You've booked your bike, you've stuffed your packing cube, you've planned your stopover and now you're asking: How do I get to the Shimanami Kaido? Japan's famous cycle route runs between Onomichi and Imabari, and most cyclists start at either end. I've put together this Shimanami Kaido access guide to...

Completing the Shimanami Kaido cycle route in Japan is an incredible experience, but for most of us foreign travellers, we're not going to have our own bikes with us. Luckily, because it's such a popular and well known cycle route, renting a bike is super easy and there are plenty...

Mukaishima Island Mukaishima is the closest island to Onomichi, and the first of the Shimanami Kaido islands after leaving Japan's main island of Honshu. There's a ferry available from Onomichi to Mukaishima, which allows bikes on board. A ticket, including bike passage, costs about ¥110. Many cyclists choose to take...

Introduction If you've ever spent time scrolling through Instagram Reels about Japan, you've probably come across the videos of adorable deer bowing in exchange for crackers. This is Nara, Japan's ancient capital. From Osaka or Kyoto, a Nara day trip is a wonderful way to venture out of the cities,...

Introduction: Why Take the Sleeper Train? Taking the sleeper train in Thailand is a bit of a rite of passage for travellers in the country. Every year, millions of people use Thailand’s rail network, not just to get from A to B, but as part of the journey itself. When...

Note: This post was originally written on my previous blog and reflects the process as of July 2024. I've updated it slightly where needed, but always double-check official sources when booking! I have just spent the last 45 minutes trying to book a Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper train. I...