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greycaelum · 2 years

Note

Hi!This is my first time requesting something so sorry if I get something wrong 😭 but I’ve been a huge fan of ur content for a while now so I thought I should finally request something🫶🏼

Anyways I was wondering if I could request the ‘night cruise’ scenario w gojo, the reader, the kids and megumi too if you could? Tyy!

Also for the second scenario could I request ‘dancing in mid-air’ w the younger reader and younger gojo?

Feel free to ignore this if you want..

Thank you again and I hope ur doing well! 🫶🏼

[Gentle Affection Collection]

Jujutsu Kaisen: Gojo Satoru X Reader

[Gentle Affection Collections]

Request 50 & 75 [ List is here ]

—night cruise & dancing mid-air

Notes & Warning: fluff, first-year trio is aged up to (17-18), fear of heights, Word Count: 4.5k

"Hi there's no way I could ignore this wonderful selection, I'm sorry for the sudden break of updates, and it's super late for my Little Cat's birthday but better late than never. Thank you for joining and requesting, I hope you don't mind me putting in Saika's birthday here as well? I hope you enjoy this piece! Stay safe~" —Grey

Moonlight

"What do you wanna do for your birthday Cat?"

You and Satoru surely have plans for your little princess' birthday. But asking the birthday girl sounds better.

"I wanna eat a geki kara miso ramen!"

No words further, wish granted!

You'll take her to where the miso ramen originated. To the far north of Japan, Hokkaido.

And so, Satoru carried his seven years old son in his left arm and his three years old daughter in the right. Both are sound asleep, clinging to their father. The two dozed off on the car ride and refuse to get down and walk. The last thing he needs is the two of them throwing a tantrum at the same time.

Meanwhile, you admire the humongous luxury ferry bound to Hokkaido. An 18-hour travel from Tokyo.

"I could hold Saika," you piped up to his side, pulling the trolley bag you packed for the four of you.

"Nahh, she'll wake up, I'm fine it's boarding time anyway." Satoru's gaze fell on his daughter, her thumb sucked in her adorable pinkish lips a mannerism she has grown. Both munchkins are completely exhausted after their small party in the Gojo Estate, Saika's first birthday party on Satoru's family side.

Nothing to fancy, it was an intimate family occasion with only Satoru's parents and a few cousins that Kouki and Saika are good friends. Yet it didn't stop the gifts from flooding that you had to store them in the villa by the backyard, the one you stayed in with Kouki while pregnant with Saika, they will be opened when you come back from the trip.

The announcement for boarding is going on and there's a small crowd on the dock, entering the ship in an orderly fashion.

"You do all packed jackets right?" You turned around to meet the trio of Satoru who are busy pointing and insisting on the places they wanna visit in Sapporo.

"It's fine Y/n-san, it's summer in Hokkaido, not that a little cold will stop me!" Yuji beamed.

Nobara snorted, warning the peach-haired one she won't be helping him out when he comes back frozen like a popsicle. Megumi is deadpan with the remark and is busy typing on his smartphone.

"I can't believe we're going to Sapporo just to get spicy ramen," Nobara sighed. "Y/n-san, we should visit Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden, the Sanporoku there is the best!"

"Why not? Count me in," your reply made the girl start reciting the places she wanna go for the girl's day out.

"Hmm, I also like Sanporoku, count me in!" Satoru could already imagine the rotating Baumkuchen being poured with chocolate.

"You're not included, boys are not allowed," Nobara shooed the whining man. If ever your husband tags along she will surely be filled with cringe the whole day watching the two of you being lovey-dovey on the street while she walks behind and pretends not to know her clingy teacher.

"Y/n-san, I forgot my earmuffs," Megumi looks at you with a rather, embarrassed expression on the boy's face. Something you rarely see since he turned into a teen, but the distant memory of a nine years old Megumi, still cuddly with his baby cheeks asking for help to find the little whatnots he lost.

"I packed an extra, I'll give it to you late in the cabin." You ruffled his hair and walk up to Satoru's side, brushing Kouki's long hair and being swept by the strong air on the open platform.

"Fushiguro's acting like he's the oldest son," Nobara poked fun at the youngest.

"I'm not!" The latter glowered.

"Fushiguro, I forgot my socks," Yuji intervened with a complicated look. "Did I leave it in the washing machine?"

"Tsk, I packed three extras."

"Oi! Why are you acting like some siblings?! Itadori you're Todo's brother, not Fushiguro's." Nobara hissed.

"We're not!"

You chuckled at the bickering and hook your hand on Satoru's elbow. you're glad they accepted your invitation to come.

Satoru carefully lay down the kids on the bed while you quietly close the door. A little whimper and whine when they left their father's arms but thankfully they didn't fuss much. It seems the two kids don't have any plans of waking up even after you wipe them up and change their clothes.

Satoru went down to check on the three teens staying the next door and buy food on his way back and took care of the Grade 2 curse you saw loitering around the ship.

As for you, the wonderful bathroom is calling for a nice shower and bath time. There's a grand bathroom with an ocean view on the 5th floor, but you can't leave your two kids alone and go to the onsen. Satoru is also taking long, you're antsy to get washed from the sweat of your travel.

"Mama," Kouki woke up and sat upright while rubbing his eyes. Looking around the lavish suite room until he saw you heating water and blow-drying your wet hair.

"How was your sleep?" You beckoned him and turned off the dryer. Kouki climbs down from the bed and walks toward you, still adapting to the foreign surrounding of the room. "Wanna see the balcony? The ship hasn't moved yet."

"Papa?" Your munchkin opened the bathroom and didn't see his father. You could see a look of worry ripple from your kid's face but Kouki immediately erased it and decided to ask. "Where's Papa?"

"He went to buy some things."

He turned to the TV and look at you in silence. Somehow trying to send you some telepathic message, although you already know what he wants.

"Sai's still sleeping, keep it on low volume."

"I'm awake," a yawn piped up and Saika remove the strands of hair on her face. Rubbing her stomach and looking around the room, familiarizing the environment.

"Hungry?"

Your munchkin nodded with expecting eyes filled with hunger. And you dress them up, appropriate for a dinner outside.

"Be careful on the stairs," calling out, you put a finger over your lips reminding them not to be rowdy outside.

"Nobara nee-sama, are we gonna go shopping?"

"Oh, you like shopping with me Sai-chan?"

"Yeah!" Sai beamed and showed to the pretty hairpin her Papa bought for her last weekend during their shopping spree.

"Y/n-san, wanna play pingpong?!" Yuji tug at you excitedly and pointed to the game corner.

"Oh, I'll make you cry," smugly you accepted the boy's challenge. "How about you Megumi? Did you know Megumi got hammered with a ping-pong ball by Satoru and fell straight asleep?"

"Seriously?" Yuji looks at Megumi with shock and sympathy. "I'm surprised you survived that Fushiguro!"

Megumi, "..."

"At that rate, your skull must be pretty hard, huh? No wonder your survived Todo's attacks with a crack on your skull!" Nobara added.

"Megu-nii," Kouki brought Megumi's hand to feel his head. "Is my head hard like yours too?"

"K-kou that's," Megumi stammered, flustered that even the kid joined in.

Saika also joined in making their big brother's hand pat her head. "How about mine?!"

The three of you burst out in laughter at Megumi, surrounded and cornered by two kids asking him such a question.

"Oh, I was about to fetch you for dinner," Satoru walk up behind you, his hair a little disheveled.

"You were gone for so long." You fixed his hair. "Did you finish dealing with it?"

"Yeah, was pretty tricky." People kept coming in and out of the toilet and Satoru also kept hitting the pesky Grade 2 curse.

"Papa! Charge!" The two kids exclaimed and went straight for their father with their heads forward.

"Oh! What're you doing?" Satoru caught the two fluffballs just in time and immediately put a finger over his lips.

"Papa is my head hard like Megu-nii?"

The bystanders were looking at you and rowdy kids with looks of amusement and curiosity. They are enthusiastically talking almost at the same time that you and the three teens can't understand them at all while Satoru is nodding and humming as if he understands them.

You scooped your daughter and Satoru carried Kouki, still talking to their father about the Pokemon they saw in the game corner. You ushered the three teenagers in the direction of the restaurant.

"I'm hungry," Saika ended the talk, Kouki who is usually quiet panted and catch his breath.

"Even Sensei don't talk that fast," Yuj stood amazed.

"Maybe they're gonna be newscasters when they grow up," Nobara chirped, poking Saika's cheeks.

"Don't you think that's just because of Gojo-sensei's genes," Megumi deadpanned making the rest of you laugh except for a pouting Satoru.

"What was that supposed to mean? Did you know when Megumi was nine he used to wail about the—" Satoru hiccuped from Megumi's sharp as a guillotine's blade glare slicing through his direction effectively shutting up Satoru.

"How about I tell them the time you ran out the bathroom butt-naked? The shikigami-user glowered.

"Sensei... what were you doing?" Yuji looks at his teacher in pity and confusion.

"He probably forgot to close his phone with some nasty video still going on," Nobara snorted.

"Oi! I'm your teacher, mind the three of you!"

"Ew, Papa you're a big boy. You don't run out of the bathroom," Saika made a face and laughed at the expense of her father's whining.

Dinner was covered in your accommodation, but seeing the buffet-style dinner laden with various food and sweets, everyone is too hungry to pass up the opportunity.

"Should I cut your hamburger steak Saika-chan?" Yuji offered the little girl sitting beside him.

"Yes please," she beamed while you watch her hand sneak onto her brother's plate with fried potato sticks.

Satoru also saw this but Kouki was too busy watching the chocolate fountain on the buffet table.

"Kikufuku, bite that hand." Satoru whispered to his son's ear and pointed with his lips to the sneaky hand of his daughter. "Just don't bite with your teeth, go, go!" Satoru giddily urged and Kouki also nod with mischievous grins on their lips. Saika was busy talking to Yuji who also talk about the meatballs he makes for the hotpot.

Megumi and Nobara's eyes widened and glared at their teacher who was about to fall off his chair, holding his laughter. Kouki sinks his teeth into the white arm.

"Papa also makes burger steak but they taste awf—nyaaa!" The little girl squeaked and harshly turn around, her long hair slapped Kouki's face, wiping off the smug grin on her brother's face.

"Stop playing around and eat," you withhold the urge to laugh and waved your kids to eat properly.

Saika shot her brother an accusing look while Kouki nonchalantly eats.

After dinner, the seven of you went up the deck.

"Papa, hold," Saika grab Satoru's hand, pulling his father to crouch down and shield her from the strong gust of night winds. "I'm cold," she complained.

Satoru abided, letting your hand go and fix his daughter's hoodie, holding her small body in his arms, and stood up to catch up to you and Kouki.

"What do you wanna do when we get in Sapporo, Cat?" The dark sea looks too ominous for his toddler that Satoru didn't get anywhere close to the railing and stayed somewhere in the center of the wide deck. Contenting himself with watching his students playing around with his son while you watch over them.

"I'm gonna go skiing!"

"It's June, there's no more snow." Satoru felt a little bad when Saika's shoulder deflated. "But we can go to gardens with pretty flowers. You like pretty flowers Cat?"

"Like!" Her moods immediately lifted and wiggled out of Satoru's hold. Seems like seasickness doesn't affect his children seeing that Kouki and Saika are playing tag until they drop. Yuji, Nobara, and Megumi held back from running too far and playing with the kids.

It was nine when the two kids finally exhausted their energy and are ready for bed. The teens also are tired and said their good night to you and Satoru.

"Papa, read a book please," Saika climbed into the bed, holding a book you packed for the trip.

"What book are we reading tonight? Kikufuku, c'mere it's a bedtime story." Satoru accepted the book and opened his arms for Saika to snuggle in with her unicorn plushie.

Kouki who was watching TV turn the remote off and giddily hop on the bed, finding his place under Satoru's arms.

The munchkins laid their head on their father's chest, attentively listening as Satoru began to spin the tale.

"Once upon a not so long time ago, in the nearby palace, there lived a lonely Duke... He has a very beautiful—"

"White hair," Kouki supplied. "Like Papa"

Satoru shrug and went along with Kouki's suggestion.

"One day he found a woman lying in the snow, he was astonished and curious about who the woman was. So the Duke took her in his strong arms and saw—"

"Mama, you saw Mama." Saika interrupted.

"—and saw Y/n who was asleep and wounded." The kids giggled and squirmed in Satoru's arms. Even Satoru can't help but smirk and bite his lips from the image that he imagines. "Duke Satoru then nurse Y/n in his palace and asked her to be his betrothed."

From the balcony, you chuckled at how many times this has happened. The kids have the knack for always changing the characters to you and their Papa.

Satoru altered his voice from a man to a woman in the story, even making faces that made the two kids giggle in delight and try to copy his exaggerated face. At this point, Satoru no longer read from the book but made up the story with the munchkins.

"To be continued," he closed the unused book and smiled at the sleeping faces of his kids. Kissing their forehead lightly. He thought he could never fall in love after you, but every day he's proven wrong whenever you and these two munchkins keep filing his life with a kaleidoscope of colors.

Until now he has to take a few minutes to fully digest that his little princess is three. It was like yesterday when he was still cradling his fragile little girl, promising her anything she needs and wants in the world. Then a few days ago, she already had her first errand all by herself. Picking up makeup and dressing all pretty with you. It's just that, her temper is a little (a lot) more feisty than Satoru thought.

His son is now seven, a smart and levelheaded kid with the occasional habit of getting stuck in uncanny places... Then, Satoru's not the one to complain when he's the culprit in teaching them how to sneak around. Kouki is like a finicky feline, sometimes Satoru sees his firstborn wearing this complicated fierce look on such a young face, but the moment the little boy sees you or Saika, his face softens and reveals the same fluffy and clingy mochi he is.

Satoru remembers being sassy as a kid, so he's not that surprised Kouki has the same attitude.

Like cats. He grinned proudly, brushing the long white locks his son and daughter inherited from him like photocopies. Lately, he keeps thinking, what would a kid with your hair and eyes look like?

"Papa..." Saika mumbled in her sleep, clutching her father's shirt in a small chubby fist.

"..." Kouki rubbed his face closer, inhaling his father's soothing scent, and fell deeper to sleep.

Day by day, Satoru finds himself and the meaning of peace formed and redefined by his kids. So much that it makes his heart ache to think that each passing day they're growing bigger and someday won't fit in his arms anymore...

His heart leaped and somersaulted at the idea of it.

A click snapped him out of his thoughts, shifting his attention to the open door of the balcony, you held your phone with a happy look on your face. You gaze at the well-taken candid picture and found it melting your heart. Satoru's soft tender eyes and the kids clinging to their father, you could never get tired of this sight.

"I'll tuck them, go take a bath." You nudge your husband to the bathroom and carefully move the two munchkins in the center and pull the covers to their chest.

Satoru took a bath while you were on the balcony, leaning on the railing of your suite, looking at the dark sea in serene silence.

"Hello there," from behind, strong arms hug your waist. Satoru hummed as he enclose you in his warm embrace and press a kiss on your temples.

Satoru planted his chin on your head in reply. The comfortable silence and occasional splash when the ship is hit by a huge wave.

"It feels like a long time since we get to laze on a night like this," he mumbled.

"It can't be helped." You turn around and threw your arms around his neck. This scene makes you remember a certain memory, years ago. Back when you were still young adults, in your first taste of a sweet and scary relationship.

"What if we get caught? Fuck Satoru hold me!" You clung tightly and buried your face in Satoru's neck. Right beside is the tip of Tokyo SkyTree, 2080 feet above the dear ground. Your boyfriend thinks this is just a normal stroll for a night out. He's abnormally crazy to think you'll be okay dangling up here.

Every gust of wind felt like it would sweep and pull you hundreds of meters from the ground. You cursed whoever or whatever it was that convinced you to say yes to Satoru's suggestion of an unforgettable date.

"It's okay," a warm and large hand rubs your back while the other is holding your waist. "Put your feet on top of mine, c'mon sweet cheeks." He mumbled in encouragement, a little sorry at how you tremble in fear. "Hey, I'm not letting you go, not a second 'kay?" In testament, he pulled you closer against him so that not even a sliver of air or thread could pass between the two of you.

"... J-just," your eyes slowly opened despite how you're feeling like you'll faint. "Don't you dare let go, ever!"

Satoru hummed affirmative and put your hands on his shoulder. A bit of him feels sorry for seeing you close to tears and at the same time, he wants to show you the spectacle he sees when alone by himself.

"This is what I often see Y/n." Satoru gently moves his feet to walk, feeling you tense up and clutch him tightly, knees trembling like a newborn foal. "The city at night looks like a jewelry box above here." He offered words of consolation in hopes you'll open your eyes.

Up here, Satoru's troubles cannot reach him. And maybe yours too... He observes your apprehensive face, peeking over his shoulder, still clutching him tightly. How he wishes you could trust that he wouldn't let anything happen to you. That he would dive first to catch you.

"Doesn't this feels familiar?" Satoru chuckled. "Remember that movie we watched last night?" That scene where the sorcerer held the lady in hand and they flew in the air. Since you're here, Satoru doesn't see any reason to pass up this opportunity.

Taking your hand in his, and the other holding your waist, Satoru's feet move while he hums a tune in low voice.

"I didn't know you were a fan of these cliche dances," you murmured breathily, pressing your forehead against his and letting him lead you on. Hope against hope that in 100 chances, nothing wrong will occur.

"I thought so too, but I can't let this night pass without dancing with you." Satoru smiled at your flushed cheeks, despite the night, your flustered face is reflected in his eyes.

"Sweet talker," you scoff making him laugh harder. "We're dancing but there's no music," you muttered, somehow a bit of your fright dissipating as Satoru keeps talking to you.

"Oh, wait for a second," Satoru let go of your hand and reach for his phone, putting on music and sliding it back into his pocket. "Told you this will work out." He took your hand and swayed you to the side and sing the song.

You didn't reply and pressed your ear above where his heart beats. Listening to the rumble in his chest. Perhaps, there's nothing to be afraid of even if you're up

"Hoshi no kazu hodo iru hito no naka de tatta hitori no sonzai... Itsumo butsukatte, kakurete naite kao mo mitakunai toki mo aru. Nanoni soredemo hanarenai no wa dare yori kimi ga itoshii kara..."

Among the millions of people out there, only you are in my heart... Sometimes we always fight, hide and cry and sometimes don't want to see each other's faces. Even so, I don't want to be apart from you, because I love you more than anyone...

Satoru feels so warm and firm. His movements do not contain any hesitance despite being suspended mid-air as he held you. It was a gentle sway, as much as he wants to dance with you, the last thing he wants is to hear you shriek like a banshee the moment he lets go of your waist.

"Still scared?" He whispered and smiled when you look up at him.

You shook your head and look at the jewelry box in the night Satoru spoke of. Your eyes darted from below where the city night lights are glittering like gems in a curtain of darkness then up above the sky is sprinkled by gazillions of stars with the moon's halo.

"Isn't it pretty? I knew you'd like it, you're always busy here and there that we can't go out like this at night." Satoru watched your enthralled face as he slowly slid your feet down of his and extend Infinity beneath your step.

"Says the guy who showed up a day after our supposed date," you snorted and the Satoru froze up.

"Hey! I brought you to Disneyland after that and—" Satoru started his litany.

You laughed and pat his shoulders.

"It's a joke, I knew why you were late."

Satoru's complicated thoughts melted away and his shoulders soften up. Pouting at your laughter that washed away the romantic atmosphere earlier. But... Satoru watches your smile and listens to your sweet laugh under the night sky and it dawns on him, your laughter sets his heart at ease.

And damn, he's so glad he took you up here.

"Y/n..."

"Hmmm?" You frowned when he look at you with a complex expression.

"Will you come with me up here, next time too?" He asked with awkward hesitance, scratching the back of his head.

It was an unexpected question that left you tongue-tied. To come up here is much more daunting than it sounds. Looking down, you can't even see the ground and... look down...?

"..." Your eyes widened at the sight of your feet standing above nothing. "S-Satoru!"

"You won't fall, I'd have to fall first before that happens," Satoru quickly catch your trembling arms and reassured you, letting your hands you and cupping your face to look at him. "Trust me."

Unknowingly, your hands loosen up, because maybe... Somewhere deep inside your heart trust him more than enough that even if something happens Satoru will catch you no matter what. Not just in the sense of falling from 2000 feet above the ground but from falling apart.

"O-okay," you exhaled.

Satoru flashed you a boyish grin and took your hand. Just in time, the music changed to a mellow one.

Throwing your arms around Satoru's neck, you bit your lips. Should anything fall, you know that it's not you. Not when Satoru's holding you. And for an instance, at this moment, you've never trusted someone in your life more than you trust Satoru to hold you.

"Well, aren't you going to dance with me?" You asked and look at his astonished face.

"O-oh! Yeah, dance, dance it is," he wiped off the surprise on his face and gingerly nodded.

Good heavens, Satoru feels like a middle schooler, getting all giddy and blushing the moment you said 'okay'. He never imagined getting permission like this would make his heart race like crazy.

His hands found the spaces of your waist, swaying you as gentle as he was earlier. Your cold hands prickle the back of his nape.

He took your palm and held it above to spin you and pull your back against his chest.

His face found the column of your neck as he held your hand around your waist, cocooning you from the cold winds and flushing out the lingering fear. His nose dangerously hovers the pulse of your neck, his broad chest and tight hold spread warmth to your veins, a satisfied sigh left your lips, leaning back to brush your nose at the back of his ear in silent thanks. Neither of you spoke, all except for the faint music from his phone, there's nothing else but the pounding of your hearts as you dance above the city night.

It reminds you of the musical box you bought a long time ago, whenever you gaze at the circling couple accompanied by a slow tune it enchanted you, just like how gentle and awed you feel right now. Spinning one more and back, your hands wrap around Satoru's neck with your foreheads connected, gazing at each other's eyes.

"I won't ever let you fall," he whispered. Was it for this night 2000 feet from the ground or for leaving you alone? Satoru cannot distinguish, but just as his words declare. He won't ever let you fall on your own. I will dive head first to catch you. This is an oath he swore to himself.

You smiled at the memory, and swayed to your right, remembering the familiar step of how your dance went.

Satoru laughed and his hands naturally find their spaces in your hips, dancing with you under the moonlight, the years never waned down the peacefulness you bring to his heart, moreover, it only burned brighter and warmer knowing that perhaps years ago somewhere deep in the recesses of his heart, a part of him yearned to have and to hold you as long as he can, and now he has you in his arms, and just a few steps away are the two more most important pieces of his life.

"Thank you."

"Hmmm?"

"For giving me our son and daughter," he murmured, kissing your forehead.

"It was a team effort, you did at least experience a hell of nine months and one year of child-rearing." You wiggled your brow. "It's hard but I would do it with you." You smiled.

"Yeah? Are you sure about that?"

"Of course!" You huffed.

"Then how about one more?"

"No thanks."

Satoru laughed and kissed your forehead. Sure he almost went bald from pulling his hair whenever the kids drive him crazy, but hey they're his kids, he would turn the world upside down for them, thankfully half of the genes were yours, or else he'll grow premature white hair in his already arctic white hair.

A gust of strong wind blew, fluttering your hair and making you shiver.

"Let's go inside," rubbing your shoulders Satoru kissed your temples and shut the door.

For some reason, the moon has always had this mystical power to draw out unspoken thoughts and Satoru is fortunate that it's you he talks with under the moonlight.

—GreyCaelum

PLAGIARISM IS A CRIME

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General Series Taglist: @ice-icebaby @aeanya

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sunmarketing · 27 days

Text

Dr. Mary Travelbest - Osaka Japan

In this episode:

FAQ: What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?

Destination: Osaka, Japan

Today’s Mistake- My global entry card has my name wrong.

Travel Advice: Use AI when planning your next trip

FAQ: A Facebook group member asked us, “What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?”

Answer: Unexpected weather changes are not uncommon, but they can still pose a challenge when traveling, especially when solo. If I were faced with a sudden shift from sunny and warm to rainy and cold weather while on a trip, I would adapt my plans to make the most of the situation.

I would check for appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry in inclement weather, including wearing layers of sweaters, jackets, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy shoes that can withstand wet conditions. Keeping myself comfortable and protected from the elements would be my top priority.

You check your notes and look for indoor activities or attractions. Instead of outdoor activities, I would explore museums, art galleries, historical sites, or cozy cafes to enjoy a warm drink and engage in leisurely activities like reading or people-watching.

If the rain isn't too heavy and I'm feeling adventurous, I might also consider embracing the elements and going for a scenic drive to admire the beauty of the landscape shrouded in mist and rain. Exploring coastal areas or scenic routes known for their dramatic views could offer a unique perspective and create memorable moments despite the gloomy weather. I recently visited Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, and the waterfalls were even better since it was raining.

By maintaining a positive attitude and adapting to the circumstances, you can turn an unexpected rainy day into an opportunity for unexpected discoveries and new experiences.

Today’s destination: Osaka, Japan

After being in the country for a while, I flew from Sapporo to Osaka, Japan. I found some castles, temples, and day trips from here. Osaka, Japan, offers a wealth of experiences for solo travelers, including

Visiting Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. Explore the castle grounds, gardens, and museum, and learn about the region's history.

Stroll Through Dotonbori: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, Osaka's bustling entertainment district. Stroll along the canal, admire the neon lights and sample local street food.

Discover Japan's oldest official temples in Osaka. Explore the temple, gardens, and pagoda, and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Osaka is known as the "Kitchen of Japan" and is famous for its delicious street food and local specialties. Try savory pancakes), (octopus balls), and sushi, of course.

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at Spa World, one of Osaka's largest and most famous hot spring complexes. Enjoy soaking in various themed baths, saunas, and relaxation areas.

Dive into Osaka's past at the Osaka Museum of History. Explore exhibits showcasing the city's cultural heritage, including scale models of historic buildings and interactive displays.

Consider taking a day trip from Osaka to nearby destinations such as Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe. These cities offer unique attractions and are easily accessible by train from Osaka.

On my next visit to Osaka, here are some things I would like to do.

1. Spend time shopping in Shin-sai-bashi, Osaka's premier shopping district. Explore the countless shops, department stores, and boutiques, and pick souvenirs or gifts.

2. Take a River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Okawa River, which runs through the heart of Osaka. Relax onboard a sightseeing boat and admire the city's skyline and landmarks from the water.

3. Experience Traditional Theater: Attend a traditional Japanese performance such as kabuki or bunraku puppetry. Check local listings for performances and venues offering English subtitles or explanations.

4. Explore one of the world's largest aquariums, Osaka Aquarium Kai-yu-kan, and marvel at its impressive marine life exhibits. Highlights include the Pacific Ocean tank and the interactive touch pools.

Today’s Mistake- My Global Entry card has the wrong name for me.

When you get your card, check the data carefully. My screening went well, but the admin spelled my name wrong on the card. I didn’t notice until I got home; it was too late to fix that. So, I hope to get it right next time. I just was notified that my card expires soon, so I am trying to get it fixed. Don’t make my mistake. Check right away.

Today’s Travel Advice-Use AI when planning your next trip

If you are a solo traveler and want to see what others recommend you visit, check out one of many AI tools to see some suggested itineraries. Chat GPT from Open Ai gave me the following advice, which I have edited.

First, I asked it to give me three main reasons why a woman in her 60s would use Chat GPT to help her with travel. Those three main reasons are personalized guidance and support, travel insights, and safety with security advice. I think these are good to dive into a bit here. I use AI in many daily activities, especially if they are not critical. I use it to create songs and even a clone of my voice. So here are a few reasons to use AI in your next travel planning. When you plan a solo trip, you can get the perspective you asked for, precisely what you wanted, in seconds. If you are seeking a destination recommendation, you will find it, whether it’s for senior-friendly accommodations, accessible hiking trails, or safety tips for traveling outside of a tour group. If you are looking for transportation options, cultural norms, or local customs, you can ask ChatGPT for insights. You also can ask for tips on avoiding scams, staying vigilant in crowded areas, and navigating unfamiliar surroundings. But be sure to get clarity on any hallucinations because ChatGPT has been known to make some big mistakes. Don’t believe everything you read. You can always ask Dr. Travelbest for help.

Connect with Dr. Travelbest

www.5stepstosolotravel.com

Drmarytravelbest.com

Dr. Mary Travelbest

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group

Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram

Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast

Dr. Travelbest on TikTok

Dr.Travelbest onYouTube

Check out this Dr Travelbest episode!

#travel #women #dr travelbest #best travel

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malayaninsurance · 1 year

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Places to Visit in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a place where you can find both natural and urban beauty. There are mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers, as well as city parks. There’s always something to do, whether you want to go skiing, shopping, or simply relax in a hot spring.

Plan your trip now! Get good travel health insurance in the Philippines and create your own Hokkaido travel itinerary. Here are some amazing places you should check out:

Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is a great place to visit for anyone who loves beer. The museum offers guided tours where visitors learn about the history and production of the beer and enjoy a taste of one of the original brews.

Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan National Park is one of Japan's largest and most beautiful parks. It's well known for its stunning mountain scenery, including several volcanoes. There are plenty of things to do in the park, including hiking, cycling, and rafting. You can also explore and see rare flora and fauna, the Higashitaisetsu Nature Center, and the Arch Bridge.

Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita is well-known for its stunning flower fields and houses. These houses are home to various facilities such as the Dried Flower House, Gallery Fleur, and the Perfume Workshop. You can also visit the farm’s cafés, some of which serve flower-based food and drink, such as lavender soft-serve ice cream and lavender tea.

Hakodate Morning Market

At the Hakodate Morning Market, you can find all sorts of local delicacies and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. You can buy fresh seafood products as take-home souvenirs or treat yourself to a hot rice bowl topped with seafood.

Kushiro Marsh

If you're looking for a unique nature destination, consider visiting Kushiro Marsh. The largest marsh in Japan is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife, including the majestic tancho, Japan’s rare and captivating red-crowned cranes. When you get hungry, check out the café or restaurants surrounding the marshlands.

Hokkaido will surely charm and delight you, whichever of these places you choose to visit. So get your Philippine travel insurance today and make plans for your trip!

#Philippine travel insurance #travel health insurance in the Philippines #malayan insurance #malayan insurance philippines

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tokyotravelbureau · 1 year

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The Best Japan Tour for Seniors

Introduction

When it comes to planning the perfect Japan tour, there are a few things to consider. But if you're traveling with seniors, there are a few extra factors to keep in mind. In this blog post, we'll share the best Japan tour for seniors, complete with all the must-see sights and activities. From Tokyo to Kyoto and beyond, read on for the ultimate Japan itinerary for seniors.

Tokyo

Tokyo is the perfect destination for seniors who want to experience the best of Japan. With its world-class museums, incredible shopping, and fantastic food, Tokyo has something for everyone. And, with its convenient public transportation system, getting around Tokyo is a breeze.

Whether you're interested in exploring Japanese culture or simply want to relax and take in the sights, a trip to Tokyo is sure to be unforgettable. Here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in Tokyo:

Visit the Tokyo National Museum: The Tokyo National Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Japan. With centuries-old artifacts and extensive galleries, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese history and culture.

Shop till you drop at Ginza: Ginza is Tokyo's premier shopping district, home to designer boutiques, department stores, and countless restaurants and cafes. From high-end fashion to souvenirs and everything in between, you're sure to find what you're looking for in Ginza.

Stroll through Meiji Shrine: Meiji Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a lush forest, the shrine is a peaceful oasis in the heart of busy Tokyo.

Enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from Odaiba: Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Visit one of Odaiba's many attractions like

Kyoto

Kyoto is an amazing city with a rich history and plenty of activities to keep seniors entertained. From exploring the ancient temples and shrines, to enjoying the many gardens and parks, to taking part in a traditional tea ceremony, there is something for everyone in Kyoto.

Seniors can also enjoy some of the more unique attractions that Kyoto has to offer, such as the Gion district with its traditional geisha houses, or the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates. There are also plenty of opportunities to shop for souvenirs, try delicious Japanese cuisine, and experience the famous Japanese hospitality.

With so much to see and do, Kyoto is the perfect destination for a seniors tour of Japan.

Osaka

Osaka is a popular tourist destination for seniors for its many attractions and activities that cater to this demographic. The city is home to several museums, including the Osaka Museum of History and the Osaka Castle Museum, as well as a number of gardens and parks.

Osaka also has a lively nightlife scene, with a number of bars and clubs catering to seniors. The city is also home to a number of restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine, as well as international dishes.

Seniors can also enjoy a number of leisure activities in Osaka, such as shopping at the many malls and department stores, or taking in a show at one of the city's many theaters. There are also a number of golf courses located within easy reach of the city.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan and is known for its natural beauty, including mountains, forests, lakes, and hot springs. It is also home to some of the best skiing in the country. seniors can enjoy all that Hokkaido has to offer without having to worry about the crowds.

Some of the must-see attractions in Hokkaido include:

-Sapporo: The capital city of Hokkaido, Sapporo is known for its beer, snow festival, and ramen noodles.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a Japan tour that's perfect for seniors, we highly recommend the Best of Japan Tour by Grand Travel. This tour includes all of the must-see sights in Japan, from Tokyo and Mt. Fuji to Kyoto and Osaka, and is designed specifically with seniors in mind. The tour itinerary is flexible, so you can customize it to your own interests and needs, and the staff is warm and friendly, making sure that you have everything you need throughout your trip. Contact us today to book your spot on this once-in-a-lifetime tour!

Visit here more information:-https://tokyotravelbureau.com/

#japan vacation packages #best japan tour for seniors #japan cherry blossom tour packages

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wideworldtrips · 4 years

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#japan #japantrip #japantravel #hokkaido #sapporo #travel #vacation #trips #holidays #tourism #tourist #tourist attraction #sightseeing #things to do #things to see #places to visit #places to go

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lostcauses-noregrets · 2 years

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Lostcauses Fic: Where the “i” should be

A short reincarnation one shot inspired by the statue of Levi in Hita and this gorgeous art.

Erwin’s not sure what draws him to Hita. The only thing he knows is that he has to go there. It’s the last few days of his stay in Yokohama where he’s been visiting his friend Mike, who’s been living and working there for a number of years. Next week he’s due to travel up to Hokkaido to visit a former work colleague, Nanaba, who lives in Sapporo. If he’s going to go down to Hita, it has to be this weekend.

The trip to Japan was supposed to give Erwin some time and space to think and to get his life back on track after the break up of his relationship. He and Marie had been together for five years, and although it had never been a particularly easy relationship, there was no question that they had cared deeply for each other. In retrospect, Erwin knows that was why they had let the relationship drag on for as long as it did; neither wanted to hurt the other. But in his heart of hearts Erwin knew that as much as he cared about Marie, he would never be able to give her the kind of relationship she wanted. Eventually, when they could no longer paper over the cracks, they separated by mutual consent. As Marie left, she paused by the front door of the flat they’d shared for three years and said “I don’t know what you’re looking for Erwin, but I know it isn’t me.” She was right. The problem was that Erwin didn’t know what he was looking for either, just that he was always searching for something. Despite their amicable separation, it still hurt, especially when Marie took up with one of his oldest friends just weeks later. So when Mike suggested he come over to visit him at the end of the school term, Erwin jumped at the chance.

Erwin has never been to Japan before, everything is new and different, a complete break from the norm. It’s exactly what he needed. Almost. Much as he’s enjoying the trip, he still has this nagging feeling that he’s missing something. That there’s something he needs to do or see, but he’s not quite sure what. It’s like an itch beneath his skin that he can’t quite reach to scratch. He ignores it as best he can, attributing the unsettling feeling to jetlag, or culture shock, or the emotional fallout of the breakup.

He lights on Hita quite by chance, reading an article on a travel website about tourist attractions in the south of the country.

“Hita?” Mike sniffs. “I think I’ve vaguely heard of it. What’s down there?”

Erwin scans the article. “Uhhh…onsens? The area seems to be known for pottery, and there’s a gold mining museum.”

“Since when have you been interested in pottery and gold mining?” Mike laughs, pulling two beers from the fridge and handing one to Erwin.

“The onsens sound nice?” Erwin tries.

“It’s a long way to go for an onsen.” Mike shrugs, opening his beer. “Your call though. I wouldn’t be able to come with you, I’ve got a work social thing on Saturday night that I can’t get out of. Think you’ll be okay getting down there on your own?”

“I’m sure I’ll manage. It looks like there’s a direct train I can get.” Erwin replies with more confidence than he feels. His Japanese is rudimentary at best and, so far, Mike has accompanied him on most of his travels during his trip. “I’ll try not to get lost,” he promises.

[Continue reading on AO3]

#lostcauses fic #eruri #erwin smith #levi ackerman #hita #reincarnation au #official art #snk

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moonflms · 3 years

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➷｡˚tissues — nct doyoung

PROLOGUE ༄ -traveling to osaka after constant promotions, doyoung takes you abroad for a trip you both needed. in the middle of exploring the city, doyoung insisted to buy some tissues at a local convenience store.

PAIRING ༄ - idol! doyoung x idol! fem reader

GENREs ༄ - fluff, sentimental, travelling, idol au

W. COUNT ༄ - around 1k+

NOTES ༄ - first oneshot here ! lowercased. expect grammar and typo errors. simple wording.

do not repost. copyright belongs to @moonflms 2021. reblogs and likes are deeply appreciated! originally posted on my wattpad (@johnsparrot) and on twitter (@suhhvsco). enjoy reading!

masterlist

—start

"and why do we need a box of tissues, 'young?" you asked doyoung who was currently holding two different types of dry tissue from the same brand. "trust me! plus i'm pretty sure you wouldn't want wipes to ruin the make-up you have on." he convinced.

"if you insist. take the soft one." doyoung then returned the other box. "plus i don't have make-up on, stupid."

"oh, i know. it's that your natural beauty makes it seem like you have make-up done by a professional." he rubbed your nape as you paid for the things you've purchased, including the tissue box. you felt butterflies floating around in you and doyoung knew it very well. "that's why i have my mouth hanging open every time we'd attend a gala back in seoul. the make-up makes you even more gorgeous," he giggled as he side-hugged, making your cheeks turn slightly pink.

leaving the counter you both headed-out of the convenience store, greeted by the cold breeze of japan's winter.

you and doyoung planned for the past months to travel out of korea for a trip, just for the both of you. no cameras, no promotions, just quality time with each other. it was currently the second week of your travel and you both were finally back from sapporo.

hearing the news, the boys were excited about their deserved break after the constant promotions and guesting's held. most members expressed that they'd be staying home, considering tripping around korea instead.

doyoung wanted to visit japan despite being there a couple of times already. since the given break period was wide, he took the chance to go abroad. yuta, who would be heading back to his homeland a week later than the couple, immediately offered that his sister was willing to tour them around osaka. his sister could speak korean so that's a plus. shotaro contacted you and shyly gave a list of parks, landmarks, and foods to try out while being there.

the week you both arrived was calm, the opposite of what was expected. you predicted fans would be swarming the airport, knowing about sm's announcement and obviously doyoung's recent insta stories. but it was free, yeah there were a few fans with signs but it was different. they stood a good distance away as they greeted both of you warmly even from afar.

the first three days were in osaka as yuta's sister gave a tour around the city. food-tripping, shopping and lastly dinner at yuta's parents' house by the end of the day. 'tourists spots and pictorials are a must', claimed by doyoung during the months before.

doyoung wanted to bring you to sapporo as you fantasized about playing in the snow with the amazing surroundings.

"it's sad sapporo is so close yet so far." you sighed. "and who said we weren't be visiting?" he asked, making your eyes sparkle following by a tackle hug

doyoung's only goal was to visit beautiful cities, didn't matter whether it was near or far— as long as he was right beside you. he wants memories with the person he loves the most! he wants to give back to the person who has dealt with such consequences for the past years of their relationship. he's at peace as long it was you.

the week was ending and you both came back from sapporo a day ago. only a few more days left and it was time to head back to korea, so you both made the best out of the remaining time left.

right now, you both were walking to a park shotaro has visited a couple of times. you walked hand-in-hand, gathering warmth battling the snowing environment. fans were aware of them, but they respectfully gave them time to bond.

entering the park was the sight of cherry blossoms slowly falling to the ground making a pretty coverage above the path. trees dusted with snow, highlighting their pleasing green color, the same goes for the bushes. the park wasn't overall crowded, just right.

"excuse me?" a voice called out. it was a girl in her school uniform, a fan.

as the both of you turned around you immediately smiled. why? the fan gave you a bouquet of flowers! feeling touched, you hugged the fan despite you weren't allowed to. doyoung watched the scene happen with one of his infamous gummy smiles.

you noticed doyoung was really smiley since this morning. really clingy as well. you never brought it up as you felt it was not needed.

you both were now sitting on a bench as you both finished your pictorials, even managing to ask some stranger to take your couple photos (thanks to doyoung's japanese lessons).

you were held close to doyoung, while you both watched everything happen before you. "that guy low-key resembles yuta, don't he?" you asked as doyoung chuckled. "it's osaka afterall, pumpkin" he squeezed you from the side.

the thing is, the stranger really looked like your boyfriend's member, almost the exact person.

"hey, y/n.." doyoung started. you hummed in response.

"do you remember that one time we guested for hello counselor?" he questioned

"i do. why do you ask?" doyoung took off your glove from your right hand, following his as he interlocked his hands with yours. "that was nearly seven years ago. wow, time does fly fast." doyoung caressed the upper part of your hand with his thumb.

"and we met for the first time, who knew your ideal type was among me and my members?" you reminisced how your boyfriend confessed his ideal type (which was you) during the guesting, saving jaehyun's ass who the question was originally for. "jaehyun couldn't answer the question so i had to step in, i was being honest too!" doyoung perked up as you hit his shoulder, flustered.

"do i have to bring up that one time you talked about marriage plans on live broadcast? you were crazy 'young!" you saw doyoung turn red. "okay finee, we'll set that aside, ...for now" your bunny looked at you as he smirk, landing another smack on his shoulder.

"people were against it at first, but you were brave enough to deal with everything with me... thank you, baby." he pecked your hand. "look, you're so handsy as if you didn't panic holding sejeong's hand during your station" you joked since you felt the sentimental air getting intense. doyoung laughed as he whined, "stop~ i'm a pro now!"

"but, i really am! who knew we'd get this far! everything was stressful, well that's life. but it was made bearable because of your help." he continued

"six years going seven, despite all the hate at the start. i really applaud you for being such a strong woman," he added. "thank you. handling your whiney ass could get rough sometimes." you laughed once again as he whined.

"okay shut up, bear with my cheesy moment for a bit."

"honestly, i was scared. scared that i'd lose you after the news broke. i didn't want you to be gone by my side. instead, i wanted you to be by my side forever."

"kim doyoung where are you going with this!" you were teary as your boyfriend became sentimental.

he was right, it was hard to keep up with everything. "i was also scared. everything could've ended or went wrong just because of what we want." you admitted.

"exactly. but... we made it anyways" he pecked your cheek.

"y/n.. i love you, so much. and i know you know that. " he paused as he got teary as well. the journey you've gone through together started taking a toll on what you both feel at the moment. you could sense fans from afar that they were keeping an eye on you both. doyoung stood up as he pulled you with him. he hugged you as he brought his hand up to your head, making you rest your chin on his shoulder.

"y/n, i can't put into words how much you've done just for me. i can't express how you've done a great job on everything. i'm sorry that there were times where we argued, times where i wasn't by your side when you needed it... times where i might have blown off all the stress and frustrations on you. you didn't deserve those."

you were now crying, as he did as well. you could feel his heartbeat against yours, in the same pace.

"and what i meant earlier, i really mean it." doyoung emphasized. "i know you do, dongyoung."

"and that includes being with you for a long time" you felt your heart quicken its beat.

"y/n, i can see us together 'til the end, and i will make sure of it."

doyoung broke the hug as he looked behind, he waved his hand. you saw that yuta lookalike with a few others, it was his members. fans started to crowd from afar. he cupped and squished your tear-drenched face. he places a peck as he took a small velvet box out of his coat. you saw the box and started to break down. fans afar were screaming.

"doyoung?" you said in between sobs.

"as i said, i'll make sure of it. y/n, i want to have kids who have your eyes, our talents, and our smile. it may sound cliché, but i want to start a new life with you. no longer as my girlfriend, but my last love. my... wife."

members and fans had their cameras on, capturing the moment.

"take off that promise ring, now." he commanded as you did. "i'm going to fulfill that promise we made years ago." he left a peck on your knuckles.

"y/n.." he knelt down on one knee, holding your right hand which was ungloved earlier.

"don't worry, i asked everyone for their blessings. your parents, the guys, your members, hell— do i have to mention the tasks hyoyeon made me do before i could get her consent?!" he exclaimed.

"y/n... will you?" he opened the box as it revealed the prettiest ring.

you looked over the members who were crying tears of joy, mouthing a yes. you looked over the fans, which made them shout a yes.

"why wouldn't i?" he immediately stood up and carried you, crying as he spun you around.

he carefully placed you down as he places the ring on your digit. he hugged you once again, kissing your forehead. taeyong, whose face was drenched and shivering from the cold handed out a box of tissues, the exact one you've paid for at the store. now understanding why your now fiancé insisted earlier. you looked at him getting an 'i told you so' from him.

outdoing his goal, doyoung did not only garner undying memories, but a life-long partner as well.

—end

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crimsonblackrose · 5 years

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My summer trip to Japan was simultaneous highly planned out with pockets of no planned days. I booked tours, I made a whole itinerary for the people who’d be meeting me there asking what they wanted to do and figuring out logistics, messaged friends to see if they were in town and made plans with them and snuck in as many breaks as I could. I met with friends before I left and they told me of other things to do. Their must sees for the places I hadn’t been to or heard of. From one of these late nights at a coffee shop lead to me hearing about Otaru.

view from the train ride back to Sapporo.

Otaru is a harbor city about a 47 minute train ride northwest of Sapporo on the Hakodate Line/ Rapid Airport. It costs about ¥1,160 (~$12 one way) but this train ride is well worth it. I felt like I was on the train in Spirited Away that goes along the ocean and eventually into the ocean. I had brought a book with me and after awhile of sitting on the train reading happened to glance up and realized the train was running along the ocean. I could see it out in the distance and it was stunning. I was instantly enchanted and somewhat okay with giving up my free resting day in Sapporo to do a day trip in Otaru. I only had two goals in mind for Otaru. (I was trying to manage my time so it’d only be a half day trip because I hadn’t seen anything in Sapporo yet.) The goal was to see a clock and eat a ridiculous ice cream cone. Don’t do that. Otaru deserves at least a full day. There’s so much to see and do that I didn’t give myself time to do. No one was with me, I just self imposed time limits in this rush to see as much as possible for my short time there.

trains going past the ocean is my new favorite thing (from my train ride back to Sapporo)

The first thing I did in Otaru (after grabbing a tourist map in the station) was to visit the International Information Center. I highly suggest it. It has a couple bathrooms in the shop, spaces to sit down, you can buy drinks or even snacks. The building is broken up into two sections. The tourist section where there’s pamphlets and chairs and people working to help you and then the other section which is all local goods and souvenirs for sale. You can also borrow an umbrella here if it’s raining.

And outside is a statue of local good boy Bunko who was a fire dog.

There’s so much I missed out on. Here’s some things I wish I’d done.

The Otaru Canal boat tour: There’s a 40 minute tour along the canal that goes from Chuo bridge to Askausa Bridge. Pictures of the canal at night look extra spectacular due to the gas lamps along the canal. Pretty much all the post cards are of the canal, in every season. You can also walk along the canal, which I did. Prices are 1,500 for day time and 1,800 for night time. Their schedule changes depending on the weather and the day, you can check it out online here or ask at one of the information centers. The one i went to was across the street and has signs saying to ask them for times. If the canal isn’t your speed there’s also a cruise that goes around the bay. Or you can walk along the canal. But night time is when the magic happens.

Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkougura- There’s a couple reasons I didn’t check out the Sake brewery. One, honestly didn’t realize it was there. Two, I was on my own. I felt very nervous being in a new place on my own and drinking. Though apparently they have snacks and black bean tea I could’ve enjoyed instead. (They offer a tour and about 10 other types of sake you can try at the end of the tour) Best of all? It’s free. Tours are from 9am until 5:30pm. Someone go and tell me if it was as fun as it sounds. There’s also a beer shop with food that they make to go with what’s locally available and compliments the flavors in their beer. (Otaru Beer. Brewery tour is free.) And at least two places to get some wine. (Otaru-Winery , apparently the largest winery in all of Hokkaido that offers free tastings but tours require reservations.)

I also kinda wish I’d eaten somewhere in the Otaru Denuki-koji, which I walked past, turned around, walked back and through it then decided I’d eat somewhere else for lunch. (It wasn’t good, but I’ll get to that in a later post) There’s just so many food stalls in this area and it’s so cool looking. (Note: It is very quick to get crowded if there’s groups due to the narrow alleyways)

The Otaru Mt. Tengu Ropeway- I love a good view of a city, but I’ve kinda declined any sort of…hiking… lately. Not sure if I mentioned it but apparently sometime last year I shattered a bone in my foot and it’s just…going to be like that for awhile. Doctor highly suggested walking so wandering about and exploring isn’t a problem, but the pain sometimes makes me concerned with hiking out into the wilderness on my own. Add to all of that that before I left I ended up inflaming a tendon in my foot. So no mountains or hiking for me. (There is hiking near Otaru) But for the rope way, apparently it’s best if you can take a car to the entrance, aka grab a cab and go up. Which I’m sure would be much better than the hiking I automatically assumed I’d have to do. There’s also a blue cave you can visit via multiple cruise options/ tours as well as a horse ranch, orchards and a spot called Cherry Mountain. All of which I didn’t realize were even options till I got there.

While walking around on my way in search of lunch and ice cream I found a section of Otaru that you hear rather than see first. The street is filled with furin, which are traditional Japanese wind chimes that are made of glass.

Why? Otaru is famous for glass blowing. Once you reach the part of town with all the wind chimes strung up everywhere you’ll find every shop selling home made glass goods and offering glassblowing classes. There’s so many glassblowing classes. As much as I wanted to take one of those classes or to even buy a furin (I’ve wanted one since I was in middle school.) I just couldn’t justify it. My suitcase was stuffed to the brim. Whenever I travel and visit friends I bring them souvenirs (especially if they let me stay with them) and since there was a good chance this was my last trip to Japan for awhile…I may have gone overboard with my friend’s request for Korean instant coffee mix. But it meant that there’d be no way to get anything as delicate as a furin safely back to Korea in one peace. Maybe I could’ve done a bead, they do offer glasswork classes where you make beads. But I was also getting hangry at this point because it was nearly 2 and I hadn’t eaten since my melon pancakes and I was tired. So I do wish I’d spent more time enjoying the glasswork and glass blowing section of Otaru.

Otaru was so much fun and I totally understand why my friend suggested it. I’m glad I went, but also really wish I’d given myself more time to enjoy it. Two days in Hokkaido was not enough at all and a half day in Otaru was really too short. I did a lot of walking though, from JR Otaru station to JR Minami Otaru Station. (JR Otaru station is closer to downtown and the bus station and all the tourist stuff.) I also highly suggest grabbing one of the big free Otaru Tourist Guide Maps that are free at JR Otaru Station. Mine got destroyed from walking around and flipping through it a lot. It helped me come up with ideas of things to do, and even helped me change my plans of WHERE I was going to go get my ice cream. The next couple of posts will be things I successfully managed to do in my half day in Otaru. I feel like I just got back and already want to go back.

Otaru 小樽 My summer trip to Japan was simultaneous highly planned out with pockets of no planned days. I booked tours, I made a whole itinerary for the people who'd be meeting me there asking what they wanted to do and figuring out logistics, messaged friends to see if they were in town and made plans with them and snuck in as many breaks as I could.

#day trips from Sapporo #day trips in hokkaido #Hokkaido #japan #Otaru #places to visit #things to do in otaru #Things to do in Sapporo #travel #小樽

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masked-buffoon · 3 years

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Chapter 14: Truthful liar (Part 1)

Warnings: none

Author notes: after some delay, finally, here is the 14th chapter! I hope you’ll enjoy that short case...!

The Sapporo Okadama airport in Hokkaido was crowded when we arrived in the morning. Many people spoke a language I did not understand; they were most certainly tourists who came to visit Japan during their summer holidays. Why, Dazai and I were not there for sightseeing. Besides, it seemed to me that Hokkaido would be more impressive in winter, when a thick layer of snow would cover the entire prefecture, leaving very few places devoid of the white and bright coat. I checked my phone as we were waiting for our suitcase to arrive. We would stay there for a week, in a traditional ryokan with onset. In a way, this mission in the Northern prefecture of Japan felt like a well-deserved vacation, except for the fact I would actually have to protect a man who threatened to destroy the beautiful nature surrounding us. Pollution had not yet damaged that place, it would be a shame for any industrial business to cover the azure sky in thick dark smoke…

"So, do we begin today?" Dazai asked.

"I don't have any news from the client…" I sighed "Let's go to the inn, we'll manage from there."

"Sure~"

Our suitcase in hand, we went out of the airport to call a cab which would take us to the ryokan. My first time in a plane had been quite pleasant; it was amazing how fast the trip to Hokkaido had been. Then, since it was also my first time out of Yokohama, I made sure to take a good look around to engrave in my mind the images of Sapporo which unfolded before my eyes. Except for the mountains surrounding the town, it did not look that different from what I was used to, but there was something… Peculiar, about the air. So that was what travelling felt like… It was so exciting…!

"Do you like it?" My friend asked me, an amused smile on his face.

"Absolutely...!" I answered immediately, before regaining composure "I mean… Yes, I like it…"

The driver at the front burst out laughing, and I blushed in embarrassment. Why did I have to sound so joyful…?

"Is it your first time in Hokkaido?" He questioned.

"It is…" I admitted "I'm sorry for being so loud…"

"Don't apologise…! As a local, I'm proud that our region can trigger such reactions…! Besides, the ryokan you'll stay in is the perfect place for a honeymoon~"

"Is that — wait, what…?" I breathed out, heat burning my cheeks "We're not… We're not married…!"

"No, we're not." Dazai chuckled "We're friends, and coworkers. We came for work."

"Oh really? My apologies, then…! What kind of work, if you forgive my curiosity?"

I narrowed my eyes.

"We have to protect the businessman who wants to implant a research centre about petrol nearby…" I mumbled "As displeasing as it sounds, we were hired because of the many assassination attempts he had survived…"

"Come on, Ogawa, you don't sound enthusiastic at all~"

"I'm not going to lie. That job will be done against my will." I crossed my arms.

"We did hear about that case…" The driver sighed "It doesn't please us either, but we would never want the man to be killed. By the way, young lady, your last name is Ogawa…?"

"Um, yes… Why…?" I frowned.

"Well, they're quite an important family here…! Are you perhaps related to them?"

"In no way." I answered curtly "I am not related to these people."

I already knew that the Ogawa family had settled down in Hokkaido around twenty years ago and that they had taken care of Ruriko-chan ever since the massacre of the family in Yokohama. Even so, I would not see my sister during my stay in Sapporo. This was not the purpose of my trip to the North, and, anyway, I did not feel ready to face her yet. I had no right to intrude her life and call myself her sister, not when I had cold-bloodedly murdered her and destroyed her peaceful life. Looking back on my deeds, I perhaps should have killed her… She would have been happier without shouldering the trauma of that day. I had been too selfish and had kept her alive nonetheless… What a terrible older sister I was.

"We're arrived…!" The driver stopped in front of our inn "Enjoy your stay, and greet the host for me…!"

"Thank you…!" I smiled at him.

"She's there, and you know that." Dazai told me "How are you going to refrain yourself from wanting to see her?"

"Well…" I paused to take the suitcase "I simply won't give this matter too much thought."

"The real question is, will you resist the temptation?"

"You and I both know that I am disqualified as a member of her family, as her sister. She doesn't need me, and, mostly, she mustn't see me. I know that she has a proper and stable life now, I don't want to ruin it again."

"Disqualified, eh…? Nice pun~" He grinned "But, what if she wants to meet you?"

"She doesn't want to. She never even looked for me, in the first place." I shrugged.

"Let's be honest though, she had no way to know where you were. Unlike us, she doesn't know any informer." He noted.

"True enough… But I don't want to believe she would like to see me."

"You're not ready."

"I am not. That's why I'd like it if you could stop pushing the matter any further, please."

"Sure. I won't annoy you any further~" He promised.

"For now, let's just go in and rest while waiting for our client to message us…" I pushed the door of the inn open.

The inside felt warm and quiet. A rather old lady welcomed us with a large smile and showed us our rooms. I was pleased to notice that the Agency had booked two separate ones; I would thus be able to enjoy quiet nights without being disturbed by my sometimes annoying companion. The issue resided in the fact we had taken a single suitcase, since none of us owned many clothes, anyway. I volunteered to unpack my things so he could keep it.

"Oh, you should have told me you two were —"

"We're not…!" I cut her before she could make any wrong assumptions.

It was the second time, this day… I did not usually interact with older people, but how in the world could they believe Dazai was more than a friend…?

After laughing and apologising, she left us to prepare lunch. I glanced at Dazai, who was having a hard time maintaining a serious expression.

"That's not funny…" I muttered, crossing my arms.

"Why, is the idea that repulsive to you?" He snickered.

"Come on." I rolled my eyes "Besides, we know each other too much for that to ever happen."

"True enough…" He agreed "On second thought, I think I'll leave the suitcase to you, by the way."

"Why, so suddenly?"

"Well…"

Once I had taken all of my clothes out, only three examples of the same shirt remained. He was right, I needed to take the suitcase.

#bsd #bsd fanfic #bsd oc #bungou stray dogs fanfic #bungou stray dogs #bungo stray dogs #bungou stray dogs oc #dazai #bsd dazai #dazai osamu

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jasonislostinjapan · 5 years

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7/26/2019 Update

Hello Everyone!! I am still alive. I really did not expect my next post to be over 3 months later, but I guess that means I’ve been busy having fun (:

I am unfortunately leaving Tokyo in one week and moving out of my apartment. I will be flying to Bangkok, Thailand and staying at a friend’s place. I will also be taking a few days to travel to Chiang Mai in the middle of my trip. Once I finish my week-long excursion to Thailand, I’ll be back in Tokyo for just two days before I head back to the U.S.! I’ve made many important memories and learned so many crucial things during my time in Japan that it would be impossible to interpret through words. I’ve learned an extraordinary amount about the wide variety of people in this world, vast cultural differences, the forging of relationships, newfound independence, and the multitude of potential opportunities in the universe. I know this sounds kind of crazy and is unironically philosophical, but Tokyo will always hold a special place in my memories and youth, reminding me of the limitless possibilities in life. I definitely had a lot of fun (probably too much fun), so I will definitely miss the lifestyle I’ve had the past several months. Japan really made me ponder my goals in life, yet in a distracting way to be honest. I think it’s actually a good time to head back home and recollect myself in terms of my priorities in life. I’m excited to see everyone from home and school again to focus on what’s truly important to me. I will probably make another post once I finish my Thailand trip and return to the U.S. For now, please enjoy a ton of photos to catch up on what I’ve been doing since April!

Picture during my week-and-a-half-long trip to Shanghai during the end of April! Back to the largest shopping center (:

Homemade lunch at Grandma’s in Shanghai! (this was when I ate a lot before i got food poisoning toward the end of my trip)

Of course had to visit the Bund again while in Shanghai!

My mini excursion to Anjie, a few hours from Shanghai! So much wonderful nature (:

Hiked up a mountain to see this waterfall

At the end of May and early June, I went to Sapporo, Hokkaido with two other friends! (Hokkaido is the northern most island in Japan)

We visited the Sapporo Beer museum and factory!

Had the most amazing seafood ever which Hokkaido is known for

Had soup curry, a specialty from Hokkaido, for the first time! It was a LIFE-CHANGING experience!!! (I think there were 24 different vegetables in it)

We took a day trip to Otaru (situated on the northern coast of Hokkaido), a cute little seaside town!

Candid photo of me enjoying the view (’: (jk im looking at my phone lol rip)

Moving onto my day trip to Enoshima (one hour away from central Tokyo)! Very refreshing vacation vibes on this cool peninsula (:

Nice view while climbing a hill/mountain in Enoshima

Lunch with a wonderful view

Finally visited Disney Sea in Tokyo in early July!

Tower of Terror

Nemo!!!

Look at this happy fool having a happy day

Before I forget this was one of my really good friends from school (: She has such a vibrant personality and would brighten my days at class <3 I hope I can visit Singapore!!

Final pic of me in this interestingly-lit elevator

OK that’s it for now!! Hope to see everyone soon and thanks for viewing!!

<3 JASON

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btskismet · 5 years

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Kismet (Chapter 10): A BTS Jin imagines fanfic

First ever fanfic. Contains fluff and some smut. Please read sequentially as it is a long story arc. Please provide feedback! My IG is btskismet.

1330. The shinkansen and train rides for 6 hours wore them out that much to make them sink into the bed at Hotel Sonia Otaru that afternoon. They both gave out a large sigh when they lay on top of the bed. The trip was beautiful and scenic from Aomori to Otaru, especially when the train was close to the seashore and the sea stretched out from the side of the train before the port city of Otaru came into view.

However, it was slightly stressful from Sapporo to Otaru. They didn't expect that there would be many people at Sapporo station, given that it was a Tuesday morning but there seemed to be a rush of people leaving to get to the airport.

Seokjin turned to her and started to move his hands across her body. She looked at him curiously. "Hmmm... ", she sighed. She gave him a soft peck on the nose when he moved up to face her. "I propose we stay in for now. This room looks so stately and refined and..." She was at a loss on the next word to describe the room.

"French?", Seokjin said as he lied flat on his back beside her, looking at the ceiling with her and noticing the gold chandelier she was looking at.

She smiled and said, "I didn't want to come off as too obvious but yes, French. Young, modern French. Not old, stuffy French."

"Neoneun wanjeon gwiyeowo!", she heard Seokjin say to her. It took her a couple of seconds to realize that she didn't get the translation to what he said and blurted out to him what did you say in English.

Seokjin's face looked confused and he realized too that he didn't get the translation. They both took their earpieces off and placed them on the bedside table as she took out the translator device and charged it.

They lied down again in the bed in silence. She ran through her head how important that device was to them. At any given time it had to be fully charged, they would have 30 minutes of silence together. This usually happened during the shinkansen trips wherein she would charge it and they would be asleep or using their phones. But she forgot to do so on their ride from Aomori to Otaru as they were constantly chatting about the places they would visit. Since they had 3 days to spare before they would separate, they discussed what they each wanted to do and what they can do together.

It felt a little awkward not saying anything as she knew they both depended on the translator. She was waiting for Seokjin to get his phone to play his games or listen to music but he didn't. Instead, he slid his arm under her head and cuddled her.

"I love you.", he said in English.

She knew that's how she felt about him too but she was a little scared to say it. What will happen on their last day? She would have to go back home and he would have to go back to SoKor. It made her really emotional thinking about it.

"I love you too, Seokjin. I'm scared to lose you though.", she admitted. Tears started trickling down her cheeks.

His fingers wiped away her tears. "Don't cry. I am here.", he said.

Seokjin then gave her a soft kiss. She was trying her best not to think of their last day. They were having so much fun together. Their travels were difficult but it showed them that they can rely on each other. Trips like these usually test couples to see if they could get along throughout the trip or tick each other off. The fact they were still smiling and alive proved to her they could go through even longer trips and more.

She experienced being with the real Seokjin: a crazy, goofy man who was also intense and sometimes stubborn and impatient yet nurturing and dependable. She thought he could do no wrong but his impatience and somewhat commanding aura, especially when he wanted something, irritated her sometimes.

He was so different from how he is onstage and she felt honored to know him this well. Then again, he felt somewhat familiar to her too so her adjustment to him wasn't so difficult.

He stopped kissing her to look at her. "No cry anymore, ok?", he said. She nodded and smiled at him. He smiled and closed his eyes and went back to kissing her.

In the number of times he kissed her, he was either so intense or passionate. But today, he was gentle with her.

He started making out with her on the bed, kissing her softly and breaking off from the kiss to lightly peck her eyelids, her forehead and neck. She felt a wave of calmness as he started to hug her tighter and continued to slowly kiss her lips and bury his face on her neck and cheek.

Seokjin took a deep whiff of her scent and said, "I will not forget...", and continued to bury his face onto her neck and shoulder.

"Me too...", she whispered, bringing him closer to her, as she etched into her memory that moment of their embrace.

~~~~~

A few travel blogs mention that it is best not to travel to Otaru in November. Otaru is known for being a picturesque city when blanketed in snow. So, the absence of snow makes the town pretty but not as Instagram worthy as how it would be if it was winter.

This was one of the reasons she chose this place as the destination for their trip instead of Sapporo. People would still flock to the city if they were interested to look at the quaint, historical buildings around but the snow is the biggest draw. Though Otaru would be chilly during Autumn, it may snow or not. As expected, there were less crowds today which allowed Seokjin and her to walk with ease and without masks.

She was happy that Seokjin was interested to see most of the architecture and was eager to visit the music box museum. She had to bargain this destination initially with him but after he saw the photos, he was sold. The Mt. Tengu ropeway is still a place they had to discuss about if they have time to go there the next day. He also had to decide if they would still go fishing at Shakotan sea on their last day or just go through the beer and sake tasting. JHope and their manager would be flying in to Sapporo in the afternoon so he wasn't sure if it was best to meet them right away when they arrive or not. Either way, Seokjin had to decide soon so they could book the fishing trip if ever.

They rented a car this time so they could go to places faster. Since Seokjin had a license, he also thought it would be the best time for him to drive without any of the members scolding him. "Yoongi thinks I'm too brazen as a driver. Not really paying attention to the road."

"I think I remember this. He was scolding you when you were driving around Malta for the missions.", she said.

He started laughing hard and nodded. "Ahh, Yoongi was nervous but he was trying to act cool about it. He couldn't complain so much on camera."

As they were approaching the car, Seokjin asked, "You also wanted to visit that temple, right?"

"Shrine and temple. Please?", she said sweetly. She was referring to the Suitengu shrine that had 100 steps to the top with a beautiful view of the sea and the Tenjoji temple, which was close to Sakamichi shopping street.

"Let's choose one. Honestly, I'm not too keen about the 100 steps to that shrine. It'll tire us out too much!", Seokjin exclaimed.

She said a soft aawww ok as a response. "What is it with you and these temples? You really like going to them a lot.", he asked as he was starting the car.

"Well, during my solo trip to Kyoto, I went to almost all the shrines and temples I could visit and prayed. I'm not really a religious person though I'm Catholic. But I prayed and wished for the same thing in each of these shrines and temples and my wish came true. Since then, I try to visit as many as I can. Plus, I like how soothing it is to go to one and just unload all your negativity there because you feel calmer after."

Seokjin was nodding as she shared, making sure to follow the GPS on his phone to the Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck. "Ok, but your last visit wasn't so peaceful."

"Yes. I'd like to treat that as an exception. I hope we can leave at that.", she said quietly, not really wanting to discuss it further.

Seokjin stopped at a red light and looked at her. He reached out for her hand and squeezed it before driving forward when the light turned green.

~~~~~

The Otaru Observation Deck is 70 meters above sea level and has a beautiful view of the Sea of Japan. Hotels Neuschloss is right brside the deck and it was one of the hotels she was eyeing for their trip. Unfortunately, it was fully booked for their dates. So, a trip to the deck was the closest thing to do to enjoy the view.

The hotel, the Otaru Aquarium and lighthouse could be seen on the deck but the seaview is the reason people go up there. It stretched out as far as the eye can see and its blue water had a similar color as the blue sky, as if they were connected as a seamless piece of blue cloth.

Seokjin placed his arm on her shoulders and pulled her close. They stood on the deck, admiring the sight silently, listening to the waves, the sounds of people from afar and the birds around the cliff.

She looked at him and saw his eyes were closed, breathing in the salty, fresh air. "I'm glad you're here with me to see this.", she said. "I was close to doing this alone but I'm happy I'm not."

He looked at her and smiled, "I wouldn't even be here if I didn't meet you. I wouldn't even think of doing this. You made me experience a lot of things these past few days. I'm grateful."

"Didn't you ever travel a lot before being a part of BTS?", she asked.

"Well, when I studied in Australia, I got to visit a couple of places. Also a few areas in my country. I travelled with my Dad to other countries during his business trips but I was younger then so I don't remember everything. But the most amount of travelling I've done that I really remember is with BTS.", he shared. "I like staying at home, I guess. But it's great to travel without so many people telling you where to go and what to do. I like it that you asked me what I want in this trip and we did them. It felt... refreshing."

She smiled. "I could put up my own travel agency then. So glad that you are a satisfied customer."

He laughed and hugged her. It was heartwarming to know he was enjoying the trip. She worried about the commute, the room and everything else. Knowing he would remember this as a happy vacation made her feel content.

"Ok, so I am getting really hungry . Where are we going to get some food?", Seokjin asked, rubbing his tummy.

She smiled slyly and said, "Are you up for some all-you-can-eat buffet? There's a buffet restaurant near the canal that serves lobster."

Seokjin's eyes grew wide and he took her hand to walk her back to the car. She was laughing all the way as he dragged her quickly and kept asking her to hurry.

--- to be continued ---

#bts imagination #bts imagines #bts fanfction #bts jin #btskismet #bts fic #bts

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amirsethi-blog · 5 years

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Trips of a Lifetime

Cruise Western Africa in Senegal and the Gambia

Tour the lesser-known part of the African continent with Peregrine’s eight-day Cruising the Rivers of West Africa tour. You’ll see wildlife like dolphins, crocodiles, manatees, and more while aboard the company’s small cruise ship. Then you’ll head inland for a visit to The Gambia National Park to see chimpanzees and make a humbling stop at the island of Kunteh Kinteh, where the American slave trade began. lead with reason A new airport in Dakar makes travel even more accessible this year.

9 Affordable Dream Vacations to Take in 2019

Witness the Great Elephant Migration

For another amazing wildlife experience, book Wilderness Travel’s new trip, The Great Elephant Migration. This 11-day tour takes you through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls. It’s timed with the elephant migration (July and August departures only) that takes place in Hwange National Park. You’ll also have the opportunity to find leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, jackals, giraffes, buffalo, antelope, and sable, and even participate in night drives for some nocturnal animal sightings. Accommodations include luxurious camps like Camp Kuzuma and Zambezi Sands.

Asia

Be a Nomad in Mongolia

Experience nomadic life in Mongolia on G Adventures’ 10-day tour through the northern part of the country. You’ll ride horseback through the countryside and stay overnight in a homestay at a nomadic camp where you get to sleep in a ger(similar to a yurt). Visit Mongolia now while it’s still a relatively untouched tourist destination; the government recently said it wants to increase tourist visits to 1 million per year in 2020.

Trek the Hidden Himalayas

Head to Dolpo, a part of the Himalayas that’s only accessible by foot. Wilderness Travel’s 13-day trek takes you to the untouched trails and villages of this part of Nepal as you see how ancient Tibetans lived (this part of the region is culturally Tibetan). Highlights include Phoksundo Lake, Kathmandu’s temples, and of course plenty of mani (prayer) walls and chortens (shrines).

Bhutan for Beginners: A First-Time Trekker Tackles the Famed Druk Path

View Japan in a Different Light

Many visitors flock to Japan’s tourist hot spots in spring (to see cherry blossoms) or fall (to enjoy the vivid foliage), and with the country drawing increased attention thanks to the upcoming 2020 Olympics, these times of year are even more crowded. Instead, opt for something different and take a tour of Japan in winter with Topdeck’s seven-day Japan Winter tour. You’ll get the chance to ski at the country’s famed resorts, visit a historical theme park, enjoy sulfuric hot springs, and take a city tour of less-touristy Sapporo.

Central America

See a Different Side of Mexico Than You Did on Spring Break

Mexico’s heartlands are literally the heart and soul of authentic Mexican culture. While the coastal beaches are breathtaking, opt for a more immersive experience on Intrepid’s 15-day tour throughout central Mexico. You’ll visit a pueblo magico, explore the trendy city of San Miguel de Allende, taste tequila in Guadalajara, take a walking tour of Mexico City, and see the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan up close.

Pueblos Magicos: 10 Secret Mexican Villages

North Africa/Middle East

Explore Undiscovered Oman

SmarterTravel named Oman an emerging destination two years ago, and the country is starting to see more visitors for its blend of culture, beaches, and natural landscapes. G Adventures offers an eight-day tour that takes you through highlights like the Wadi Kakar (Oman’s version of the Grand Canyon), desert camping in the Wahiba Sands, a visit to a turtle reserve, and a tour of the capital, Muscat.

Oceania

Discover Australia Without Going to Sydney

While Sydney is an amazing part of Australia, there’s so much more to the country than just its East Coast. G Adventures’ affordable North to South trip includes the unspoiled national parks in the Northern Territory and makes overnight stops in the Outback at Alice Springs and Uluru before heading down to South Australia’s urban hot spot, Adelaide. Most of the accommodations on this budget-conscious trip are basic, but they include experiences like camping in the Outback and sleeping underground in an opal-mining town.

Europe

Eat (and Hike) Your Way Through Italy’s Boot

If you’re an Anthony Bourdain fan, you may remember the season 10 finale that aired in late 2017, Southern Italy: The Heel of the Boot, which has inspired travelers to get off the beaten path in Italy ever since. Wilderness Travel’s new tour this year, Hiking Puglia and Calabria, visit some of the same mystical towns Bourdain did in what’s sure to be the next popular tourist spot in Italy. Activities range from culinary experiences like wine and olive oil tastings to excursions like cliffside hiking and cave exploring. You’ll also see two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the cave dwellings of Matera (also a European Capital of Culture this year) and the famed Trulli houses in Alberobello.

Float Down the Danube on a Reinvented River Cruise

A river cruise is one of the best ways to see Europe, and U by Uniworld is shaking things up for the industry. With ships and itineraries designed for the “young at heart,” this isn’t your grandparents’ river cruise. My pick for 2019 is the Danube Flow cruise, which covers three countries in eight days: Germany, Austria, and Hungary. There are also departure dates with special itineraries that overlap with Oktoberfest, Sziget Festival, and the holiday Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The 10 Best Solo Vacations for 2019

Walk England Coast to Coast

Sleep in cozy countryside inns while you cross England by walking 192 miles over nine days. REI Adventures’ England Coast to Coast Hiking trip takes you through three national parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors, where you’ll see grazing sheep, storybook villages, and stunning landscapes. Along the way, you rest at local pubs and teahouses, and the tour includes stops at the home of William Wordsworth, Richmond Castle, Easby Abbey, and more.

Bike the Causeway Coast

The adventurous and active can take a weeklong, self-guided tour through Northern Ireland. Viator’s Causeway Coast Cycle Self-Guided tour is ideal for travelers who want to go at it alone but need some help planning. The itinerary starts with a city cycle tour in Belfast, where you’ll explore iconic sights. You then bike along the coastline with stops in villages and castles to rest and sleep at small inns. The tour includes a ferry ride to Rathlin Island, Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, an optional trip to the Dark Hedges, and return transportation to Dublin.

Explore Portuguese and Spanish Islands You’ve Never Heard Of

Portugal was 2018’s hottest destination, and tourism growth shows no signs of slowing down in 2019. Avoid the overcrowded spots with a 15-day cruise throughout the Portuguese and Spanish islands. Hurtigruten’s Atlantic Exploration itinerary is new this year and covers the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. The journey begins and ends in Lisbon, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the capital. Stops include three areas of the volcanic archipelago—the Green Island (Sao Miguel), the Blue Island (Ilha Azul or Faial), and the Purple Island (Angra), as well the islands of Porto Santo and Madeira of Portugal, and two islands in the Canaries: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the less-visited San Sebastian de la Gomera.

North America

Visit a Rainforest in Canada

Home to fjords, rare wildlife, and, yes, a rainforest, is Canada’s British Columbia province. Maple Leaf Adventures’ Great Bear Rainforest trips are sailing-based and include tons of wildlife excursions with opportunities to see grizzly bears, spirit bears, black bears, baleen whales, orcas, gray wolves, and bald eagles. The itinerary also includes cultural experiences with First Nation villages, a trip to hot springs, and kayaking.

Canada Forever: The Ultimate Canada Holiday for Every Month

Go on a Snow-for Adventure

If you’re into snow sports, then this trip should be on your bucket list. Topdeck’s 10-day Great White North tour takes you to Whistler, Big White, and the Big Three ski resorts in Banff. You’ll also experience some of Canada’s epic drives and sights, like the Sea to Sky Highway, Fraser Valley, the Coquihalla Pass, Kicking Horse Pass, and the Continental Divide.

South America

Tour Chilean Wine Country

Chile is a hot destination in 2019 with Patagonia’s popularity and the 2019 solar eclipse, but you should visit this destination for another reason: the Casablanca Valley. The area is known for its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir, but has distinct microclimates that growers are learning more about to produce other varieties, like Malbec and Merlot. This trip of a lifetime is just 90 minutes from Santiago by car. Use Upscale travel to plan your perfect trip through the region; activities can include cycling, a helicopter ride, dining with winemakers, and more.

5 Secret Wine Regions You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Backpack Through Bolivia

Bolivia’s salt flats are otherworldly, and the country as a whole is on its way to becoming the next South American hot spot. Contiki’s 13-day Bella Bolivia tour covers tons of ground, starting in La Paz, the capital, and ending in Chile’s Santiago—the first nine days are spent in Bolivia with an included flight to Santiago on day 11. You’ll truly see it all: the cathedrals of La Paz, the Witches’ Market, the white stone buildings in Sucre, Salar de Uyuni (salt flats), Avaroa National Reserve, the Salvador Dali desert, and plenty more to make this trip of life worthwhile.

Go to the Remote Falkland Islands

Getting to these remote and almost-polar islands isn’t easy—or cheap—but this year marks the first new flight route to the U.K. territory since the late ‘90s. Though no date has been set, the flights will go from Argentina to the islands with LATAM Airlines. Intrepid is offering a new-to-2019 tour for eight days, Falkland Island Expedition: Past & Present, which will take you to beaches, nature reserves, and the battlegrounds from the war of 1982. And don’t forget about the wildlife; a king, Magellanic, and gentoo penguins all call this place home.

Polar

Spend a Night on a Glacier in the Arctic Fjords

If Norway’s Arctic fjords are on your bucket list, take your vacation to the next level with a trip to Svalbard. Off the Map Travel’s summer trip to the archipelago includes dog sledding, kayaking, a glacier climb, and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sleep on a glacier at the Nordenskiold Lodge. Note that you won’t see the northern lights this time of year, but rather experience the “land of the midnight sun,” which also happens to give you the best chance to see polar bears. If you’re looking for a northern lights experience, the tour company has a four-day All Day Aurora tour to the same region.

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