Travel Pieces

Spirituality Without Religion on the Kumano Kodo - Tokyo Weekender

Once you step foot on the Kodo, a series of trails webbing the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, you become a pilgrim whether you like it or not. A wanderer through the archives of history as much as through physical space.

Dejima: Walking in the Footsteps of Jacob de Zoet - Tokyo Weekender

I headed to Nagasaki in spring 2022 in search of Dejima, the setting of The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, to walk in the footsteps of its titular character and explore the history of Japan’s fractious, Edo-period relationship with the Dutch East India Company.

Finding Solace in a Tokyo Bookshop - Intrepid Times

As the most oppressive days of the pandemic lifted in Tokyo, I ended up in a bookshop, in principle, to buy books. The evening featured a keg’s worth of Yebisu Beer, yearning for the days when people truly valued the printed word, and a rediscovery of my love for travel.

Rethinking Japan’s Tourism Policy - Tokyo Weekender

The word “over-tourism” eats up a lot of media real estate in stories about Japan. But really it’s a problem of mismanagement. The business-as-usual approach is good for short-term gains, but is of no long-term benefit to anyone.

A Guide to Tokyo in 48 Hours - Tokyo Weekender

So, you’ve got only 48 hours in Tokyo, what should you do? My gut reaction: stay longer. Let’s say, however, that extending your trip isn’t an option. There are plenty of ways to approach a two-day trip to the capital, as long as you don’t spread yourself too thin.