10 Best Things to Buy in Japan for Perfect Souvenirs
As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Japan has a variety of delicious food, intricate handicrafts, and local arts that are coveted by modern travelers around the world. Some of the best items to buy when going to Japan are steeped in tradition but have been refurbished to be suitable for everyday use, such as silk hand fans, tea sets, and even chopsticks. When you go to Japan, of course, you want to look for unique and famous items that would make perfect gifts for friends and family back home. Large cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo have famous streets with excellent shopping and crafts, such as the Togoshi Ginza and Higashiyama Districts What to Buy in Japan to Bring Home If you’re looking for where to buy souvenirs in Japan, read our recommendations and where you can find them. 1. Matcha Matcha comes from green tea leaves which are high in antioxidants. Famous for its amazing health benefits. Even if you’ve never tried it, you should still buy it even if it’s just a small bag because matcha in Japan is the most flavorful and best in the world. If you’re looking for souvenirs for family and friends back home, matcha is one of the best things to buy in Japan because this powdered green tea in small bags is affordable. You better purchase matcha from a shop that specializes in tea. Try Tokyo’s Chanoha Green Tea House, which specializes in matcha drinks. They offer on-site tastings to help diners find the perfect matcha flavor. During your trip to Japan, enjoy a tea ceremony which is part of traditional Japanese art. In this ceremony, you can try matcha green tea accompanied by traditional sweets. You can experience the ceremony held at this tea house on your trip to Japan. Location Google Maps: Chanoha 2. Mochi Something very familiar to Japan is mochi. Mochi is a traditional cake made from sticky rice, usually filled with anko (red bean paste) and other ingredients. Mochi is a mandatory dessert that is synonymous with every event in Japan. During traditional Japanese festivals and end-of-year celebrations, small rice cakes are very popular and are the main snack of Japanese people. And mochi is one of the best things to buy in Japan to bring home. When you go to Tokyo, it’s not easy to decide where to buy mochi because thousands of shops serve mochi. But you have to try enjoying this traditional cake directly at its place. Stop by Seigetsudo Hotels in Ginza. Founded in 1910, they offer various types of mochi that you can enjoy with a cup of hot tea. The specialty of this shop is gomamochi, mochi with sesame and red bean filling Location Google Maps: Seigetsudo Honten Matsuya Ginzaten 3. Kimono and Yukata Kimono is a traditional Japanese dress that is usually only worn for special ceremonies, such as political events or weddings. Made from thick, heavy fabrics, such as hand-stitched linen, or layers of intricately embroidered silk. In today’s era, many shops in Japan sell a casual and more affordable version of the kimono, called yukata. Yukata are made for everyday use, the material is made of patterned cotton and silk, and is lighter. When you go to Japan, all souvenir shops sell yukata. However, especially for kimonos, you have to go to a special shop because kimonos are generally made to order. And it will take at least several weeks for completion. You can buy a yukata to bring home as a souvenir or for yourself to wear while relaxing at home. Stop by Yume Kyoto Kodaiji Shop in Kyoto. Apart from selling good quality yukata, they also rent kimonos for photo shoots. So, you will feel that your holiday in Japan is more complete after taking a photo in a kimono. Location Google Maps: Yume Kyoto Kodaiji Shop 4. Chopsticks Set Chopsticks are one of the best things to buy in Japan, either for yourself or as souvenirs for colleagues and friends back home. Just as we use different cutlery for different occasions and different foods, so it is with Japanese chopsticks. Some chopsticks are made specifically for certain people or are only used for certain food dishes. You can find chopsticks at any souvenir shop in the country, but if you’re looking for a special set of chopsticks, visit Ginza Natsuno in Ginza. It is said that there are more than 2500 pairs of chopsticks in the shop. Google Map Location: Ginza Natsuno If you travel to the Shibuya district, you can buy souvenirs at a specialty shop called HYOZAEMON Chopsticks Specialty Shop. They sell unique artisan chopstick sets that are hard to find anywhere else. You can decorate your chosen set with the name you want, and they can be done on the same day. Google Map Location: HYOZAEMON Chopsticks Specialty Shop Another option is Nihonbo Chopstick Store in Tokyo. This shop also provides tableware for everyday and formal use, as well as special ceramic plates for placing chopsticks. Google Map Location: Nihonbo Chopsticks(Hyozaemon)Gransta Tokyo Station 5. Sensu Fans Here’s another great option for travelers who want to save on luggage. Sensu. It’s a traditional fan used by geisha in the 18th century. They make these fans not only to cool you down when walking in the summer but Sensu are also used in dances and as decorations for important events such as weddings. If you want the best Sensu fan, then you have to buy a Kyo-Sensi fan in Kyoto. Kyo-Sensi fans are a type that is considered the best quality in Japan, and these sensu are only made in the city with local materials. Made from wood and silk, the price is more expensive than factory-made fans, but it is worth it because it is made with the best techniques from experts. Visit the Hakuchi Kudo shop in Kyoto. This shop is more than 300 years old and sells fans of the highest quality. Occasionally they also make limited edition
Top 10 Things to Do in Old Dubai
Dubai, the fastest-growing city in the United Arab Emirates, has become a major tourist destination as well as a business center. The tallest building in the world stands firmly in the middle of the city with the best views of the city of Dubai, and luxury shopping centers are scattered everywhere. However, Dubai has an area that tells a different story, Old Dubai. Old Dubai is one of Dubai’s attractions which provides visitors with the opportunity to get to know the Arab culture, traditions, history, and heritage of Dubai. We have created a list of hidden gems in Old Dubai that you must visit when you come to Dubai. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Arabic Coffee at Coffee Museum Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Port Old Dubai Market Dubai Creek Souk Naif Bastakiya Old Village Arabian Tea House Bur Dubai Abra Water Taxi Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Dubai is not only known as a modern city today. Several ancient corners in Dubai called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood can take you to the atmosphere of old Dubai in 1890. In this neighborhood, there is a unique museum that’s a must-visit. Bayt Al Khanyar Museum, also known as the dagger museum. You can learn the history and cultural significance of Arabian daggers, and enjoy the collection. View Bayt Al Khanyar Museum from Google Earth. Arabic Coffee at Coffee Museum Don’t miss the opportunity to try Arabica coffee at the Coffee Museum. Located in the Al Fahidi complex, the Coffee Museum was opened in 2014 by Khalid al Mullan and is the largest coffee museum in the Middle East. Arabic coffee has a strong aroma with a strong cardamom taste so it is different from coffee in other places. When you visit this museum, your tour will start with a cup of strong Ethiopian coffee. It doesn’t stop there. Apart from gaining a lot of knowledge about coffee and enjoying the collection of antiques in this museum, you can find a small, elegant coffee bar on the second floor that will serve the Arabica coffee you want. Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Port The next hidden gem in Old Dubai is the Dubai Museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. This is the oldest building in Dubai, built in 1786. In 1971, by the government, this building was operated as the city’s main museum. The aim is to provide a picture of traditional Dubai life before it became a modern city with rows of skyscrapers. The Dubai Museum contains local antiquities as well as artifacts from countries that traded with Dubai, such as Africa and Asia. You can also enter galleries showcasing traditional Arab houses, mosques and markets, wilderness, and aquatic life. FYI, currently the Dubai Museum is still closed for maintenance. We suggest following the information at Instagram Dubaiculture to find out the latest operational information. Old Dubai Market Dubai has traditional markets which are a legacy of Old Dubai. To dive into the local atmosphere and crowds, you should come to some of Dubai’s famous souks. Dubai Spice Market spice souk You will be greeted with a strong aroma of spices and a multitude of dried herbs. Vendors at this souk offer fresh spices, from cinnamon to rosebuds, as well as gum Arabic, which is widely used as a coating on chewing gum and chocolate. What makes this market unique is the collection of traditional and rare spices in their original form. Moreover, they have the richest quality of saffron from Iran, but be careful in selecting them as some are lower quality. Look for ones with sweeter scents and redder colors. If you want to shop for spices here, don’t forget to bargain. Dubai Gold Souk Gold Souk is one of the oldest trading places. Gold, silver, and precious stones will fill your eyes as you walk the alleys of this Gold Souk. Whether you are just exploring or want to invest, you can find what you want at this Gold Souk. The market is famous for its collection of gold, gemstones, and rare precious metals, and everything sold at the Gold Souk is guaranteed to be authentic by the government. Textile Souk Dubai Textile Souk is one of the oldest markets in the city, located in the historic Bur Dubai district of Dubai. This busy market is famous for its colorful collection of fabrics, textiles, and clothing. Stroll through the market’s narrow alleys to catch a glimpse of the small shops and stalls. Each shop will offer a unique selection of fabrics and textiles. Don’t be afraid to bargain, because bargaining is a common thing in this textile market. Dubai Creek Experiencing the authentic side of Dubai is one of the main reasons you come to this place. The Creek is a traditional hub of activity, with a bustling market, historic buildings and traditional wooden boats. These boats converge on both sides of Dubai Creek, in Deira and Bur Dubai, and can carry up to 20 people. Even though many local residents use boats for crossings and daily activities, you will also find many tourists, especially those who want to enjoy the sunset view from Dubai Creek. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or shopaholic, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained at Dubai Creek. You should also stop by Al Seef, the popular area of Dubai Creek, which is located right on the busy Dubai Creek. This destination offers a charming atmosphere of old Dubai, with ancient building facades that will take you back to Dubai’s past. You can shop, enjoy culinary delights, and even stay overnight here. Souk Naif Near Dubai Creek, namely in Deira, there is one of the oldest traditional markets, namely Souk Naif. This place was destroyed by fire in 2008, and was later rebuilt and has become a popular tourist and shopping spot for both local residents and tourists. You can get anything here, from clothing, household equipment, to automotives. Anyway, this place is very famous for its excellent selection of abayas, don’t hesitate to
What is a Wellness Retreat?
In this fast-paced world, where stress and deadlines overwhelm our daily lives, a wellness retreat is just what we look for as a stimulus to rest and recuperate. Wellness retreats offer a change from the daily routine so a person can pause for self-care, and follow their path to holistic living. In this post, we’ll talk about wellness retreats and reveal the best benefits they provide for our body, mind, and soul. By exploring the different types of retreats and their unique offerings, you’ll discover how these experiences can elevate your vacation into a life-changing journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Understanding Wellness Retreats So, what is a wellness retreat? A wellness retreat is an experience that offers a variety of activities, workshops, and treatments aimed at improving various aspects of health. It means detaching yourself from everyday life to leave all your worries behind. This allows you to leave everyday stress behind for a week or more. Meanwhile, you’ll participate in fun activities and exercises that benefit your health and bring sustained happiness, balance, and mindfulness. Benefits of a wellness retreat Although each type of health retreat activity is a little different and has its own focus, any retreat you take will surely provide more benefits than you imagine. A wellness retreat can impact your life in a variety of unique ways. Here are some of the main benefits of booking a wellness retreat. 1. Self-Relaxation and Stress Reduction A wellness retreat is a stress-free zone that allows people to escape from the demands of their daily lifestyle. Through various activities such as meditation, spa treatments, and different experiences, participants learn how to maintain the possibility of inner peace. These practices teach them how to be more resilient to things that can cause stress. 2. Elevates your mood Research shows that this mood boost may have long-term mental health benefits, as long as you maintain your travel habits. Everyday Health researched 1,500 women, it was found that those who vacationed twice a year were less likely to suffer from depression and stress than women who rarely went on vacation. If a regular vacation can have a mood-boosting effect, then a wellness retreat aimed at improving mental and physical health can have a much stronger impact on a person’s mental state. 3. Maximum Relaxation and Rejuvenation A wellness retreat is a vacation designed for maximum relaxation and rejuvenation, and your body deserves it! Wellness retreats generally optimize this kind of self-care by offering a menu of wellness-related activities, transformational spa treatments, and the art of preparing delicious meals complete with philosophy. At the end of the retreat, not only will you feel more refreshed but you will also be eager to make positive lifestyle changes to ensure you can continue to feel healthy and fit after returning home. 4. Feel Mentally Focused Wellness retreats help develop mindfulness, self-reflection, and emotional flexibility. This can later help you face and get through complex situations with a clear head and more composure. In wellness retreat activities, participants develop deep self-awareness and identify their core desires and aspirations. 5. Digital Detox We all know that phone and social media addiction is sometimes associated with mental and physical health problems. Most wellness retreats are located deep in nature, in areas with little or no cell phone service, or in areas that are telephone-free. So, attending a wellness retreat is an opportunity to disconnect from devices completely. This is a luxury that cannot be afforded in routine life, allowing participants to be immersed in wellness activities and the nature around them. 6. Connect With the Community Still related to the previous point, cell phones may be one of the causes of increasing problems of isolation, loneliness, and mental health as our physical connection with society becomes increasingly disconnected. Social connection is vital to our mental and physical health, and going on a wellness retreat is a great way to truly connect with the community. Surrounded by like-minded people working towards the same goals, you are sure to make some friends for life. Formal or informal group discussions and shared experiences on retreat will result in a trip you will remember for a lifetime. 7. Personal Growth and Transformation The perfect program for personal growth and transformation can be offered by wellness retreat. An experiential learning environment supported by reflection and introspection that allows you to discover deep insights about yourself. Taking a wellness retreat can uncover hidden potential and forge a clear path to the more authentic life we desire Activities You Can Experience While each type of wellness retreat is a little different and each has its own focus, all retreats are sure to benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. We summarize several wellness retreat activities that you can try. Meditation Meditation is one of the popular retreat activities. When you meditate, you’ll try to focus on controlling your breathing and listening to the sounds of nature. These retreat activities will calm your mind and soul, energize you, and make you happier. It helps you decompress and refreshes your mind and body. The best place to meditate is in a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle such as in a villa on the beach or in the mountains. Yoga A yoga retreat is one of the perfect retreat ideas for women. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, and is excellent for exercising the body and refreshing the mind at the same time. While going on a yoga meditation retreat combines physical movement and a high level of contemplation, it’s where you try to balance your physical and mental health. Healing Spa and Massage Another health retreat activity that is suitable for women is a healing spa and massage. When you take part in this activity, all you need to do is lie down, calm down, and enjoy a healing massage. Healing massage is good for recharging energy and making the body healthier. Art Workshops Other activities that
5 Historical Places in Dubai Every Tourist Should See
The glitter and splendor of Dubai, with its skyscrapers is familiar to tourists, but many people also ask, are there any historical places to visit in Dubai? What was Dubai like back then? Historic Sites in Dubai Maybe many people don’t know that Dubai also has interesting destinations for historical tourism. When traveling to Dubai, you should schedule some free time to explore the city’s historical and cultural landmarks. Create a tour and visit the best historical sites in Dubai. We’ve selected some historical places in Dubai that you must stop by when visiting Dubai. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Dubai Old Souk House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Jumeirah Mosque Burj Nahar Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood One of Dubai’s famous historical tourist attractions, located in the old city of Dubai, is the densely populated Al Fahidi area. This historical area in Dubai was built by Persian textile and pearl traders. Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, formerly known as Al Bastakiya, will bring tourists back to the 1890s. You can stroll along narrow streets lined with ancient buildings made of stone, wood, and gypsum. Its location close to the river makes it the center of Dubai’s trade and planning. Today, the historic towers and buildings serve as temporary art galleries and museums. There are often traditional performances and activities on UAE national days. Things you can do at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Exploring the District In Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, there are more than 50 old houses you can explore. You can start from the Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) for an in-depth cultural tour of the district. Explore the Coffee Museum Next, take time to stop by the Coin Museum. This Coin Museum holds at least 470 rare coins from various periods, including the British Empire and India. Coffee has always been an important part of Arab culture, so it’s no surprise that Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood has a Coffee Museum. You can learn the legend of Kaldi, a goat herder who found coffee beans in the Ethiopian highlands and brought them to Dubai. The coffee museum also has interesting artifacts such as a coffee grinder from the World War I era. You will also be amazed by various collections of artifacts such as World War I coffee grinders, coffee history data, and antique coffee makers. You can enjoy this museum without an entrance fee. Crossing Dubai Creek with Abra to Dubai Spice Souk After sipping a typical Arabic coffee, now it’s time to cross the Dubai River, which is a popular residential location and a place of development of ports and pearls. By spending 1 dirham, tourists can take a traditional Abra to cross the river that separates the historic area of Bur Dubai from Deira, the modern city center. The cultural tours starting from Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood to the Dubai River can be ordered and enjoyed all year round. Dubai Old Souk Another historical place in Dubai is Dubai Old Souk. If you want to see what life was like before the city of Dubai started to develop rapidly, your best option is to visit Old Dubai, where you’ll find old markets that have been around for many years. Located in the Old City area, Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional market where most of the traders sell gold, silver, and precious stones. In this market, your eyes will be spoiled with hundreds of gold shops lined up in the Gold Souk. It is not surprising that the market received an award from the Guinness World Record as the largest gold shop in the world. Dubai Gold Soak The Gold Souk has been around for almost 100 years, and the market is one of the busiest. Most of the traders there are descended from their predecessors, so there is always an interesting story they tell when you are shopping for gold. You need to know, there is no need to doubt the authenticity of all the gold jewelry sold here because it is under the supervision of the Dubai government. And you can negotiate the gold price here. This gold market is open every day from 10.00 to 22.00. However, especially on Fridays, the market is closed. Dubai Spice Souk Still in the same area as the Gold Souk, Dubai Spice Souk is also a traditional market that specializes in selling spices. You will enter this area with Abra from Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Visiting this place will increase your knowledge about the origins and history of spices because some of the sellers here have been selling for more than 20 years. You can also see herbs, spices, and salt in their natural and raw form. Tips if you want to shop for spices: always bargain, and buy directly from the barrel because it is much cheaper than buying it in packaged form. House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum The House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum is another historical place in Dubai. This is a historic building and the former residence of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, the former leader of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The building is located on the banks of Dubai Creek in the Al Shindagha residential area. It was first built in 1896 only from coral covered with lime and sand. This house was restored more than two decades ago. After he passed away in 1958, the building is now a museum containing artifacts and images of Dubai’s old city. House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum location Apart from this museum, there is actually another historical place in Dubai that must be visited. Dubai Museum. Dubai Museum is the oldest building in Dubai, built in 1786. It contains local antiques and also artifacts from countries that trade with Dubai, such as Africa and Asia. But at the moment, Dubai Museum is closed for maintenance, so if you want to visit Dubai Museum, make sure you check the progress on Instagram Dubai Culture to find
10 Best Views in Dubai for a Breathtaking Experience
Dubai is different from other cities in the world. Boasting luxurious, unique, and bold architecture, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates is a distinctive blend of modern culture and Bedouin heritage. Dubai’s reputation will truly exceed your expectations when visiting this city.This post will help you build a travel plan to Dubai, whether you are a first-time traveler or have visited Dubai several times. We have created a list of the best views in Dubai, which will ensure you have a special experience in Dubai.Uncover the best views in Dubai, from rooftop bars to waterfront spots. Start your scenic journey today! Iconic Skyline Views in Dubai Burj Khalifa The View At The Palm Sky Views Observatory Best Restaurants with a View Lune Lounge Fi’lia Waterfront Views in Dubai Dubai Creek Harbour Dubai Marina Mall and Pier7 View from a yacht with a tour of Dubai Dubai City Night View CÉ LA VI Level 43 Sky Lounge Iconic Skyline Views in Dubai Holidays in Dubai are synonymous with a luxurious feel because almost all of the destinations are filled with sophisticated buildings. Below is a list of places to see Dubai city view. Burj Khalifa Get unforgettable views from the top of the world! You can’t visit Dubai without visiting the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. You should put this destination at the top of your must-visit list even if you only have one day in Dubai. Burj Khalifa was designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill based in Chicago, United States. This company is famous for handling several famous buildings in the world. Popular as the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa has not only achieved one record. Several other records are held, including the highest free-standing structure in the world, the building with the highest occupied floors in the world, the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, and the elevator with the longest distance in the world. Standing at a height of 829.8 m in the center of Dubai. You’ll get the best views in Dubai with an unrivaled 360 degree view of Dubai city across the sparkling Dubai skyline. The View At The Palm The View at The Palm is an observation deck that offers a 360-degree panorama of Palm Jumeirah, which you won’t find anywhere else. You can see the Palm Jumeirah next to the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline in the distance. What do we get when we visit The View At The Palm? Take note of this. To start, you will be presented with a creative exhibition about the process of developing this artificial island, such as the process of first pouring tons of sand into the sea to create hill steps. Afterward, using the super fast elevator, you’ll be taken to the 52nd floor, where you’ll enjoy the spectacular panorama of Palm Jumeirah. From a height of 240 meters, the observation deck at The View at the Palm offers spectacular views of The Palm and the Dubai skyline. Make sure you choose the best time slot to come here, so you can experience the sensation of enjoying the stunning views of The Palm and Dubai from The View at the Palm, namely at sunset. Sky Views Observatory Sky Views is Dubai’s newest and most innovative destination for uniquely thrilling leisure and adventure experiences. The design looks like a ship parked in the middle of two towers and is located at an altitude of 200 meters above Dubai. Sky Observatory is a two-story observation deck on the 52nd floor. You’ll get there by a high-speed glass elevator that lets you start admiring the expansive views before reaching the top. The uniqueness of this tourist attraction is not only the view of Dubai City that you can enjoy from above, but also the attractions that will amaze you! At level 53 there is Sky Glass Slide, a glass slide that you can use to ride at a dizzying height of 219.5 meters above ground level. You don’t need to worry because the staff will give you a thorough briefing before you slide down. There is only glass around you, and you will have the overall impression of being gliding through the air, and as if you are breaking the glass with your feet. Best Restaurants with a View Whatever brings you to Dubai, whether for business or pleasure, you can’t miss out on what Dubai restaurants are all about. Imagine the pleasure of eating a delicious meal while admiring the stunning views of the city or desert. We’ve selected some of the best restaurants in Dubai with a view you wouldn’t want to miss. For a taste of local cuisine, check out our list of the best Arabic restaurants. Lune Lounge This two-floor cafe offers specialty coffee, delicious cakes, and desserts. This is touted as the best rooftop cafe in Dubai overlooking the Burj Khalifa and panoramic views of the city. If you research a little about this place, you will see that it has beautiful spaces, and it is no wonder that it has become so popular. This place is worth visiting with friends or your partner, but you have to be patient to get a table because this place is always busy. You can’t order online, you have to come in to pick up a number and wait. Fi’lia Another restaurant in Dubai with the best view is Fi’lia Dubai. Located on the 70th floor of SLS Dubai Hotel with 360-degree views of the impressive Dubai skyline, the iconic Burj Khalifa, and an outdoor terrace perfect for al fresco dining, the restaurant was designed by the renowned Bishop Design and exudes modern Mediterranean charm. Fi’lia is the right choice for those who’d like to try some of their favorite food choices because they’ll be delicately and skillfully prepared by the chefs. Additionally, this restaurant has a strong history. Fi’lia is known as the first female-led restaurant in the region. Women