Lucille Wong

  • Is a JR pass worth it?

    The Japan Rail (JR) pass allows unlimited travel on any JR service in Japan. This includes most shinkansen (bullet trains), JR buses and JR ferries. This pass is available to foreign tourists and Japanese overseas residents. It must be pre-purchased outside of Japan and many travellers assume it would be convenient and good value. If…

  • Staying in a ‘luxury’ capsule in Kyoto

    The ‘luxury capsule’ is perfect for the traveller who wants the capsule experience with some additional comforts. Traditionally, capsule hotels have targeted drunken Japanese businessmen who have missed the last train home. These hotels offer coffin-sized ‘rooms’ stacked on top of each other. Each capsule is generally equipped with a single mattress, power point, clock,…

  • Is Kōbe steak worth it?

    Kōbe beef is a type of wa-gyū (literally Japanese beef) that is bred exclusively in the Kōbe area. It is known for being delicious because the fat is marbled throughout the meat. As a steak lover, I was keen to sample this in its town of origin. On a recent trip to Japan with my…