Welcome to the Japan edition of JGW's Nomad Notes newsletter! This is a once-a-month special edition focused on travel in Japan. It comes out the first Monday of every month. This month's topic is: the Mozu Tombs of Sakai! Hi Reader, If you’re into ancient history, or just curious about Japan’s history specifically, I’ve got a great recommendation for you. During my last trip to Japan, I visited the Mozu Tombs in Sakai, an UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside of the urban sprawl of Osaka....
about 2 months ago • 5 min read
Hey there, Wanderers! So I've been traveling full-time for about 2.5 years now. There's lots of great things about traveling (which is why I keep doing it) but there's also some downsides. Like, eventually I end up missing certain things about home! It's not being homesick, necessarily, it's more missing the familiar. Just a little. One of the things that I miss most about the US (my home country) is the food. I'm not even talking about fast food or certain restaurants: I mean stuff like...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello, Wanderer! A staple of both locals and tourists alike, onigiri are rice balls with a small amount of savory filling. If you're coming to Japan and want to try local food, starting with an onigiri is a safe bet. There's all sorts of flavors available, from basic ingredients to, well, somewhat unusual. Fillings with fish are popular, but you can also get ones with eggs, beef, different vegetables, and more. I like the spicy salmon ones best, myself! The nice thing about onigiri is they're...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hello, Wanderer! When you think of Southeast Asia, images of steamy jungles, bustling markets, and tropical beaches likely come to mind. And the temperature? Hot hot HOT! But not every destination in Southeast Asia is sweltering year-round. Based on my own travels around the region, I can recommend five places which offer the perfect blend of culture, history, and refreshingly cool weather. They are: Cameron Highlands, Malaysia (e.g. Tanah Rata) Dalat, Vietnam Ha Giang, Vietnam Chiang Mai,...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Hello, Wanderer! I get asked a lot about which SIM card you should get when traveling in Japan. There's a lot of outdated information out there, so I understand why people get confused. Things have changed over the last few years (for the better) and now it’s EASIEST and CHEAPEST to get an eSIM. That's an electronic SIM card, fyi. I prefer using eSIMs when I can because I can buy it beforehand and activate it as soon as I land in Japan. No need to go to a booth in the airport, or track down a...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hello, Wanderer! I'm excited to bring you this week's travel spotlight: the enchanting Jeju Island in South Korea. Looking for a blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unique experiences? Put Jeju Island at the top of your list! I visited Jeju Island for about a week as a solo traveler and had an AMAZING time. In this newsletter, I'll cover just a bit of why Jeju Island is a must-visit the next time you're in South Korea. Jeju Island Seongsan Ilchulbong Jeju Island, located off the...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Hello, Wanderer! While Japan’s trains rightly have a reputation for fast and excellent service, they’re also surprisingly expensive. Example: From Tokyo to Osaka on the bullet train costs $90 USD for a 2.5 hour ride, slightly more if you spring for the first class seat. You're paying for the convenience of fast travel! But what if you don't need to travel fast, and you want to save that money for more cute souvenirs? Solution: Take highway buses! An express highway bus from Tokyo to Osaka can...
5 months ago • 3 min read