Travel for Life

How to AVOID Getting ROBBED by PICKPOCKETS  (YouTube link ) Based on an article from travel.alot.com , it lists the 26 worst cities for pickpocketing. As the article reminds us: “These are the cities that make you want to walk around with your hand in your own pocket to ensure your wallet stays where it belongs. We’re not saying you shouldn’t visit any of these cities . We just think that you may want to be a little extra cautious when walking around in crowds or standing in one place for too long.” Before diving into the full list, it’s worth looking at how modern pickpocketing actually works — and why staying alert matters more than ever. Before diving into the full list, it’s worth looking at how modern pickpocketing actually works — and why staying alert matters more than ever.    European Travel Skills: Avoiding Theft (YouTube link ) 1️⃣ How Pickpocketing Teams Operate  Remember the key principle: pickpocketing is a team sport. Most thefts are coordinated, f...

Senjōgahara Plateau: Walking into a Living Landscape Stepping onto the Senjōgahara Plateau Nature Trail ⭐⭐feels like entering a living landscape painting. Set in the heart of Nikko National Park, this high‑altitude marshland stretches out in quiet, open layers—so peaceful it feels worlds away from Tokyo’s pace. Yudaki Falls to Ryuzu Falls: The Park’s Most Scenic Route Yudaki Falls to Ryuzu Falls: The Park’s Most Scenic Route The route from Yudaki Falls to Ryuzu Falls is widely considered the most scenic in the park. It descends gradually from the highlands near Yudaki into the lower valley where Ryuzu Falls awaits. On the day of our visit, a group of local students was hiking the same path, bringing a lively energy to the otherwise quiet marshland. At the end of the trail, a small cafeteria ( 龍頭之茶屋 ) offers a welcome place to rest. Its balcony overlooks the cascading waters of Ryuzu Falls—a perfect spot to pause before heading back. A Note on Safety: This beautiful route occas...

🍁A Tapestry of Light: Wandering Yuushien’s Illuminated Fall Foliage #japantravel #eveningvibes   (YouTube  link ) Yuushien (由志園⭐⭐) welcomes visitors with the quiet elegance of a traditional water‑themed stroll garden, its centerpiece a broad, mirror‑still pond framed by landscapes inspired by the natural beauty of the Izumo region. While the garden is celebrated for its spectacular spring Peony Festival—when tens of thousands of blossoms drift across the water—its dedicated greenhouse ensures that peonies can be enjoyed in bloom throughout the year. From November to January, Yuushien takes on a different kind of magic with its evening illumination. A free shuttle connects Matsue Station to the garden during this season, operating on weekend and holiday evenings. Travelers are encouraged to check the latest schedule at the station’s information center before setting out. A Front-Row Seat to the Unkai 雲 海 : Yuushien’s Evening Magic (YouTube  link ) Photo Gallery On ...

From the dizzying heights of  BUSAN X the SKY  observatory atop the 411-meter Haeundae LCT Landmark Tower, Busan’s iconic coastline unfolds like a living postcard: the golden arc of  Haeundae Beach , the lush emerald peninsula of  Dongbaekseom  Island, and the elegant sweep of  Gwangan Bridge  shimmering on the distant horizon. Haeundae’s Beaches, Skyscrapers, and Scenic Shores #koreatravel #busan #beach #hiking (YouTube link ) Starting from the bustling sands near The Westin Chosun Busan, a leisurely clockwise stroll along the well-maintained coastal path leads visitors into the serene embrace of Dongbaekseom ⭐—a former island now connected to the mainland, famed for its camellia groves and panoramic sea views.  Etched in Stone: How a Silla Scholar’s Tribute Created the Identity of Haeundae (海 雲 臺) Gazing into the Blue: The Horizon Seeker of Haeundae Beach Dominating the skyline are the sleek supertalls of Haeundae’s modern district, including th...

Shōyō-en (逍遥園⭐), an Edo-period circular garden attributed to Enshū Kobori , centers on a pond with islands shaped like a crane and turtle—symbols of longevity. Once part of Imperial Prince Rinnoji Hoshinno’s residence, it was later named “Shōyō-en” by Confucian scholar Issai Sato , who praised its eight scenic views. During our visit, the museum highlighted the 15 Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. Their shogunate, the longest in Japanese history, brought over two centuries of peace, strict social order, and isolation from the outside world. Early leaders secured stability, while later shoguns oversaw cultural and economic growth before the system faltered under Western pressure, paving the way for the Meiji Restoration . 🍁Shōyō-en 逍遥園 in Full Color: Autumn’s Peak #nikko #japantravel #autumncolors  (YouTube  link ) Photo Gallery On 11/04/2025,  the garden was ablaze with autumn colors at their peak. We wandered along its circular path, pausing often to ...