Scintillating Seoul is as traditional as it’s technology- and fashion-forward. It’s impossible to not be swept up by the Hallyu that is Seoul. Hallyu refers to the ‘wave’ of South Korean culture, and the capital city is living testament to that. Seoul is the mashup of dazzling skylines and great outdoors with ancient sights, all…
Hong Kong is one rare glass-and-steel city of our times; over 70% of the city is lush country parks and mountains. The captivating and culture-rich city is home to world-class food, historical and cultural gems, dizzying markets, picturesque hikes, and beautiful beaches. However, the vertical city is most known for its iconic, skyscraper-filled skyline and…
Sprawling, dynamic Tokyo overlooking Tokyo Bay is more than just Japan’s capital city; it’s a place where no two experiences are the same. Travelers to the enthralling city can experience the entire range of Japanese culture in one place. Jaw-dropping heritage architectural marvels, newer swanky structures, pop culture like manga and anime, sublime cuisine, and…
Good food is what defines spirited Osaka on the island of Honshu in Japan. In fact, this foodie city has an unofficial motto ‘Eat till you drop.’ Apart from this lip-smacking cuisine, Osaka is also known for the 16th-century Osaka Castle and the Sumiyoshi-Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines. However, Osaka is also known for…
Nara is Japan’s 1300-year-old, deer-loving first capital centered around the incredible Nara-kōen park. Located just 45km south of Kyoto, the 7th-century AD-founded city was established as the ‘Citadel of Peace’. And while most itineraries might dismiss it as a day trip, it has so much for travelers to explore. In fact, the city houses the…
With its ancient Buddhist temples, traditional teahouses, and one of the world’s most unique forests, it’s no wonder that Kyoto is known as Japan’s spiritual heart. At the same time, the city is crazy ahead in its tech game, like the mixed-reality experience at Kenninji, Japan’s oldest Zen temple. So, it’s no wonder that the…
Few cities evoke as much history, mystique, and glamour as exotic Shanghai does. Its vertigo-inducing skyline is peppered with a smattering of modernist and art-deco structures that include everything from Buddhist temples to shopping malls. In fact, Shanghai’s skyline famously has some of the most skyscrapers in the world! What’s more, the city promises to…
The island of Hokkaido is famous for its gorgeous outdoors, hot springs, skiing areas, and beer! So naturally, its buzzing hub of a capital Sapporo makes for a great starting point. The city is all about a rich, thriving culture, fabulous cuisine, neon-lit, electric nightlife, and an amazing and famous Snow Festival. In fact, Sapporo…
Kobe is perched on a hillside facing the sea, while nestled in the shadows of Mountain Rokko and overlooking the Osaka Bay. The former maritime gateway is located just 30 minutes west of Osaka and is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. Apart from a picturesque harbor, Kobe also teems with a great…
Hiroshima is like a phoenix that has risen from the ashes of the horrors of World War II. The historic city overlooking the Hiroshima Bay and the Seto Inland Sea is a fascinating destination. Today, Hiroshima is the city of peace, with its wide, leafy boulevards dispelling any darkness that you might expect from it. Moreover,…
‘Heaven on earth’ Hangzhou straddling the Qiantang River has the repute of being China’s most romantic city, and why not? The city is most known for the lush forests-fringed dreamy West Lake and its willow-lined banks and the mist-swathed hills. However, Hangzhou is also famous for its shíkùmén (stone-gate) architecture, quiet, serene temples, and ornate and…
The glittering maritime city of Guangzhou, formerly Canton, is also one of China’s wealthiest cities. The dazzling city straddles the lovely waters of the Pearl River and is a heady mix of old-world China and its 21st-century variant. Guangzhou is best known for being home to some of the world’s most skyscrapers and its delicious…
Hong Kong boasts of a glorious harbor, lush neighborhoods, and one of the most iconic glass-and-steel skylines in the world. And even though it doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, Hong Kong’s denizens are extremely supportive of LGBTQ+ rights. Over the decades, Hong Kong has become a modern, tolerant city with an accepting attitude towards LGBTQ people.…
The capital of Japan is home to one of Asia’s biggest LGBT communities. So it’s hardly any surprise that there are plenty of gay hotels in Tokyo. Many are within easy reach of Shinjuku Ni-Chome, arguably the most popular Tokyo gay district. Lively enough by day, it’s more exuberant at night when the clubs and…
Are you looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you enjoy traditional and regional cuisine, events, attractions, and beaches? Then the harbor city of Fukuoka might just be the destination you’re seeking. Here, you’ll get to experience both old-school Japanese charm and the sights and sounds of an ever-growing…
One of the oldest cities in China and the oldest of the Four Great Ancient capitals of this ancient civilization is Xi’an, also known as Sian. Xi’an was where the Silk Road began and so the city was once a hotbed of activity and a melting point of cultures. However, although the city’s importance on…
Mongolia’s largest city, Ulaanbaatar, is rated as the coldest capital city in the world with temperatures plummeting to between -30 to -40 degrees Celcius in January. The city which was founded in 1693 was initially a yurt monastery located about 230kms from its current location. The ‘mobile town’ shifted continuously until between 1733 to 1778…
For most people, the name Hiroshima instantly conjures up the horrific events of 6 August 1945, when the city became the target of the world’s first atom bomb. Poignant reminders of that tragic time are visible in different parts of the city that has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. Today one can hardly…
Nestled among the mighty Himalayas, to the north of India, lays the mystical land of Tibet. It is the highest habitable place on the face of this earth lying at an average elevation of 5000 m above the level of the sea. A place where you can touch the sky, if anybody is asked what…
Japan is one of the most vibrant Asian countries, thanks to the thriving technological ambiance and dazzling natural beauty. Even though Japan is critically located within the Ring of Fire and there are high chances of some devastating natural calamities, the country is becoming a superpower since the World Wars. And in this country, one…
Hangzhou, the city of China is considered as one of the most prosperous places in the country. This place is a rich town that embraces a number of ancient architectural as well as heritage sites. Even today, all of these sites are maintained very properly which further makes this city one of the most traveled…
While you are exploring the beautiful island of Hokkaido, your visit to the capital city of Sapporo is a must. This part of the island is considered to be one of the most gorgeous sights of the island and also permits you to perform a number of activities. This is the place where you can…
Mongolia lies in central Asia between Siberia and China, at an average of 1,500 meters (5,800 ft) above sea level. It is the least densely populated country on the planet, a vast country with endless grassland, evergreen trees and rugged mountains. However, 45% of the Mongolian population lives in the busy capital, Ulaanbaatar, where life is a lot…
Standing in stately contrast to the neon-lit adrenaline of Tokyo, Kyoto is quieter, quainter and the perfect place to experience authentic Japanese culture with a plethora of cultural sights. From ancient palaces to hidden temples. Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto, is famous for its Geisha district and is an important city in Japan’s history. With…