Stop! Put down your keycard, and step away from the inch-of-gold sale table. Cruise ship shops can be useful, but they’re generally overpriced. They carry items you might have left at home and find that you need. Even the best packer occasionally has their suitcase lost by an airline. Onboard boutiques sell dresses and fancy…

Boasting fantastic hikes and world-class skiing nearby, as well as phenomenal local arts and food scenes, there’s a lot to love about Portland, Oregon. It’s no surprise that this Pacific Northwest metropolis is a such popular tourist destination for nature lovers, foodies and those who enjoy exploring museums, galleries and eclectic shops. One of the…

I’d absolutely recommend visiting Fukuoka Tower for its stunning views – it’s worth every yen. From the three observation decks, you’ll witness a mesmerizing display as 8,000 half-mirrors transform sunlight into a shimmering spectacle across the cityscape. The 360-degree panorama stretches from Hakata Bay to the Sefuri Mountains, and the seasonal LED light shows at…

Discover inner peace at Shofukuji, Japan’s first Zen temple, through five transformative practices I’ve experienced firsthand. Start with 15 minutes of mindful breathing to clear mental clutter and reduce anxiety. As you pass through the historic Sanmon Gate, you’ll feel the shift from mundane to sacred space. Embrace the meditative tea ceremony, where every sip…

I’m excited to tell you about Fukuoka Castle, a massive 240,000-square-meter complex that’s one of Japan’s most remarkable samurai strongholds. Built in 1601 by Kuroda Nagamasa, this strategic masterpiece showcases medieval engineering at its finest, with 47 turrets and innovative defensive features like the L-shaped obi-guruwa walls. You’ll find ingenious military architecture in its 10-meter-high…

I’ve discovered the perfect way to experience Ohori Park in a single day, starting with sunrise photos at the iconic Ukimi Pavilion. You’ll want to circle the 2km lake path, hopping between three enchanting islands connected by elegant bridges – each offering unique photo opportunities with wildlife and cultural monuments. Don’t miss the Japanese garden’s…

If you’re planning a food adventure in Fukuoka, I’ve got the ultimate must-try lineup for you. Start with the city’s iconic tonkotsu ramen, featuring a rich, milky broth that’s simmered for up to 18 hours. Don’t miss the spicy mentaiko, a versatile red pollock roe that’s become Fukuoka’s signature ingredient. Experience the smoky perfection of…

If you’re looking to discover where Fukuoka’s top chefs source their seafood, head to the bustling Nagahama and Yanagibashi fish markets. I’ll tell you what every seasoned chef knows – arrive between 2:30-3:00 AM for the finest picks from over 300 species fresh from the Genkainada Sea. At Yanagibashi, you’ll find 47 specialty shops, from…

While mentaiko packs a noticeable punch, I wouldn’t call it Fukuoka’s spiciest specialty. This pink-to-red marinated pollock roe, introduced by Toshio Kawahara after World War II, delivers more of a complex flavor bomb than pure heat. What makes it special is the perfect balance of saltiness, spice, and umami, created through a weeks-long fermentation process…

January was a difficult month for many people across the United States. The country experienced extreme weather, a devastating bout of fires and, most recently, the largest tragedy in U.S. aviation since 2001. While I think we are all thankful to turn the page on a painful month, there were some interesting developments in the…