Note: This post was originally written for a trip I took in 2024. In 2026, I'm planning another trip to Thailand, and have updated this post with the process as it is today. The overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is pretty much a rite of passage for...

At a Glance: Motoyu Kansuiro Location: Tonosawa, Hakone (14 mins walk from Hakone-Yumoto station). Vibe: 400 years of history, registered cultural property, river views. Vegan Friendly? Yes, but requires advance notice. Booking Link here When I was planning our honeymoon to Japan, I found myself knees deep in blog posts,...

Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda, is well known for its gorgeous scenery, pretty lakeside towns, and a refreshing, relaxing pace of life. If you've visited the lake before, you'll have seen plenty of tourists from other parts of Italy, Austria or Germany - usually with a car that's bursting with...

The Quest for Vegan Ramen Ramen is the ultimate comfort food. From the hot, nourishing broth to the indulgent noodles and rich toppings, it's a culinary experience you can't miss, especially if you're visiting Japan. However, for vegans and vegetarians planning a trip to Japan, the fish stoke and bone...

Down a dark alley in Tokyo's quiet Jiyugaoka neighbourhood I had the most creative meal of my life. Saido restaurant is voted one of the best vegan restaurants in the world on Happy Cow, and for good reason. The chef, Kusumoto Katsumi, opened his restaurant in 2018 after spending years...

In early October this year, I found myself sitting on a bike on top of a 4km long suspension bridge, nothing but water below me. I was soaking wet, my waterproof jacket having long given up on doing its job. My legs ached, one of my backpack straps was digging...

Introduction If you're planning on cycling the Shimanami Kaido, then first of all: excellent choice. And secondly, planning what to pack is just as important as planning the route itself. I've put together a Shimanami Kaido Packing List to help make sure you cover the basics, but leave the dead...

Introduction A traditional part of Japanese culture, ryokans often come up on lists of recommendations and itineraries for any Japan trip. But for plant-based travellers, is it even possible to find a vegan friendly ryokan that gives the same authentic, kaiseki experience? On my honeymoon to Japan with my husband,...

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...

On a trip to Japan with my husband last year, one of our favourite discoveries was a sake bar in Tokyo: Sake Market in Shinjuku. It was one of our last nights in Japan, and we'd just finished an underwhelming dinner in a nearby vegetarian restaurant (although I've got some...