Jacqkie | Travel and Lifestyle

Prior coming to this beautiful country, I asked those who've been to Japan which were their favourite cities, and why. 5/6 of my friends voted Kyoto as number 1 using similar keywords to describe their experience, authentic and beautiful. I didn't know what to expect really... I never spent a lot of time Googling about Japan neither have I discussed a lot on this beautiful country, but I do know one thing - I love Japanese food... I know so shallow. But thank God after this visit, I know a lot more about Japan than meets the eye. The people, the lives, what matters, what are they looking forward to. Upon reaching Kyoto (via Shinkansen and local train). We started our day meeting up with our Airbnb host Ms Rumi (a self proclaimed grandma who proposed the idea to the owner of the home to turn that home we stayed in into a meeting point for conversations and gatherings for the people around her area - because "people are just too busy with their own lives, we don...

The first time I Googled about Japan, there were a lot of articles out there talking about the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. Everyone seemed to be wanting to give travelers out there one specific advice: SIT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRAIN.  So we did just that. The ever so helpful and friendly Japanese customer service guy at the JR Office Station in Tokyo reserved us the seats on the right aisle a day before the actual departure. and guess what, WE MISSED IT. I had a hunch that we would miss it because I wasn't confident in taking the train really early in the morning at 9.00am. But thank heavens for the awesomeness of the JR Pass , we can book the next train anytime we like from any JR Station! So we estimated our journey, this time to be expecting Tokyo Station in less than half an hour to be able to FINALLY catch the shinkansen to Kyoto. Luckily this time we manage to reach Tokyo station on time. PHEW. I was fidgeting the whole time making sure we don't miss th...

When I started airbnb a few years ago, I'd never thought I'd be completely smitten by it. During my last trip to Sri Lanka, I fell in love with the idea of staying in the suburbs with a local Sri Lankan. Despite having to brave through the suburbs, finding solace in the homes of the locals' is eventually the ultimate prize.  Also, in such a short period of time to know the city, the idea really kills a few birds with one stone.  We did the same in Japan. I'll share with you here on the places that we stayed using Airbnb. In average, each of us spend about MYR 85 - 100 in one night and that's in a twin setting. I Googled to see some of the average rates for accommodation / hostels in Tokyo, and it would cost from MYR 150 onwards per person. After thinking sometime about it, we figured it's best we use some of our money to stay in a real Japanese house with a local Japanese as the host. Tokyo Our first stay in Japan was in Tokyo with the lovely young f...

I just came back from a trip to Japan (Tokyo - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Osaka). From my car, to my household items, Japanese influence is massive if not the biggest in my life, but I had never intended of visiting Japan ever until my trustee travelling partner, Daren invited me to. I did all the research I could and next thing you know - I'm in love. AGAIN. Like most of the countries I visited, and the amount of annual leaves I have, I am only able to explore a few cities within a few days. That means, a lot of walking or travelling! We stayed in Tokyo for a few nights, took the train to the beautiful Kyoto (if not my favourite) and then stopped by Hiroshima for a day and then took the train to Osaka where we eventually flew out back to Malaysia. Safe to say, we made complete full use of the Japan Rail Pass.  Japanspecial.co.uk The number one essential for us was the Japan Rail Pass , which to us was godsend. Especially if you plan to visit different prefectures (or sta...