisines and astonishing tall and authentic buildings. 

It baffled me that I didn’t go to Paris any sooner. Great food and sights aren’t hard to find in a city like Paris, but it often leads to making decisions on what to eat, where to eat and where to visit in the lovely city. This is why I’m here, to give you a comprehensive itenary about the best places and delicious delights in Paris

Best places to visit in Paris, France

1. Explore art in Louvre Museum

My first arrival in Paris was excellent. We were welcomed by the warming art in the Louvre Musuem.It is famous for its reputation as the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument.  I thought I would never encounter any world-renowned masterpiece art face to face. It is accessible by taking a taxi or the train Louvre Rivoli. We used about €15 as an entry fee for each person and I think it’s totally worth it! It actually baffles me for not staying longer in the museum as there was so much to do in there but so little time.

2. Wander around Rue Mouffetard Market

 The next destination is to the Rue Mouffetard Market. In Rue Mouffetard Market, you are able to eat many interesting foods with its fashion designs and famous cuisine such as the Huîtres (weetr), Macarons and Quiche (keesh).You do not need to worry it’s too expensive, each of them cost only €19 in average. It is considered a reasonable price to eat such wonderful foods.The Huitres and Quiche can be a bit pricey because it is normally to be eaten in a large group of people, and the Macarons are a delicious final touch of desert that completes your meal. It’s operating hours starts from 10am till 6pm and you can reach this place by taking the metro station and a short walk.

3. Enjoy the Cruise on the Seine

One of the best ways to visit Paris, is to go on a cruise on the Seine, especially at night. When the sun sets, the monuments of the city are slowly lit. On the cruise, you get a panoramic view to the forefront so you can enjoy the beauty of Paris. The cruise is about 2 hours long and you can also enjoy a dinner on the cruise with your loved ones.. There are many cruises that go on the River Seine and i suggest you take the La Marina cruise because it is the most affordable cruise at only €15

4. Tour the Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the most enduring symbols of Paris is the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is widely considered one of the finest examples of architecture and is truly a sight to see. In the cathedral, there’s a flight of steps that you need to climb to reach the top of the towers. It might be tiring but I assure you it is worth it as you can get a panoramic view of the region and see the famous gargoyles that adorn the roof the cathedral up close.

5. Admire the Eiffel Tower

What would Paris be without its symbolic Eiffel Tower? It is the monumental landmark of Paris, built in the 19th century and standing at a whopping 324 metres high. There are 3 floors that you can be on. On the second floor, the view is the best at 115 metres because you can have a diving view on the ground below. Eiffel tower is the first place that comes to mind when deciding on a vacation with your beloved ones. It has the title ‘Symbol Of Love’ due to its superb construction and outstanding views.

Delicious delights in Paris, France

3 Main Foods in Paris, France 

1. Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a comfort dish of white beans stewed with meat, pork or duck but also sausages, goose, mutton or some other meats. This dish is a favourite from meat eaters from all over the world, as it has a chewy essence while also being hot and warm. This is a rich, hearty meal perfect for colder months in winter. The price of this dish wages from 89.19 Euros to 120 Euros depending on the restaurant. You can find this dish in about any normal restaurant in Paris.

2. Confit de canard

Confit de canard is a tasty French dish of duck. This dish is considered one of the finest French dishes. It is typically served with roasted potatoes and garlic on the side. Today this French dish is served all over France, although it is considered a specialty of the Gascony region. The duck emerges meltingly tender with a rich, slightly salty but mellow flavor and is served in the quantity of usually 1 person. This dish cost about €35-€45.

 3. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is another internationally recognised French dish. The ingredients consist of tomatoes, garlic, onions, eggplant, carrots, bell peppers and basil. The taste of the Ratatouille is tangy, thanks to the sharpness of the tomatoes and peppers, the eggplant and squash are just sort of their usual spongy bland. This dish can be served hot or cold so it can be eaten in the summertime and winter. This dish is famous from its exposure in the movie “Ratatouille”, so many customers usually order this dish. The price of this delicious dish is only around €37 despite its small quantity. But it is worth all the pennies.

 3. Desserts in Paris, France

1. Macaroons

While talking about deserts, the first thing that comes into my mind is macaroons.  Perhaps the most coveted, best-selling cookie in Paris. The macaroon is round in shape and available in a variety of flavors: almond, salted caramel, honey, rose, lemon, chocolate. They cost €19 but they have good quality and large quantity, so it’s cheaper to buy with friends or family.

2. Kouign-Amann

Fans of sweet, flaky pastry will adore Kouign-Amann(pronounced “queen a-mahn”). The name comes from the French language words for cake and butter. Layer after layer of dough, butter on the inside and sugar on the outside are slow-baked until crisp and caramelized. It is regarded as “The fattiest pastry in all of Europe” in The New York Times because of it’s sweetness and addictiveness. It costs fairly cheap for a stomach filling desert on only 3.66 Euros

3. Tarte Aux Fruits

Tarte Aux Fruits is one of the most simple desserts in Paris yet the still delicious.The tart has a biscuit base layer which is topped with fruits and baked. The type of fruits you can find on the desert are usually apple and strawberry . Each of it costs €3 .

8 days of walking into the city of lights, boarding into the plane that’s heading back to my motherland with all the unforgettable memories. It all flew by all at once. Going to a trip to Paris proves the saying of: Time flies when you’re having fun. It’s a shame that I didn’t stayed for longer and if there were any chance of heading back to Paris, I would for sure definitely explore the wonders of it again.

~ SEOUL, KOREA BLOG~

Annyeonghaseyo Seoul! One of Asia’s coolest city to visit! It’s considered as a megacity as it has a population of over ten million people. Seoul, the city that I have always wanted to travel, and now I’m here! In this following blog, I’m going to share about the desirable destination places for tourists in Seoul!

Accommodations

I suggest checking out Agoda online. However, it would be more comfortable if you rent a house for your stay. The currency in Seoul is Korean Won (1KRW = 0.0035RM) Don’t worry as you will be able to search for plenty of money changers in Myeongdong. 

Helpful Korean phrases

1.Hello: Annyeong haseyo

2. Thank you: Gamsahamnida

3. You’re welcome: Cheonmanyeyo

4. Yes: Ye/Ne

5. No: Aniyo

6. Goodbye: Annyeong

7. Excuse me (asking): Sillyehamnida

8. I’m sorry: Joesonghamnida

9. Is there someone here who speaks English?: Yeogi-e yeong-eoreul hasineun bun gyesimnikka?

10 . Help!: Dowajuseyo!

Desirable destination for tourist 

Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, and Itaewon are the best hot desirable destinations for tourist in Seoul.

[Myeongdong 명동]

All about Myeongdong 

Myeongdong street, the downtown area of Seoul, is the perfect destination for food and shopping lovers! 

With over 200 vendors, Myeongdong night market is one of the biggest street food markets in Seoul.

You will be able to find a variety of street foods, restaurants and shops for Korean beauty products and clothes! Since Myeongdong street market is a large pedestrian only street, vehicles are not allowed, same goes to the street food stalls.

How to get to Myeongdong 

Take subway line #4 to Myeong-dong Station and then take exit #6 to arrive at the shopping district. Alternatively, take subway line #2 to Euljiro 1-ga Station and take exit #5.

You will probably be lost visiting Myeongdong for the first time, but don’t worry! There are street guides also known as “the red angel” in Myeongdong where you can seek help in directions. They are able to speak in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean so be relieved. The street guides are usually stationed in a crowded area, cross roads or pace tourist attractions. 

Myeongdong street Opening hours

In Myeongdong, shops are generally opened at 10am (some open even earlier) and don’t close till 11pm. The outdoor street market normally starts at 4pm on weekdays, on the other hand, it starts around 2pm on the weekends and on Korean holidays (change in time might occur). Usually the street food market finishes around 11pm, but this depends on the vendors. 

Prices and tips

Most of the snacks ranges between 2000 krw and 5000 krw. Friendly reminder, make sure to have your cash prepared since most of the stall doesn’t allow credit cards! Read on to acknowledge the best food streets and shops available in Myeongdong food street!

Popular Street Foods 

The price of these street foods ranges from 1000KRW to 8000KRW

1.Japchae (잡채)

A korean sweet potato noodle stir fried dish with vegetables and meat, it is also known as “glass noodle” as the noodles turn translucent when cooked. 

2. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

A must try popular street snack in Korea. It gives off a spicy, sweet flavor and a chewy texture and is made with fish cakes, boiled eggs, scallions and spicy red sauce. 

3. Hotteok (호떡)

A Korean pancake that has a variety of fillings in it, the dough for hotteok is made with wheat flour, water, milk, sugar, and yeast. Mostly filled with brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon. (2000KRW)

4. Kimbap (김밥)

A must try street food made with steamed white rice and dried seaweed, it is normally filled with pickled ingredients and raw vegetables. Don’t be mistaken, It is different from sushi!

5. Odeng (오뎅)

Odeng (or eomuk) is fishcakes made of ground white fish and other ingredients such as potato starch, sugar and vegetables. It is normally served on a stick and a cup of soup 

Besides food and drinks, you will be able to find vendors that sell Kpop Merchandise, souvenirs, phone accessories and so much more!

Korean Beauty Products, Fashion Shops

Not only does Myeongdong have a lot of yummy street food, it also has some amazing restaurants, fashion shops and beauty products available! Cosmetics brands like INNISFREE, THE BODY SHOP and TONYMOLY and etc can be found in the street. In Myeongdong, vendors normally attract you in the store with free mask samples and cosmetics. Korean skincare products are always available at competitive prices.

Yet, Myeongdong street is also a perfect place for fashion lovers. You will be able to find Top Korean Fashion Brand Stores in Myeongdong street like, SPAO, WHO.A.U and Line Friends Flagship Store. Popular International Brand Stores like H&M, UNIQLO, ADIDAS are available too!

Myeongdong cathedral

Myeongdong is best known for its eating and shopping, but don’t miss out on the first and most important cathedral in Korea, the Myeongdong Cathedral! 

The cathedral is the very first Catholic Church ever built in Korea. It is also the first Gothic Building in Korea. Myeong-dong Cathedral is located in the downtown area of Seoul and is crowded with tourists. Every year in May, Myeongdong Cathedral holds a cultural festival.

[INSADONG 인사동]

Besides Myeongdong, Insadong is a must go destination place too! Insadong is a popular neighbourhood in Korea and for its pedestrianized main street, filled with unique teahouses, decent restaurants and shops selling traditional goods such as hanbok, calligraphy and folk crafts. 40 percent of the country’s art galleries and antique shops are in Insadong. It’s only 1km away from Myeongdong! Below are some of the recommended tourist destinations in Insadong.

Recommended spots

1.Insadong Tourist Information Center

In this Information Center, all kinds of guides and brochures are available to help you on planning your trip in Insadong. Nevertheless, the staff speaks a variety of languages if you are having difficulty acknowledging the area.

Address: 62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03146, South Korea

Yet, you are able to rent a hanbok in the information Center! 

The price of a hanbok is usually very expensive for tourists to purchase, so most of the tourists rent it to have a taste of Korean culture. This will be a great experience while travelling in Korea and it’s a must try activity! The fee of renting a hanbok here is cheaper than having it done in a studio. Some various dresses are only rented for 3000KRW! It’s better to come early as there can be lots of tourists inside the office wanting to try the hanboks. 

2.Tapgol Park

It is one of the most important sites in Seoul. Tapgol park (or Pagoda Park) is the first modern park built in Seoul and is also the birthplace of the March 1st Movement against the Japanese occupation in 1919. This ten-level stone pagoda was responsible for the park’s old name, Pagoda Park. 

Address: Jongno 3-ga Station on Lines 1, 3 and 5 of the Seoul Subway.

3. Beautiful Tea Museum

If you LOVE tea, you do NOT want to miss this museum. The Beautiful Tea Museum collects and exhibits information and items relating to tea, obviously. 

It is a traditional Korean house made with a curved roof (Hanok style). The admission fee is free to enter the museum. The opening time for the museum is from 10:30am to 9:45pm from weekdays to weekends. It opens 24hour.

Address: 19-11 Insadong-gil, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

4. Ddong Café (Poop Cafe)

Poop cafe, such a peculiar yet unique name for a cafe! Just like the name, the theme of the cafe is poop (ddong is poop in hangul). Coffee is all served in mugs which are shaped like toilets, and seat cushions are long, puffy snakes that coils up like poop! The opening time for the cafe is 10:30am–9pm from weekday to weekend.

Address: 44, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu | 4th floor of Ssamziegil mall, Seoul 03146, South Korea

5. Miss Lee’s Cafe 별다방미스리

The walls and ceiling are full with cute doodles and love notes. 

Dosirak, a Korean lunch box with egg, seaweed, kimchi and meat in it.

In this metal box is a childhood memory of every Koreans. It is called Dosirak which means a Korean lunch box. Back in the 70s, mothers would prepare dosirak for their kids to bring to school. One dosirak is around 6000KRW in the cafe. The opening hours for the cafe is 10am to 11pm from weekday to weekend.

Address: 144 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Insa-dong is also close to other tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung (the royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty)

The Gyeongbokgung Palace

[HONGDAE 홍대]

When coming to Seoul, going to Hongdae is definitely an activity you can’t miss. It is also known as one of the 

hippest areas in Seoul full of young people. Hongdae is located near the three popular and different universities. Food, drinks, clothing stores which have wide variations of unique styles and characters can all be found in one area alone! 

What to do in Hongdae?

Eating in Hongdae is a must! It is a popular night spot where there are tons of restaurants filling every corner of this place as well as great street food options. Whether you are looking for western food or Korean food. You don’t have to worry about spending too much as it is budget-friendly. 

Another thing that you must do is of course shopping! There are many amazing shopping options in Hongdae making it one of the best areas to shop in Seoul. Reminder, it is a budget-friendly place. Hongdae has street vendors selling the latest trendy clothing to brands like Forever21 and H&M, local boutiques, and cosmetic stores basically it has everything!! 1300k is a store which you must go to as it sells all kinds of fun stuff like novelty items, collector’s items, figurines and stationery.

If you’re looking for some fun things to do, this area attracts people not only for food and shopping but because of their activities. You can check out the latest movie at their CGV theater or watch street performers show off their talents. 

Recommended Places

1.Hongdae Street Art

Your trip will be empty without admiring some of the amazing street art in the area.

2. Animal cafe

Hongdae has a vast range of different types of animal cafes, including meerkats, kangaroos and raccoons at Meerkat Friends, sheep at Thanks nature café, raccoons at Bonita racoon café and of course cats at Cats Living.

How to get to Hongdae? 

Getting to Hongdae is very easy as there are many options for you to decide which transport to take.Using the subway system and bus is the most convenient and cheapest way. If you’re going by subway, you just need to go to Hongik University station to arrive there.

Another way is getting a taxi, it is also still quite affordable if you prefer to just be dropped off in your location. If you can speak Korean or the driver does not understand english, it will be a good idea if you show the taxi driver a Google Maps screenshot with Korean in it.

Where to stay in Hongdae?

There are many budget yet luxurious stays in Hongdae. You can find many guesthouses and hostels if you’re travelling alone! 

Recommended guesthouses:

1.Kimchee Guesthouse Hongdae

This guesthouse is best for those who do not want to spend so much. It is around RM125 for one night (breakfast included)

2. Hotel The Designers Hongdae

Is a trendy hotel which has a western-style room in it. It is located in the middle of Hongdae. (around RM250)

3. Marigold Hotel

 It also has a large, western-style room which includes restaurants and cafes in the lobby. This hotel is near to almost all of the fun things to do in Hongdae. (around RM400)

[ITAEWON 이테언]

Itaewon is a hot spot for foreigners. It is a district in Seoul which is known for their  incredible dining and clubbing options. Diverse music, neon lights, and an energetic crowd. It is filled with foreign food restaurants, foreigner bars and foreign markets. All of this attracts plenty of visitors of all ages. It is also known as the Western Town. Some tourists may find it a bit overwhelming, but there are too many dining opportunities here to skip.

What to do in Itaewon?

Itaewon’s streets have the most diverse range of cuisines in the entirety of Seoul, so it’s best to make the most of it and sample as much of the food as possible because you sure won’t want to miss it out! It’s common for Koreans to hunt down a hearty meal before partying, which is a good idea for travellers who are planning to spend the whole night exploring the bars and clubs of Itaewon. 

You can visit Linus BBQ, it’s a rustic diner serving authentic and flavorful American barbecued meat as well as other Southern food. The menu is in english so you don’t have to struggle finding what it is. 

Besides eating there are also streets where you can go to buy lots of stuff. Like the Itaewon Antique Street, it is packed with small antique shops which sells all sorts of Asian or European antiques. Most of the stuff comes from the US soldiers that are based in Korea and would sell their furniture and belongings before returning back to America.

Another place that attracts a lot of visitors in Itaewon is Homo Hill, it is a neighbourhood which is considered to be an LGBT+ center in conservative of Korea. There are abundant drinks, and a mixed crowd of locals and tourists, combining for a fantastic stop during a night out in Itaewon. 

Where to stay in Itaewon?

Itaewon has some great and budget hostels and hotels for those who are travelling alone.

1.G Guesthouse

It is one of the best budget guesthouses in Itaewon. The hostel is just a 1 minute walk away from the subway station. Breakfast is also provided and sometimes they also organize events like rooftop parties.(around RM100)

If you’re looking for a more comfortable and don’t have a tight budget, you can try out: 

2. White Golden Itaewon 01 Apartments

 It has different apartments for 2 up to 7 people, which is great for couples or families. The location is located close to the subway station and the rooms are spacious and clean. (around RM625)

There are also quite few luxury and high quality hotels located in this area too, but not all of them are close to the subway station. 

3. Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel

This hotel is a beautiful and modern place to stay in. It is one of the most vibrant areas of Seoul. Each room has different artistic murals. However, breakfast is not included.(around RM900)

The wonders of Seoul has brought us many wonderful memories. We will definitely keep our sweet memories in heart and look forward to travel to Seoul once again! Lastly, we hope that this travel guide will be able to help you throughout your journey in Seoul!

You’ve probably seen it in the background of Avatar movies , but nothing can prepare you for the epic beauty of traveling in ZhangJiaJie .

Upon arrival visitors will be impressed by its air of mystery, elegance and primitive simplicity. The scenic spots in this world are dominated by the colour green. The mountain slopes are covered with green foliage, the fields are green and even the Tuo Jiang River reflects the greenery. The bridges over the water and unique houses built on stilts display a harmony that is so often portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings. This is particularly true when mist pervades the scene in the early morning or after rain. 

Pandora is indeed a unique world full of man-made marvels and natural wonders. It is not far away and it is a great place to discard the avatar in us. There is no place like Zhangjiajie.

Top 6 things to do in ZhangJiaJie

1. ZhangJiaJie National Forest Park 

This is one of the core scenic areas of Wulingyuan. It covers an area of 130 square kilometres and consists of six parts such as YellowStone Stronghold, Golden Whip Stream and Yuanjiajie. YellowStone Stronghold is the largest viewing platform in the whole Forest Park and you can enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains surrounded by cloud and mist. Yuanjiajie was the setting place of the famous film Avatar. The most remarkable scenic spot of Yuanjiajie is the First Bridge with a height of more than 300 meters (980 feet), which is the highest natural stone bridge ever found in the world. What’s more, the clear streams passing through the valleys in the Golden Whip Stream is one of the most beautiful sceneries in the park.

2. ZhangJiaJie Glass Bridge 

One of the fun things to do in Zhangjiajie is to experience the second longest and highest glass bridge in the world. The bridge is located in the Grand Canyon, with a length of 430 meters (1,410 feet) and a height of 300 meters (985 feet). The bridge hangs over the valley and you can have an unforgettable experience to walk on it and enjoy the natural landscape in such a transparent high place. If you love some extreme sports, maybe you would like to challenge more heart-pounding activities such as the highest bungee jumping in the world.

3. Cable Car in Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area

Visitors can take a cable car to see these charming peaks. The minimum running time is six minutes and twenty-two seconds for a single trip during which visitors can keep the wonderful scenery of the Tianzi Mountain in view.

4. FengHuang Ancient Town 

Fenghuang Ancient Town is where Miao and Tujia Nationalities live. Home to a prestigious Chinese writer Shen Congwen (1902-1988), the town was known for his novel Border Town. The town was built in the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911) with red sandstone walls and the streets were paved with flagstones. Tuojiang River flows through the town and there is a narrow wooden bridge across the river under the North Gate. Walking along the river to sightsee in the town is a good option. You can visit the former residences of the celebrities and appreciate ancient buildings. Boating on the Tuojiang River to view the stilted buildings on both sides is also very enjoyable.

5. Tianmen mountain 

Tianmen Cave: The Portal to the Heaven

Tianmen Cave is a grand karst cave 431 feet high, 187 feet wide and 197 feet deep spanning under the mountain. Looking from afar, the cave looks like a way up to heaven, hence the name, Tianmen, meaning Heavenly Door. The cave is shrouded by the year-round dense mist. Sometimes, cloaks of clouds gather at the cave’s opening, with the sun glowing through it,  forming magical scenery.

6. Bailong Elevator

Bailong Elevator is the highest, fastest, fully exposed outdoor double-decker sightseeing elevator with the largest capacity in the world. Bailong Elevator goes up and down very fast which can finish a height of 326 meters (1,070 feet) within 1 minute and 58 seconds. It connects Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream and other main scenic areas together, leaving more time for tourists to enjoy the beauty of Zhangjiajie.  

ZhangJiaJie National Forest Park Entrance Fee

Entrance fee

March to November: RMB 225 for adults / RMB 160 for children (1.3 – 1.5 meters) December to February: RMB 115 for adults / CNY 85 for children (1.3 – 1.5 meters) Free entry for children below 1.3 meters but they need to pay RMB 65 for the battery car. 1. With the validity of three consecutive days from March to November and four consecutive days from December to next February, the admission fee includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area and the battery car. 2. Tourists can pay CNY 3 to buy the insurance.

Fees for elevator and cable car 

Items	Fees
Bailong Sightseeing Elevator (Single Trip)	RMB 72; RMB 43 for children between 1.3 – 1.5m.
YellowStone Village Cable Car	Single Trip: RMB 65; RMB 40  for children between 1.3 – 1.5m.Round Trip: CNY 118; CNY 70 for children between 1.3 – 1.5m.
Tianzi Mountain Cable Car (Single Trip)	CNY 72; CNY 43 for children between 1.3 – 1.5m.

where to stay

Cassidy Enjoy Hotel

It is a budget friendly hotel in Changsha , and the Changsha Ecological Zoo is a short distance away. Cassidy Enjoy Hotel features room service and baggage storage, to help make your stay more enjoyable. While staying at Cassidy Enjoy Hotel, if you are feeling bored, there are a variety of choices of shops to go just a short distance away from the hotel. The staff at Cassidy Enjoy Hotel looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.

Fengting International Hotel

If you are looking for a hotel near the Phoenix Ancient Town, try for the Fengting International Hotel. It is a great place to stay when visiting the Fenghuang County and is near a scenic area. The rooms offer air conditioning and allow you to rest and refresh with ease. Fengting International Hotel provides room service and baggage storage. You could also enjoy a sauna as a valued Fengting International Hotel guest.

Shanshui Zhongtian Hotel

It provides an ideal of value, comfort and convenience. The hotel offers a flat screen Tv, air conditioner, a kitchenette and free wifi in every rooms. Shanshui Zhongtian Hotel provides services like a 24 hour front desk and facilities such as a fitness center and a restaurant. These will help to make your stay plenitude and special. There is also a popular option of restaurants near the Shanshui Zhongtian Hotel, feel free to walk within small distance to look for a place to eat or stay in this hotel as it not only offers food but also all local flavour of ZhangJiaJie, Changsha.

Hunan Zeyun Hotel

It is located near to a train station and you could easily reach the Avatar scenes. There are popular attractions nearby like the Change Poem Wall and easily found restaurants and shopping malls. The staff here are friendly and professional and the hotel has a theme of ancient China which could allow you to feel the elegance and classic of the country.

the best times to visit

• The best months: April–May / September–October
• The ideal time: end of October to mid-November
• The peak seasons: summer and autumn
• The low season: winter
• The busiest times: July, August, LaborDay holiday (May 1–3), National Day holiday (October 1–7)

Spring in ZhangJiaJie

• From March to May 
• The temperature of 15 to 25°C and is warming up 
• The perfect season for taking photographs 
• Not the peak season for travelers 
• What to wear: jacket / long trousers / long sleeves / raincoat / hoodie 

Summer in ZhangJiaJie

• From june to august 
• Average highs are from 28 to 33°C. It is hot in the daytime and cool in the evenings
• Rainy season 
• What to wear: T-shirt / shorts / light coat / sunglasses / mosquito repellant / rain gear / sun cap 
• The peak season which having the heaviest crowds and the cost of hotels is high 

Autumn in ZhangJiaJie

• From september to november 
• Average highs from 18 to 28°C and there is less rain 
• Less rainfall and the scenery is at its best 
• What to wear: light sweater / hoodie / trousers 
• Golden period for travelling after the National Day Holiday, there will not be as many people in the area and the scenery is still stunning  

Winter in ZhangJiaJie

• From december to february 
• Average temperature ranges from 3 to 10°C which is snowy or icy 
• Snow scenery in the mountains is from mid-january to late february 
• What to wear: warm and windproof clothing / gloves / mask / non-slip footwear 
• It it the off-season which there will be fewer tourist and the prices of hotels are lower than in the peak season 
• Some attractions and transportation will be restricted and unavailable 

Currency

Chinese Yuan, Renminbi ( RMB / LOGO ) in which RMB 1 = (Ringgit Malaysia)RM 0.59 and (United States Dollar)USD 0.14 (February 2020) . It is easy to exchange money at a bank or at a money exchanger. You could also find ATMs in China but it’s best to make withdrawals beforehand just in case.

visa

Visitors must apply approximately a few weeks before their trip; they will not be granted a visa at the port of entry. It will takes four working days to get your China Visa in Kuala Lumpur .

OVERALL

The WANDERLUST of ZhangJiaJie had brought us an interesting journey to explore the beautiful culture of the Chinese tradition and its history. We hope that this travel guide would be the one which leads you to your desire of exploring the world.

BY: Angelina Alexis, Ryoko Yeo

New Delhi is a magical place.It is one of the greatest cities in the world as it is filled to the brim with amazing culture.

When we reached New Delhi, we were greeted by a warm ‘Namaste’ as we sipped on our flavorful ‘Chai’ . We left the Chai stall and made our way to the Chandai Chowk bazaar. Before we even stepped into the bazaar, the fumes viciously attacked our noses. As we hustled our way through, we tasted the flavors of India. After we stuffed ourselves, we left to our hotel which we booked.

It was early in the morning as we went to the iconic Red Fort. We explored the place with our tour guide who informed us that the Red Fort was originally white. After we were done exploring Red Fort, we left to the India Gate which is a war memorial. It stands as a memorial to 70000 soldiers who died in between 1914 to 1921. The India Gate is a sight to behold.

We then left to our final destination which was one of the most famous temples in the world- The Mangal Mahadev Mandir Rangpur temple. We were greeted by a 33 meter tall towering statue – The Hindu god – Lord Shiva. We travelled seeing other gods like Durga and Hanuman.We then checked out of our hotel left as our ride took us to the airport. Our trip was fun and enjoyable.

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What to Eat:

• Butter chicken

It was first made in Moti Mahal. It was accidentally made when mixing leftover chicken with tomato gravy which is rich in butter and cream.  

• Chaat

It is street food. It is a savoury snack

• Kebabs

They are sticks of meat grilled

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• Transportation in New Delhi
• It has a public transportation system known as the Delhi Metro.
• You can also go by buses, taxis and rickshaws.
• Rickshaws are cheaper than taxis but they are tricky to hire as most of them do not agree to standard meter charges.The typical way is to haggle for an agreeable price.

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• Best time to Travel to New Delhi
• October To March is the best time to visit New Delhi as the weather stays pleasant. It is also when events and festivals are celebrated.
• It receives a fair amount of rain in July and August.
• Summers in New Delhi are hot and humid with temperatures from 25 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius.

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BY: Jun Yang, Khashviin, Jeremy

When someone says India normally people will think of spice, prosperous culture and poverty but if you actually go and see the india itself you will understand it is not just about the spice, prosperous culture and poverty.The city we choose was New Dehli and my oh my was i lucky to pick this country as it is so joyful and full of life .From a war location to one of the top cities in the world , Dehli is making a comeback …

Main Tourist Attraction

Humayun’s Tomb
This amazing 47 m building stood as it was build in 1569 and it stands as a memorial for the first wife of the  Empress Bega Begum and in honor of the mother death the son Sayyid Muhammad and architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas build this tomb .So normally tourist come here to take photo and pay their respect to empress ,but did you know this tomb is a UNESCO Heritage site and also TripAdvisor gave it a Certificate of excellence due to the great reviews from travelers

Mon – Sat 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration:1-2 hours
Price -37.50 rm including a trip around Dehli from TripAdvisor(https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g304551-d311618-Reviews-Humayun_s_Tomb-New_Delhi_National_Capital_Territory_of_Delhi.html)

Chandni Chowk
The Chandni Chowk or the moonlight is one of the oldest and busiest markets in the world as this is where most Indian buys their resources and food .Continue this bazaar is actually 3 split section the Urdu Bazaar , Johri Bazaar and Fatehpuri Bazaar( In this market there will be alot of people so please beware of your belongings )
Open everyday except sunday from 5am to 8 pm
Price – DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU BUY NOTHING IS FREE 🙂
suggested time to spend about 2 – 3 hours

Swaminarayan Akshardham
Akshardam is a hindu temple and also a spiritual-cultural campus in New dehli ,this complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture ,spiritually and architecture.This is a must see in New Dehli as the design is rather authentic and one of a kind , the designs t rises 141-foot (43 m) high, spans 316-foot (96 m) wide, and extends 356-foot (109 m) long. It is intricately carved with flora , fauna , dancers and musicians.
Open on Tue – Sun9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Duration:More than 3 hours
Price is depends on the package you got as they have different but the most common is the 135 rm which gives you a private tour of the whole complex at evening

Food (Mr Eddie favourite:))

Chicken Tikka Masala
This food is one of the best food i ever tasted as it brings comfort and warmth but chunks of roasted marinated chicken in a spiced curry sauce over some white rice absorbing it as you take a mouthful of the curry and the rice…This dish is generally serve with white rice on the side with some chutney or Vegetables . This dish is so good that even the britian took this dish and brought it to their homeland calling it butter chicken and now everywhere in london has the dish making now the national dish of New Dehli But the best butter chicken is at a local store called Rajinder Da Dhaba as it open on 5 pm . The price at this shop for chicken tikka masala is 360 rupees which is 20 rm now thats a steal

Chapati
Chapati, also known as roti, safati, shabaati, phulka and roshi, is a fluffy flatbread that is dip inside curry or dahl and sometimes even chutney .Chapati is the dish that you can just make it really easily as you need Flour , salt , water but then you have to knead it for 10 to 15 minute and let it puff up . Chappati is so common in New Dehli that everyone can afford it as it is the same level as rice . So to eat the best chapati in new Dehli i recommend Al Jawahar Restaurant as it serves with chapati with a twist costing 10 rupees which is like 0.50rm so go crazy and stuff yourself . It opens at 7 am

Cabbage and long beans stew
 it is the mixture of green chillies , chilli powder ,garam massala and cabbage and long beans which is a very popular dish as it is cheap and convenient.The idea behind this dish is that farmers got so much of these ingredient and they decided to just make a soup for them to enjoy their hard work . Its recommended to eat with a bowl of rice as it soaks up the flavors . To eat the best Cabbage and long beans stew is the same local shop Rajinder Da Dhaba which open at 5 and dish costing about 250 rupees which is 15 rm

Accommodations
So during our trip to New Dehli we stayed at a rather nice hotel called the Bloomrooms and i strongly recommend you to stay there as it is cheap ,clean and comfortable with swimming pools and spa to calm after such wondrous trip .It also very convinient as it is near the centre of New Dehli so easy for tourist to mingle around.The cost for per night in this hotel is 142 rm at Agoda

Timing
Before you start running off to buy your tickets check your local trip agent and confirm your destination as last minute booking may not be accepted .Also when in New Dehli inside the temple for god sakes please dont wear short pants as it is not a fashion show but a respected place . Thank you so much for reading my blog

The Frog Who Lives In The Well Knows Not Of The Big Sea.

前書き ( Introduction )

For starters, it looked boring. ‘Looked’ as in past tense. But that was before I looked deeper into Tokushima and fell in love with it. Whenever everyone hears Japan, they think of Tokyo or Hokkaido or Nagasaki. Well, those places are interesting too but who are you to compare Tokushima to them? Tokushima is just as amazing and fascinating as all of Japan. So sit back, plug in some J-pop and I will show you why. 🙂

地理 ( Geography )

Tokushima is located on the eastern side of the small island of Shikoku and is connected to mainland Japan by Akashi- Kaikyo and Naruto bridges. ( you heard that right, Naruto ) It is home to the world- famous Awa Odori Dance Festival and is bountiful in beautiful natural scenery. 

徳島を訪れるのに最適な時期  ( Best time to Visit Tokushima )

To be honest, any time is the best time to visit Tokushima. I’m not joking! There’s just so much to see in Tokushima and Tokushima is different in all four seasons. Tokushima is in winter from November to February; Spring from March to May; Summer during June to September; and Autumn or Fall from October to November. So prepare yourselves for the different seasons on the time that you’ll go there.

徳島を移動する ( Moving around Tokushima )

You can travel around Tokushima in three main means of transport: train, bus or bicycle. The JR Tokushima Station is a busy, major railway intersection and it is on the Kotoku, Mugi and Naruto lines. It is also a highway bus terminus for buses to various destinations in Shikoku and beyond. 

Bicycles are also available for rental at Awa Odori Kaikan. If you’re up for sightseeing but have a budget, you may board the 24- seater GuruGuruBus, which is a free sightseeing bus that runs from Awa Odori Kaikan every weekend and national holidays. It departs at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm.

宿泊施設 ( Accomodation )

Melody Heim 2D

This hotel is small but has everything. It is just 2km away from Awa Odori Kaikan and it is not a distance from the JR Tokushima Station. It provides free Wifi, free parking spaces and free bicycle rental. It is small and suitable if you’re going in a pair. It’s price ranges around 5000- 6000 Yen.

Hostel PAQ Tokushima

This is an interesting choice if you’re travelling in a group with friends. This hostel is cheap and it’s price depends on what type of bed and room you want. You can book single beds, bunk beds, twin beds, etc. There is also a shared kitchen and a place for you to do your laundry and park your bikes. Plus, it’s a 5 minute walk from the Tokushima Station. It’s prices range from 3000- 14100 Yen.

魅力 ( Attractions )

Oboke and Koboke gorges

An emerald surfaced river flowing in between the looming white cliffs accompanied with lustful trees and a beautiful sky. This is truly a beauty of nature to behold. This is suitable for family day-trips, nature lovers, etc.

Opening hours:	9:00- 17:00
Closing times of the year:	Open all year round
Fee:	Adult: 1080 Yen Child: 540 Yen
Travel Time:	30 Minutes
Access:	About 20 minutes walk from JR Oboke Station
Address:	Oboke, Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi-shi

マチアソビ Machi★Asobi 

Imagine an entire town engulfed in anime. Well, it’s not a dream anymore. Machi Asobi is an anime festival that attracts anime fans from all over the country. Live performances by popular voice-actors and actresses, limited anime merchandise and many more. This is truly heaven for anime lovers.

For time, venue and itineraries, please follow its page on twitter.

https://twitter.com/machiasobis_com?lang=en

Matsushima Senbonzakura ( 1000 cherry blossom trees )

Who wouldn’t want to take a nice, slow stroll in the midst of 1,000 blooming cherry blossoms? It’s exactly like a scene from a love story. You can enjoy a view of blossoming pink petals and dairy cows grazing between the trees. A perfect, picturesque place.

Recommended months:	Between late March and mid April
Access:	45 minutes drive from JR Tokushima Station
Address:	Aza Sunako, Izumidani, Kamiita-cho, Itano-gun
Fee:	Free

Yoshino River

It is the second longest river in the island of Shikoku. It is the only river that flows through all four prefectures on the island of Shikoku and flows into the sea in Tokushima City. Beautiful and clear, this river is mesmerizing. 

Awa Odori Kaikan

Awa Odori Hall is a museum in Tokushima where people can learn more about this famous dance which Tokushima is famous for. 

Opening hours:	9:00- 17:00
Closing times of the year:	Open all year round
Fee:	Senior high school students and above: 300 Yen Jr. high school students and below: free
Travel Time:	10- 15 minute
Access:	10-15 minutes walk from JR Oboke Station
Address:	Japan, 〒770-0904 Tokushima, Shinmachibashi, 2 Chome−２０番地 阿波おどり会館２階

Tokushima Clement Plaza

This plaza is connected to the JR Tokushima Station. It has restaurants, boutiques, retail shops and a relaxing environment. Plus, it has transportation close by.

Opening hours:	10:00- 20:00
Closing times of the year:	Open all year round
Fee:	Free
Access:	Connected to JR Tokushima Station
Address:	1 Chome-61 Terashimahonchonishi, Tokushima, 770-0831, Japan

Kamiyama Onsen

This is an indoor hot spring spa. It is soothing for the skin as you dip yourself into the waters of a natural hot spring. Visiting a hot spring house or ‘Onsen’ can also allow you to spend quality time with your family, friends or yourself. Plus, soaking in the hot water is a great way to end a long day of walking around. 

Opening hours:	10:00- 20:00
Closing times of the year:	Open all year round
Fee:	Adult: 600 Yen Child ( from 3 years old to elementary ): 300 Yen
Travel Time:	1 hour 3 mins
Access:	Train and bus
Address:	80-2 Honuetsuno, Jinryo, Kamiyama-cho, Myozai-gun

食物 ( Food )

Tokushima Ramen Noodles

This dish resembles the ‘Ichiraku Ramen’ in Naruto. Over 100 shops sell ramen in Tokushima alone. This ramen is distinguishable by its rusty, brown colour. Ramen served with roasted pork slices, sweet/salty pork belly stock, spring onions, eggs, etc.

Awa Odori Chicken 

This dish is a special variety of chicken in Tokushima. The meat has low fat content that makes it moderately chewy and delicious. 

Wasanbon Sugar

This unique sugar is made from a special variety of sugarcane that passes through an elaborate process that requires time and skill. It is the core ingredient in many top- grade Japanese sweets.

Awa Bancha Tea

Bancha is coarse green tea. This tea consists of the highest quality of tea leaves that are produced in Tokushima thanks to the climate that is favourable to produce these aromatic tea. 

徳島旅行のコツ ( Some tips for travelling in Tokushima )

As you obviously know, Tokushima is in Japan. So the language that will be spoken most and heard most is the Japanese language. Here are some phrases or sentences to help you. 🙂

Ohayo=	Good Morning
Konnichiwa=	Good Afternoon
Konbanwa=	Good Evening
Oyasuminasai=	Good Night
Sumimasen=	Excuse me
Arigatou=	Thank you
Sayonara=	Good Bye
Eigo o harasemasu ka?=	Do you speak English?
Tasukete kuremasen ka?=	Can you help me please?

Don’t be shy or scared to reach out to Japanese people, for they are very friendly and are eager to help. Even though their English vocabulary is limited. If you must communicate in Japanese, Google Translate may help you out.

お別れ ( Farewell )

This has certainly been an interesting journey. I hope that this travel guide would act as your stepping stone to travelling to other places and discovering their hidden secrets and that it did help you in some ways. Remember “The Frog Who Lives In The Well Knows Not Of The Big Sea”, so start exploring and seeking.

Until next time, Sayonara! 

By: Damien, Clement and Kirsten.