The good news is mistakes are not the end of the world. They turn into great stories, solid memories, and now, a newsletter. Traveling while working full time, researching, packing, booking, planning the next trip, cooking, going out, and somehow enjoying it all is not exactly easy, but it does get better with every trip.

So, before I start rambling, here are 8 mistakes I’ve made over the years in the hope that you’ll learn something from them. I know I did. 😇

1. Always wait to board your flight at the gate ✈️

This sounds obvious, but some airports are chaotic. Others have lounges, shops, food courts, and comfy seating miles away from your gate. It’s very tempting to camp there for an hour, charge your laptop, snack, and live your best life. The problem is, if you leave boarding to the last minute just to avoid queuing, you might miss your flight.

Airlines sometimes change boarding times or speed things up. If you’re not paying attention, you can miss it by minutes. And yes, that’s on you. Gates change, times change, and it’s your job to stay updated. Don’t rely on your phone or the flight board. Stay close to the gate and listen for announcements. It’s the safest place to be before boarding.

2. Same-day travel is a gamble 🚂

If you’re planning a multi-city trip, avoid taking a bus or train on the same day as your flight. Why? Because delays happen. Strikes happen. Chaos happens.

If your transport is late, you could miss your flight. And again, that’s on you. Trust me, when that happens, you have little to no control over it (unless you have travel insurance).

Travel insurance can help, but you’ll need a stack of proof to show it wasn’t your fault. Getting that proof from a train or bus company can be a hassle. I’ve been there more than once. I even missed a flight because of a delayed train from Florence to Rome. Learn from me and travel the day before. It’s just safer.

3. Don’t forget about travel and health insurance 🛟

If you travel often, this is non-negotiable. I know it feels like an extra expense, especially when you don’t use it, but don’t risk it.

Flights get cancelled, luggage disappears, accidents happen, and sometimes you really don’t want to pay out of pocket. Healthcare is expensive in most countries, especially if you want a decent clinic.

Travel and health insurance go together. You need both. I’ve used travel insurance through Revolut and other international providers like Allianz. For healthcare, you can look into options like SafetyWing or check if your provider at home offers international coverage. Whatever you choose, just make sure you’re covered.

4. Stop being picky, be flexible 🧘‍♀️

This was the hardest lesson for me, and the one I’m most proud of now. Be flexible.

If there’s a Nespresso machine, I’ll drink fancy pods. If there’s a moka pot, I’ll use that. If there’s nothing, I’ll survive on matcha or instant coffee. I used to be picky. Not anymore.

Now I work with what I have instead of complaining about everything. No washing machine? I go to a laundromat. It’s fine, I’m not there forever.

I’ve learned to care less about having everything exactly how I like it. Of course, I appreciate a perfect apartment, but it’s not a deal breaker anymore. Give me good internet, a clean place with no pests, and a basic kitchen, and I’m happy.

Do this, and your life gets a lot easier. Trust me.

5. Ditch the reviews and follow your curiosity 🎢

Every now and then, give Google Maps, TikTok, and Yelp a break. No reviews, no ratings, no “must-visit” lists. Just walk into a random hole-in-the-wall place and see what happens. It won’t be the end of the world.

If you speak the local language, even better. Talk to people, order something traditional, and go with it. Maybe you won’t like it. That’s fine. That’s kind of the point. Try something new. Ask the bartender for a recommendation or simply go with the flow, instead of trying the hyped dish you saw on TikTok.

Listen to the music, people-watch, try the local drink, and pretend you’re Anthony Bourdain for a couple of hours. Best case, you discover something amazing. Worst case, you get a story out of it. Every time I do, I enjoy it more and more.

6. Don’t burn bridges with people; you might need them 🫶

I learned this the hard way. Don’t burn bridges with people you rent from, even if they’re not your favorite.

If you’re constantly being difficult just because you’re paying, you’re only making your life harder. When you travel full-time, relationships matter. You might want to come back, or you might need their help finding your next place, so be a nice human being. I’m saying this because I’ve experienced both situations.

Also, just in general, be a decent human. You don’t want to be remembered as “that annoying person from X country.” Be nice. It always pays off. I know I can be fussy and demanding, but I always try to be friendly and put myself in their shoes.

7. Make lists, save your brain 📋

My life runs on lists. Grocery list, packing list, travel plans, admin tasks, gym routine, everything.

Anytime I need to stay organized and not forget something important, I make a list. Not a mental note, a list on my phone. As much as I love notebooks, I’ve accepted that the Notes app on my iPhone is the real MVP because it saves space. I can only travel with one notebook, and I use it for work stuff or courses (I’m currently doing a day skipper course).

You can share lists, update things in real time, and keep your life somewhat under control. I’ve been using lists for years because they help me focus. And since I’m always on my laptop or phone, I can update them anytime. Right now, I have lists for admin stuff, shopping, gym routine, daily to-do, trip itineraries, ideas, research, and useful links and info I use a lot. Without them, I would be running like a headless chicken.

8. How to stop overpacking 🧳

After 7+ years of traveling, I can confidently say this: you’re overpacking. I still do it a bit, so I know you’re doing it too. Most people do.

Unless you’re one of those rare humans traveling with just a backpack and a carry-on, you’re probably bringing way more stuff than you need. It’s either FOMO or a control thing, but either way, it’s unnecessary.

Realistically, I need gym clothes, a few outfits, 1–2 dresses, pajamas, sandals, and one decent pair of shoes. I’ll add a jacket, a fleece, swimwear, and a few extras, and that’s it. Yeah, I know, it’s not much.

This setup still leaves room for toiletries, random essentials, and yes, things like protein powder, supplements, my hammock, a mini electric whisk for matcha, and all the cables I need to charge all my devices.

Here’s my trick: all your clothes should fit on one side of your suitcase. The other side is for everything else. If it doesn’t fit that way, you’ve packed too much. You can also use lists to help you pack.

That’s it.

Enough wisdom was shared today. I don’t wanna yap for hours on end here. But I hope it helps. I am a different person today because of all these “mistakes”. I’m not perfect, but I think I finally reached something close to perfection when it comes to travel. Right now, it feels like I've got my shit together when it comes to finding accommodation, hotels, making an itinerary, packing for short and long trips, and planning everything. I still stress about it, but I have some systems.

I trust the process and my intuition. It’s taken me to good places so far.

There is more wisdom to be shared about traveling, but I’ll leave it for part II.

As always, hope you enjoyed it.

Your travel bestie,

Cristiana. 👩‍💻

💬 Planning Your Trip? Ask Away

I know everyone has a different plan and itinerary for their trip to Japan. To help you decide where to stay, what to visit, and how to get there, you can message me.

So if you’re planning a trip to Japan and have questions about Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and any other destinations I mentioned here, go ahead and leave me a message. I’ll answer as fast as I can.

🥥 Support The Newsletter

If you like this newsletter, you found it helpful, and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. Feel free to donate as little or as much as you’d like. No pressure. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends. Because sharing is caring, and it makes me happy to see more and more people traveling.

Most Japan itineraries include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. But I would add that Hiroshima should be on your itinerary as well. It’s not that far from Kyoto or Osaka, and since you’re in Japan, you have a bullet train every hour or so, you can get there in about 3 hours. You can easily make it a day trip, and you won’t regret it.

Although Hiroshima is a new city, boasting new buildings with new architecture, it packs a lot emotionally. It’s quite hard to comprehend the level of destruction that Japan endured during WWII until you go there. It shakes you to the core.

Just a few hours strolling around the Peace Dome and the Memorial Museum, and it’ll have you sobbing tears and thinking how we got there in the first place. And in the light of so many bombings and nuclear threats, it’s even more important to visit such a place and witness the level of destruction nuclear bombs cause.

It rattles lots of conflicting emotions inside of you. Visiting Hiroshima made me understand that nuclear bombs are real. The movie Oppenheimer was real. What they did back then was real. The destruction and the loss of innocent lives are real.

It’s also surreal and hard to believe, because the city is all rebuilt and modern.

Nevertheless, experiencing Hiroshima in the light of all the geopolitical crises going on will have you second-think how you see the world, who you vote for, and who you’re supporting with your money. It’s more than a WWII memorial.

If you’re making a day trip, don’t skip Miyajima Island. It’s a short ferry trip from Hiroshima, and it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon. When the sun sets, it’s quite beautiful.

We spent the night in Hiroshima, because the next day we had another epic trip planned - Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route.

🚵🏼‍♀️ Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

What is this Cycling Route

The Shimanami Kaido is a renowned 70km cycling route in Japan, connecting the mainland island of Honshu to Shikoku via 6 smaller islands and 7 impressive bridges across the Seto Inland Sea. Popular with cyclists of all levels, the well-marked route is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh sea air, and combination of nature and culture, offering a mix of rural charm, historic sites, and delicious local cuisine.

The route has numerous cyclist-friendly amenities, including rental stations, rest stops, and accommodations. You can enjoy local cuisine, explore fishing harbors, and visit charming shopping streets and shrines along the way.

🚏 How to get there

The easiest way to get there is to take a train from Hiroshima to Onomichi, because it’s the closest. If you’re not in Hiroshima, then check Google for directions. There’s probably a train or two connecting you with Onomichi (the starting point).

We took a train from Hiroshima and then a taxi from Onomichi train station to the port. The port has bike rentals and convenience shops, so you can rent a bike and get some snacks.

🚲 How to rent a bike

Most blogs and resources warn you that you need to rent a bike a few days in advance because they run out of bikes if you decide to leave it for the morning of the ride. That can be true if you decide to do the cycling route in high season. We did it in early June (June 2nd), and there weren’t crowds or empty bike shops.

No matter when you do it, if you want to have peace of mind and ensure you get your hands on a bike that morning, rent one online at least 3 days before your trip. I used X, and it was easy to fill in the form, get the bikes that morning, and return them in Imanbari. I specifically wanted to return them in Imanmari.

Because we weren’t professional cyclists, and because it was a lot to bike in one day, we decided to get e-assist bikes. They’re not quite electric bikes. They just give you a push when you start and when you cycle. It also makes uphill biking easier.

🚴🏼‍♀️ How to do the cycling route

There are 2 ways you can do the Shimanami Kaido.

1. You start in Onomichi and end it on the same day in Imabari.

2. You start in Onomichi, sleep somewhere on the route, and continue the next day until you reach Imabari. Then you cycle back to Onomichi to finish the loop.

How did we do it?

Because we only had a spare day for this trip, we decided to cycle from Onomichi to Imabari and get the bus back to Onomichi. Then we took a train from Onomichi back to Kyoto (our base in Japan).

🤓 What you need to know about the Shimanami Cycling Route

I don’t wanna bore you with too many details and facts, so I’m going to tell you what I wish I knew and what I would do differently. 10 short tips that will help you plan and enjoy your cycling experience.

1. Read 2-3 blog posts (or newsletters, hehe) about the cycling route so you’re familiar with all the information, the route, and updated news.

2. Make sure everyone knows the plan for the trip and where you’re heading (to Imabari). Although the route is marked with a blue line, some people do get a bit lost if they’re not paying attention. You can follow other cyclists, but don’t count on it.

3. Stay together if you’re a group. It’s easier this way, especially if someone is not familiar with the route and where you’re heading. Trust me on this one.

4. Buy snacks with you before you start the trip. There are shops along the route and restaurants. But if your schedule is tight, it’s better to have them with you. You save some time this way.

5. Stop along the way to take pictures. You’re gonna want to look back and remember this epic trip.

6. Rent e-assist bikes or electric bikes (it makes the trip easier, trust me) if you’re not a professional cyclist. They’re slightly more expensive, and they help significantly when cycling uphill.

7. Book the bikes ahead of time if you’re doing the trip in high season. Ahead of time means at least 3 days before.

8. The bus back to Onomichi is quite expensive. Make sure you have cash with you.

9. Stop along the way to enjoy a lemonade. There are plenty of citrus fruits due to the warm climate, so the lemons are delicious.

10. Pack SPF, a hat, a raincoat, a power bank, and a change of clothes. After 70+km you’re gonna be sweaty.

11. Check the weather and make sure you have everything you need with you (raincoat included). Remember that if the weather forecasts don’t allow, the shops won’t rent bikes. Japan puts a lot of emphasis on safety, not profits.

☔ Is it safe? And how to not get lost

This is a legit concern people have, and I’m not judging. Let’s not forget that this is Japan we’re talking about. Safety is not an issue, thankfully. We felt safe every second of the trip. Even when I forgot my phone on a random bench for 1 h, I was able to bike back and find it exactly where I left it.

What are the chances of getting lost?

Almost zero if you ask me. The route is properly marked, and if you somehow get a bit lost, you have your phone with you. Google Maps will help you find your way. Since it’s a popular activity, there will be other cyclists you can ask if you don’t have data, reception, or a battery.

🤔 What if I don’t do a day trip?

If you don’t have a base (Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima, for example), you can still do the Shimanami Cycling Route. All you need to do is either store your luggage somewhere or have it shipped to your endpoint (Imabari) or your next hotel.

Japan has lots of companies that offer this service so that you can travel hassle-free. It’s relatively affordable, so make sure to contact them a few days in advance to plan everything.

If you plan on staying the night in Imabari, then have your luggage shipped there, or pack a change of clothes in a backpack.

Looking back, this was by far the most incredible activity we’ve done in Japan. It was better than any temple or day trip we could have done. What I would do differently? I would spread the entire cycling route over 2-3 days. This lets you cycle at a different pace and enjoy every moment of the trip. It also involves sleeping somewhere for the night, and I’m always down for that.

Cycling 70+ km in a day is quite strenuous, so if you spread it over 2-3 days, you get to ease into it and feel less tired. However you decide to do it, it will still be amazing.

🔖 Useful links you might want to save

• Where to rent bikes from → https://visitshimanami.com/bike-rental/

• More info about Shimanami Cycling Route → https://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/cycling/en-02.html

• The Alltrails route → https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/ehime/shimanami-cycling-road

That’s it for now.

Hope I didn’t miss anything. If you’re interested in doing this while in Japan, feel free to ask me anything. I’m here to help.

Your travel bestie,

Cristiana 👩🏼‍💻

💬 Planning Your Trip? Ask Away

I know everyone has a different plan and itinerary for their trip to Japan. To help you decide where to stay, what to visit, and how to get there, you can message me.

So if you’re planning a trip to Japan and have questions about Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and any other destinations I mentioned here, go ahead and leave me a message. I’ll answer as fast as I can.

🥥 Support The Newsletter

If you like this newsletter, you found it helpful, and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. Feel free to donate as little or as much as you’d like. No pressure. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends. Because sharing is caring, and it makes me happy to see more and more people traveling.

By now, I’ve spent more than four months in Valencia, so these are my absolute best recommendations. The places I swear by, and the main reason I barely lost any weight during those months. #noregrets

If you’re planning to visit Valencia in 2026, save these recommendations and thank me later. Vamos! 🇪🇸

🛋️ Where to stay

I strongly recommend staying in a co-living space or renting an apartment. Unfortunately, rent prices in Valencia are some of the highest in Spain, so don’t expect a bargain. I wrote a detailed guide on how to find accommodation as a digital nomad, so it’s worth reading before you book anything.

The first time, we stayed in a co-living in Cabanyal. It was great. Close to the beach, plenty of shops around, very bike-friendly, but a bit far from the city center. The area is surrounded by some rougher neighborhoods and is still going through gentrification, but it is a great place to live. We felt safe, it is full of young people, and the whole area has relaxed holiday vibes.

The second time, we rented an apartment near Ruzafa. We were much closer to the city center and all the hip neighborhoods, but quite far from the beach.

So if I had to give one piece of advice on where to stay, it would be this. Decide what you want closer to you: the beach or the city. You probably won’t get both.

No matter where you stay, Valencia is a very bike-friendly city, so you can pretty much cycle everywhere.

So, where do I recommend staying?

Ruzafa is always a great choice. It is a beautiful neighborhood full of cafés, restaurants, and stunning architecture, and it is close to the city center. The only downside is that it can get noisy at night, and some of the older buildings do not have AC.

Gran Vía feels like Ruzafa’s slightly more polished neighbor. It is a lovely area with lots of shops, cafés, restaurants, trees, and beautiful buildings. You will also see plenty of people taking photos here. It is one of the more expensive areas, but you can see why.

Cabanyal is another great neighborhood. It has a lot of personality and is close to the beach. We stayed there before and can confirm it is safe, lively, and full of young people and things to do.

Benimaclet is also cute and close to Turia Park, but in my opinion, it lacks cafés, restaurants, and things to do. That said, many people love living there because it is a quieter, more residential area.

🚲 Getting around Valencia

Because Valencia is so bike-friendly, there’s really no need for a car. Public transport exists, but I highly recommend walking and biking instead. The city bike system, Valenbisi, is very affordable, and with bike lanes everywhere, it’s easy to get around, even if you’re not exactly a Tour de France contender. All you need is a subscription.

Valenbisi offers three plans: a daily pass (€3,99), a weekly pass (€13,3), and a yearly pass ($29,21). If you’re staying more than 2 weeks, the yearly pass makes the most sense because it costs only 30 euros.

📑 This is how the plan works: The first 30 minutes are free, but if you exceed 30 minutes on the same journey, the usual rate will apply: €0.52 for the first hour and €2.08 for each each following hour.

We ended up coming back within the same year, so we didn’t have to pay again. Basically, we paid 30 euros and used the Valenbisi for four months. Best deal in Valencia, and probably the reason my step count looked impressive. 🚲

The biggest downside is that each ride is free only if it’s under 30 minutes. Once you pass the 30-minute mark, you start getting charged. The good news is that bike stations are everywhere, so you can easily swap bikes and reset the timer. The Valenbibi has a timer and a map where you can see all the stations.

I once paid around 10 to 15 euros extra because I completely ignored the clock, and we ended up biking for hours. Still cheaper than renting bikes from a shop, but something to keep in mind.

If you’re staying longer than three months, it might actually make sense to buy a bike and sell it before you leave. We didn’t do that because there was a Valenbisi station right next to our apartment, and our yearly subscription was still active.

🍟 Restaurants, tapas bars & bakeries

Thankfully, Valencia has no shortage of restaurants, bakeries, markets, dessert spots, cafés, and tapas bars. It’s a lively city where people go out for dinner, tapas, and drinks pretty much every day, no matter the weather.

The only downside is that finding a table can sometimes feel like a sport. Places fill up fast, so it’s usually a good idea to make a reservation unless you enjoy wandering around hungry.

During our stay, we had lots of friends visiting, so we ended up eating out quite a lot. Since I know you’re here for recommendations and links, I put together a list of my favorite places.

These are my pride and joy. I spent a questionable amount of money researching the best desserts, tapas, and bars. Consider it a public service.

So here’s the list with all the links:

🛒 Best Supermarkets

• Mercadona, Consum, Supercor de El Corte Inglés.

🍴 Restaurants & Tapas

• Pho Mi, Pafutto, Shifu Ramen, Maui Russafa, Honest Greens, Panicus, Burritos, Malafama, La Cabanyita, Taska La Reina, TKO, Malvon Empanadas, Taverna Vasca CHE, La Despensa de Frida, Vapor Dumpling Bar.

🧁 Dessert places & Bakeries

• Bassk, 99 Cheesecake, Granny Bakes, FloRa bake & Espresso, Limon Y Merengue, La Pistacchieria.

☕ Coffee Shops

• Tostarte, Haven, East Crema.

🥡 Takeaway Food

• El Rubio, Saborarte.

🍸 Bars

• Beers and travels, Cafe Berlin, La Fabrica de Hielo, Malafama.

🍲 Cooking at home

One of the reasons we love Spain is its strong food culture. People love going out for coffee, a small sandwich, tapas, or a drink. Eating out is basically a daily activity, and the atmosphere is always lively, especially late at night.

That said, not everyone loves Spanish food or seafood, and eating out can add up quickly. So here’s what we enjoyed cooking from supermarket finds.

Our go-to supermarket is usually Mercadona, but we also shop at Lidl, Consum, El Corte Inglés, small local shops, and markets.

Mercadona is great because many stores have a ready-made food section. You can buy cooked meals, snacks, and lunches, heat them up there, and eat them on the spot or take them to the park. It usually costs around 5 to 6 euros, and honestly, it’s surprisingly good for supermarket food.

Spain has fantastic produce and good quality meats, so it’s easy to make simple meals with great fruits, vegetables, dairy, and seafood.

There’s also a very popular concept in Valencia called comida para llevar, which means takeaway food. These are small kitchens that cook fresh meals and sell them in containers. You can buy as little or as much as you want, which is great when you want something homemade without actually cooking.

I’m not entirely sure why they’re so popular in Valencia, but my guess is the heat, the strong eating out culture, and the convenience. For less than 10 euros, you can often get lunch for two people and a small snack. They usually have paella, all kinds of croquettes, meat stews, rice dishes, salads, and desserts.

El Corte Inglés also has a comida para llevar section next to its supermarket, and the selection is surprisingly good. You’ll find everything from Spanish classics to European dishes and even some fun fusion options. It’s a bit more expensive than the typical takeaway spots, but definitely worth it. 🥡

🏄‍♀️ The beach

The beach in Valencia isn’t the most spectacular, but it’s still nice. It’s wide and spacious, so there’s plenty of room for sunbathing, playing sports, or just spreading out with a towel. Spanish people will bring sunchairs, umbrellas, and food for a full day at the beach, but you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas.

The sea gets pleasantly warm in the summer, but the beach is quite close to the harbor, so you’ll see big ships, cranes, and a bit of an industrial backdrop 🏗️. That’s what I “hate” about their beach.

There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants along the shore, but not many small shops where you can grab water or snacks. So if you’re planning to spend the whole day there, it’s best to come prepared (like the Spaniards).

🚞 Day trips from Valencia

Because Valencia is well located and well connected, it’s perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. We loved traveling by train and managed to visit Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Cullera, Gandia, and Castellón de la Plana. There’s also an airport in Valencia, so if you want to go even further, you can take a flight.

🙈 What I did not like about Valencia

I try to keep this newsletter genuine and authentic, so I’m always gonna share the good, the bad, and the ugly. And Valencia has some not-so-nice parts too. Every time you spend a few months in a city, you end up experiencing all its parts.
What I hate most about Valencia is its dirtiness. I’m not talking about the city center or the nice streets in the good neighborhoods. If you’re in Valencia for 3 days, you’ll love it, trust me. After a few months there, you start seeing that every garbage disposal area is filthy, the dog poop, at night, cockroaches and rats run the city, and during the day, you can smell the trash or the sewage.

Probably out of all, the thing that gives me the ik the most is that there’s trash everywhere, and due to that, you have cockroaches and rats everywhere. 😩

After spending 4 months in total in Valencia, I think I’m ready to explore other cities in Spain. I would 100% come back to Valencia with friends for a short trip, but not sure I’d like to spend another 3 months. But who knows, maybe I will go back.

That’s it for the Valencia newsletter. I shared my best recommendations, secrets, and tips. If you still have any questions about your upcoming trip to Valencia, feel free to ask away. I’m here to help.

Your travel bestie,

Cristiana 👩🏼‍💻

🥥 Support The Newsletter

If you like this newsletter, you found it helpful, and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends. Because sharing is caring, and it makes me happy to see more and more people traveling.

Japan is the land of cuteness, and the best part is that it makes you smile even when it rains (and it rains a lot). I’ve stumbled upon lots of cute things during our stay in Japan, from cute signs to cute toys, cute random things, cute buses, and lots of Engrish.

So, without any further fluff, here are all the cute things I’ve seen in Japan.

A cute Hello Kitty fire hydrant

Random cute posters

Lots of Engrish (aka Japanglish)

If you don’t know what Engrish is, check out this source for a quick definition and examples.

Pickachu lip balm

Cute castle banner

Cute snack

Cute Hello Kitty train

Hello Kitty in a kimono

Cute Pikachu plane

Real-life Mario Karting around the city (in cute costumes)

Japan's exclusive white peach Kit-Kat

7/11 convinience store mock-up

Cutsy shiba Inu riding the wave t-shirt

Naughty toy

That’s it.

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. 🫶🏻

📢 Pink Coconut is now on Reddit

I know this format seems a bit unidirectional, so I decided to create a slow travel community on Reddit where anyone can join. Reddit feels more community-based and allows more interaction than a newsletter. If you wanna join or peak, here’s the link.

Join us on Reddit

💬 Planning Your Trip? Ask Away

I know everyone has a different plan and itinerary for their trip to Japan. To help you decide where to stay, what to visit, and how to get there, you can message me.

So if you’re planning a trip to Japan and have questions about Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and any other destinations I mentioned here, go ahead and leave me a message. I’ll answer as fast as I can.

🥥 Support Pink Coconut

If you like the Pink Coconut newsletter and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. Feel free to donate as little or as much as you’d like. No pressure. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends.

Many things make Kyoto great, and even though we stayed for a month, I still feel like we didn’t experience the city enough. I feel like I didn’t shop enough, didn’t visit all the lovely cafes, tea houses, and temples, or bike around as much as I wanted. It’s definitely one of those places I would happily return to.

Since this newsletter might get a bit long, I’m gonna cut the fluff and go straight to the point. Here’s everything we did in Kyoto. 🤳

🛋️ Where to stay?

Kyoto is not as big as Tokyo, so where you choose to stay really matters. Most people share pictures of old Kyoto on social media, making you think the entire city looks like that. I’m here to remind you it doesn’t. Only a few areas preserve the old, traditional houses. The rest of the city is pretty normal, with some parts feeling quite industrial and urban. Don’t expect to see geishas outside of Gion or in random neighborhoods; it won’t happen.

We opted for a coliving space just outside the city center. There are only three colivings in Kyoto, so we picked the one with the best location. With bikes, it’s about 30 minutes tops to Gion and central Kyoto. The area was nice, and we had a bus station just two minutes away. Luckily for us, the neighborhood had everything we needed, was quiet, and allowed us to bike around town easily.

I realized that I actually enjoy staying a bit outside the city center. Why? Because you get to see real people living their everyday lives and interact with them. You’re usually surrounded by less touristy restaurants, local gyms, and markets. It’s also (sometimes) cheaper to stay outside the popular areas, so I suggest giving it a try, especially if you’re staying for 30 days or more.

In case no one told you, houses, apartments, and pretty much all types of accommodation in Japan are quite small. Some Airbnbs and hotels are a bit more Western, but on average, expect compact spaces. Colivings follow the same principle. You get a small, simple room (some with tatami and futons, others with regular beds), a low-rise table, some shelves, a mirror, and that’s it. Traditional Japanese houses don’t come with closets, ergonomic chairs, or proper office setups. If you need those, I suggest asking about them upfront. We were lucky, our coliving offered everything we needed to work comfortably.

⛩️ Old Kyoto and temples

Whenever you see photos of people dressed in kimonos, they’re probably somewhere in the old part of Kyoto, trying to snap a picture without the crowds. Social media is full of shots from temples, Gion, and other areas of historic Kyoto; that’s what most people tend to share. To make things easier, here’s the old part of Kyoto (more or less) circled on Google Maps for reference. 👇🏻

As you stroll around that area, you’ll casually see small wooden houses, cobblestone streets, old shops selling beautiful crafts and artisanal objects, matcha sweets, tea houses, a theater, temples, restaurants, and many other things. It’s beautiful, it’s well-maintained, and you feel like taking endless pictures. It’s hard to get tired of it. You might only get tired of the crowds, but not the beauty.

🪭 Gion, the geisha district

Gion is one of the most popular and beautiful areas in the city. If you cross the river to Pontocho, it gets even prettier—narrow streets, lots of yummy restaurants, and a whole vibe you won’t experience in Tokyo or Osaka. It’s no wonder the Americans didn’t want to bomb Kyoto in WWII—it’s simply a jewel (Oppenheimer reference). You cannot visit it and not fall in love.

Gion is lovely at any time of day. It’s lovely in the daylight, it’s lovely at night, it’s lovely when it rains or when it’s gloomy. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a geisha. We saw only one during our stay, and it was at night as we were heading home after a short pub crawl. We stared for a few minutes because she was simply stunning. 🙇🏻‍♀️

Kyoto is a city full of temples. Everywhere you walk, you might stumble upon one, even outside the old parts of the city. What’s awesome about these temples is that the entrance fee (usually less than 1,000 yen) often includes access to a rock garden and a spacious courtyard where you can walk around, admire seasonal flowers, visit pagodas, and enjoy some quiet time. You can park your bike outside, take photos, and spend as much or as little time there as you like.

Here are some of my favorite temples, in no particular order, with links so you can save them for your next Kyoto trip:

• Sanjusangendo Temple – Really impressive bronze statues and a beautiful courtyard.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha – Lots of people, but it gets better as you ascend. You can take your time and explore the alleys.

• Kiyomizu-dera + Otowanotaki Falls – Always crowded, but totally worth it.

• Nanzen-ji – My favorite temple, especially if it’s a bit cloudy out.

• Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda) – Probably the most iconic pagoda in Kyoto.

🚴🏻‍♀️ Biking around Kyoto

We knew right from the start that Kyoto is a bike-friendly city. Japan, in general, is bike-friendly. Since public transport in Kyoto is quite inconvenient, we decided to get bikes from day one. We arrived from Osaka around noon, unpacked, and went out to get things done: lunch, bikes, a gym pass, and groceries. I found a bike shop close to our coliving, and we got bikes on the spot. They had second-hand options, which made it an easy choice. We decided to buy instead of rent because renting would have been more expensive.

It was a great idea. Biking in Kyoto makes the whole experience so much better. You can explore the city all day long, from one end to the other, without waiting for buses, trains, or taxis. You can bike up and down the river on sunny days, and visit as many temples as you like. It’s a dream, and you get a little exercise too.

The biggest downside is that you can’t leave your bike just anywhere. You need to park it in a designated parking lot, just like you would with a car. And if you know anything about Japan, you know they enforce the rules. Every. Single. Time.

🔐 So, where do you park your bike?

If you’re going to a shop, park in front of the shop. If you’re going to a restaurant, park in front of it or nearby in a designated lot. If you’re visiting a temple or museum, they’ll usually have a parking area for both cars and bikes. If you’re just exploring the city or heading to a market, try to find a small alley and leave your bike somewhere it’s not blocking the road, sidewalk, or any entrances. Parking on private property could get you in trouble. They also tow bikes, so I suggest you don’t leave yours unattended for more than a few hours.

👮🏻‍♀️ Bike safety and rules

Yes, Japan is known for being a safe country, and it really is. I always felt safe. You don’t have to worry about pickpockets or having your phone stolen. But out of all the things that do occasionally get stolen in Japan, bikes and umbrellas top the list. So, make sure you always lock your bike. They have a cool, easy-to-use lock system, so just make it a habit.

Other than that, bike lanes are pretty common, and most public parking areas have sections for bikes. It’s quite easy to get around Kyoto by bike, but don’t forget to follow the rules: stop at red lights, give way to pedestrians, other bikes, and respect the speed limit. Drivers in Japan are very respectful, so it’s only fair to return the favor and act accordingly. After all, we all want to be safe. Most people, even tourists, will step off the bike lane if you ring your bell, so don’t hesitate to use it.

As for jaywalking, you’ll rarely see Japanese people doing it. You can technically cross the road or ride through if no cars are coming, but I recommend following local rules. Waiting a couple of minutes for the green light teaches you patience and helps you blend in.

💸 Reselling the bikes

If you’re in Japan for a few months, you might want to sell your bike when you leave. So, how do you do that? Is it complicated? Here’s what I did:

1. Try to sell it back to the shop
This can work, but most shops will only offer a fraction of the original price. I wasn’t trying to make a profit, but they really lowballed me, so I moved on.

2. Post on Facebook groups
This might be the best option. The only downside is that it can take a while to find a serious buyer, so you’ll need to time it with your departure date. Also, you’ll have to officially transfer the bike to the buyer’s name, so bring your passport when you meet. You can usually get around 50% or more of what you paid. It’s also a great place to buy a bike when you arrive. I used the group “Kyoto Sayonara Sales.” I saw someone mention it on Reddit, so I searched and joined a few similar groups.

3. Ask around
In our case, we asked the owner of the coliving if he wanted to buy the bikes. He offered a decent price, so we went with that. It was stress-free, no paperwork, no meetups, and we got to use the bikes until the very last day. If you know your neighbors, have friends, or are connected locally in Kyoto, it’s worth asking around.

🍵 Shopping for Matcha in Kyoto

Kyoto is the unofficial matcha capital of Japan. With its deep history of tea ceremonies and abundance of green tea plantations, it’s the perfect place to both try and buy matcha. To be perfectly honest, you can buy matcha anywhere in Japan, but in Kyoto, it just feels a bit more special.

You’ll find plenty of TikTok videos explaining where, what, and how to buy matcha in Kyoto, so feel free to do some research there. You can also buy matcha from souvenir shops, supermarkets, 7-Eleven, markets, and restaurants. There’s matcha everywhere—you don’t have to go out of your way to find it. I suggest buying matcha from a few different places to see what you like. That’s what I did, and I’m happy with the results.

If you’re looking for specific blends, brands, or flavor profiles, then you might want to focus on dedicated tea houses and matcha shops. Just know that these more hyped places sometimes limit how many tins you can buy.

I tried them all, and honestly? Supermarket matcha does the trick for me. It’s affordable, easy to find, and it tastes great. Life Supermarket has some solid options, and I recommend them wholeheartedly. I also liked the matcha I bought from a coffee shop in Uji called Matcha Republic. 🌱

If you’re more of a matcha purist (or snob, no judgment), you might have to wake up early and wait in long queues to buy one tiny tin of matcha. Personally, I think it’s too much hassle. I’ve grown a bit tired of the whole “hyped-up spot” thing.

A Great Place to Buy Matcha: Uji

Uji is a small, charming city about 30 minutes from Kyoto by train, and it’s the official birthplace of Uji matcha. There, you’ll find matcha shops on every corner. Choosing just one can be tough, so I recommend buying a few tins from a few different places.

We had some amazing matcha desserts and lattes at Matcha Roastery, and I picked up tins from two spots:

• Matcha Republic (the café I mentioned earlier)

• Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-in (very popular)

👉🏻 PS: Every tin I bought in Uji was fantastic. Great color, great taste, and fair prices.
👉🏻 PPS: Stock up on matcha while you’re in Japan, it’s much cheaper than in Europe or North America. That’s my number one tip for any matcha lover.

📷 Day Trips from Kyoto

We stayed a full month in Kyoto. Since we usually work during the week, weekends were our only chance to explore the surrounding areas and take day trips. That said, the weather didn’t always cooperate; it rained quite a bit, so planning was tricky. Still, we managed to visit somewhere new almost every weekend. Here’s what we did, in no particular order:

Uji and Nara

Although you can visit Uji and Nara separately, we bundled them into one day. We took a train from Kyoto Station to Uji, then another from Uji to Nara. It was a smooth journey, and if you start around 9 or 10 AM, you can fit both into a single day.

If I were to do it again, I’d probably split them across two days, one focused on all the matcha experiences in Uji and another on hiking and exploring Nara. But if you’re short on time, combining them works just fine. We enjoyed both places and highly recommend them, especially Uji if you’re a matcha fan.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima isn’t your typical day trip; it’s a bit far from Kyoto. While the bullet train gets you there in under 3 hours, there’s a lot to see, so it’s better to dedicate a full weekend. That’s what we did.

We arrived before noon and headed straight to the Peace Memorial Dome, the museum, and then explored the city. We also made time to visit Miyajima, which I highly recommend. The next day, we went cycling.

If you have the time, Hiroshima is absolutely worth it. Its historical significance is immense, especially in today’s world. It’s difficult to put into words just how powerful and sobering it is to witness firsthand the devastating impact of nuclear weapons, and the price humanity paid for so-called "peace."

Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

Our Hiroshima trip continued with the Shimanami Kaido, a famous cycling route that was highly recommended by friends. We waited for a weekend with good weather and committed to it.

We booked e-assist bikes three days in advance. Even though we went on a Monday, it wasn’t too crowded, and the weather held up well. The full route is 76 km long and takes you across islands, bridges, and stunning natural scenery.

If you’re reasonably fit and love biking, this is an unforgettable experience. It was honestly one of the highlights of our entire Japan trip.

Kobe

Most people go to Kobe for the beef. And yes, you can have amazing beef in Kobe, but you can also find great beef all over Japan. We decided to skip the beef this time and instead had gyoza and pastries.

For some reason, the pastries in Kobe are on another level. They were incredible. If you go, try Bakery Riki, you won’t regret it.

Aside from food, Kobe felt like any other Japanese city. There’s a scenic cable car that takes you up a hill, and you can walk down through several peaceful gardens. Honestly, there’s not a ton to see in Kobe, so a day trip is more than enough.

🍡 Eating in Kyoto

Since we stayed in Kyoto for a full month, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Japanese cuisine truly. When you're only in a place for a few days, it can be hard to try a wide variety of foods, but with more time, we got to explore a lot. One of the best things about Japan is that eating out is reasonably priced. You won’t break the bank if you eat out more often than usual.

Since we wanted to enjoy as much as possible, we ate out almost every single day. Japanese cuisine isn’t my absolute favorite (I’d rank Thai, Mexican, Italian, and Peruvian above it), but I still really appreciate it, and I genuinely loved every single meal we had. 🫶🏻

I also loved shopping at Life Supermarket, which has a huge section of freshly cooked food. Another great option for a quick snack or lunch is the convenience store. I especially liked 7/11 and Family Mart, but honestly, they’re all pretty solid.

So, in no particular order, here’s a list of my favorite places to eat in Kyoto:

🍣 Sushi

• SushiRo (conveyor belt sushi)

• Kura Sushi (conveyor belt sushi)

• Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera Kyoto (fancy conveyor belt sushi)

🍜 Ramen

• Men-ya Inoichi Hanare

• Kyoto Shio-Gensui

• Ichiran Ramen

🥐 Bakeries

• Flip Up

• Kimura

• Marufuku Kyoto

🥡 Others

• Dragon Burger

• Shisei-en

• Coco Ichibanya

ℹ️ Overtourism in Japan

Even before going to Japan, I had seen countless videos about the crowds and overtourism. I expected every single street and corner to be packed with people. I imagined not being able to find a seat on the train, not being able to buy matcha, or even visit a temple.

So what’s the reality? Is Japan suffering from overtourism?

The answer is yes, and no. Let me explain. 💁🏻‍♀️

Why Yes?

Tourists are definitely coming to Japan. It’s an incredibly popular destination, and its popularity continues to grow. But in my experience, it doesn’t feel like “overtourism” in the way some European cities do.

What I’ve actually seen is the impact of social media on travel patterns. Everyone wants that perfect shot at the Fushimi Inari 1000 Torii Gates. Everyone flocks to Gion, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nishiki Market, and other popular landmarks in Kyoto. And I get it, I’m not judging. But I only encountered real crowds in those famous places and the central areas.

The rest of Kyoto? Surprisingly calm. Step a little outside the viral spots, and the crowds thin out fast.

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 How to Avoid the Crowds

It’s actually pretty simple:

• Limit the number of "must-see" spots on your list and try to find other attractions

• Stay outside central tourist zones

• Visit during the low season (avoid cherry blossom and autumn foliage peaks)

• Add more experiences to your itinerary, instead of attractions (go to a niche bar, a cooking class, or an escape room)

This strategy has worked really well for me, and it's what I’d recommend to anyone staying in Japan (or any city) for more than three days.

📬 To finish this lengthy newsletter, we loved our stay in Kyoto. It was amazing, and if you plan on visiting Japan, you should include Kyoto in your itinerary. Moreover, if you plan on staying longer in Japan, you should try Kyoto. It’s a great place for digital nomads for lots of reasons.

As always, if you have any questions about Kyoto, you can message me using the button here, or you can comment. 👇

See you next time! 🌊

In this newsletter, I’m sharing what we did during our 2-day short pit stop in Osaka. We initially planned to stay 2 weeks in Tokyo, 2 weeks in Osaka, and 2 weeks in Kyoto, but that would have been tiring and more expensive, as accommodation is generally pricier when staying for short periods. Since Osaka and Kyoto are so close, we decided to stay a month in Kyoto and sprinkle a bit of Osaka in between. That’s almost what we did.

Since our coliving space in Kyoto was available from May 7th, we ended up staying 2 nights in Osaka after 2 weeks in Tokyo. In my opinion, 2 days is more than enough to explore this city. Osaka is not a megacity like Tokyo, so you don’t need weeks to explore it, but it does have lots of areas of interest. I’ll start with the most popular.

📍Dotonbori: Osaka’s most hyped neighborhood

One of the most popular areas of Osaka is Dotonbori, a bright and booming area full of shops, food stalls, restaurants, tourists, markets, and lights. It stretches along the river, so it’s lively, colorful, and fun—even when it rains. It’s safe to consider this the most hyped neighborhood in Osaka. Even the neighboring areas of Dotonbori have the same lively atmosphere, so it’s a nice area to explore in general.

As you can imagine, most people flock to this area in the evening, hoping to do some shopping, eat some takoyaki or gyoza, stroll along the river, take pictures, or window shop. There’s something for everyone on these streets. You can buy clothes, sweets, fruits, souvenirs, home decor, have a drink, or eat sushi. A bit of a sensory overload if you ask me, but it has its own charm.

It can be tiring and overwhelming, so I suggest you don’t stay for too long. Since it gets so crowded in the evenings, I recommend you explore other areas too.

Truth be told, it’s a fun area, and you can take pictures almost enedleslly. Every corner, every shop, every restaurant has something intersting. It’s like Tokyo on steroids, everything so much more lively, colorfull, and fun.

It’s also dirty (shocking, I know), loud, bright, crowded, and overstimulating, all at once. Even if it’s not your cup of tea, it’s still worth going there at least once.

PS: when it rains it gets quite moody and mysterious.

🍣 Good food, even when it’s not great

Osaka is known as the “kitchen of Japan,” and for a good reason. You can find something to eat at any time of day and on every corner. There’s food everywhere, and it’s good. The truth is that we never really had bad food in Japan. Not every place is exquisite, but even when it’s not great, it’s still good—and I can’t say that about all the places I’ve been to.

Since we only stayed for 2 full days and it was pouring on our second day, we didn’t get to explore and eat as much as we wanted. There are many famous places in Osaka, and we didn’t eat at any of them. There are also many famous dishes from Osaka, but we had already tried them in Tokyo and Bangkok, so we didn’t feel like we missed out on anything.

I’ll link 3 places we liked:

• coffee stand TENGACHA

• Ramen Kobo Mensaku

• お好み焼き みやこ

What to eat in Osaka?

Aside from sushi, ramen, and curry, Japanese food has many other interestung dishes you can explore, especially in Osaka.

Here are 5 dishes you might want to add to your list:

1. Osaka Style Gyoza 🥟

   

2. Okonomiyaki

3. Takoyaki

   

4. Kitsune Udon 🍜

   

5. Kushi Katsu 🍤

   

6. Fluffy Cheesecake

   

🎉 Young, cool, and slightly gritty

Although Osaka is not my favorite city in Japan, it’s also the city we explored the least, so I’m open to giving it another try next time we come to Japan. Even though it’s not as clean as most parts of Japan, it has a different personality. It gives young vibes, cool people energy, and fun, party vibes.

It’s also much more affordable than Tokyo or Kyoto, so that’s a big plus.

👟 This city has a style of its own

One thing you’ll definitely notice in Osaka is the car tuning culture and the fashion. There are lots of vintage stores, second-hand shops, and cool places where you can find unique pieces. That’s the beauty of Japan, it’s a shopping paradise. Osaka is also home to the biggest and craziest Don Quijote store, with a carousel wheel that goes around it. Insane, I know.

We didn’t spend too much time window shopping, but the few stores we did enter were very cool, and I wish I had an extra suitcase with me.

What to buy in Osaka? 🛍️

Vintage clothes, souvenirs, beauty products, Japanese sweets, and anything else you see in the market.

🎎 What else is there to do?

Since Osaka is one of the biggest and most important cities in Japan, you bet there’s more to the city than shopping, food, and castles. So if you’re staying more than 2 days, here’s what you can do:

🔮 Universal Studios Japan

Tokyo has Disneyland, and Osaka has Universal Studios. The park is similar in layout to Universal Studios Florida and contains selected attractions from both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, in addition to a small number of unique attractions. If you’re a Nintendo or Harry Potter fan, this place is a must see.

Tickets start at ￥8,600 (about $60).

🙌 Back alley tours

Since Osaka has more of a secretive vibe to it, lots of agencies and individuals offer night tours. These backstreet tours can be a great way to learn more about Osaka and see another side of the city. More details about these tours here.

Is Osaka Worth It❓

There’s no quick answer to this question.

Based on my brief experience, I’d say it’s not quite worth a full week. In my opinion, it’s more of a weekend kind of city, and you can pair it with Kobe as well. Friday and Saturday in Osaka, and Sunday in Kobe—that’s how I would do it.

If your itinerary includes Kyoto (as it usually does), you can do day trips to Osaka, since they’re sister towns less than an hour apart. In this case, you don’t have to stay in Osaka—just visit it. Take a train in the morning and return at night. That’s also an option.

If you’re going to Hiroshima from Tokyo, for example, you can do a pit stop in Osaka for 1 or 2 nights. This brief visit is enough to see the main attractions, eat some okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and gyoza, and get a feel for the city.

To conclude, Osaka is worth the trip, but not quite an extended one.

Osaka is very different from Tokyo and Kyoto, so if you want to experience a different side of Japan, go ahead and include it in your itinerary. If you’re short on time, keep it as a day trip from Kyoto.

💬 Planning Your Trip? Ask Away

I know everyone has a different plan and itinerary for their trip to Japan. To help you make up your mind, I think a direct Q&A session would be helpful.

So if you’re planning a trip to Japan and have questions about Osaka, go ahead and leave me a message. I’ll answer as fast as I can.

🥥 Support Pink Coconut

If you like the Pink Coconut newsletter and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. Feel free to donate as little or as much as you’d like. No pressure. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends.

📍 The Details:

When: June 1 - 19, 2025
Where: Sinaia, Romania, a mountain resort town just 1.5 hours by train from Bucharest
Who: 15+ remote workers from around the world—Romania, Canada, France, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, the UK, and the USA—with backgrounds in consulting, communications, IT, marketing, music, art curation, and public health.

You’ll get to work remotely while surrounded by the fresh air of the Carpathian Mountains, enjoy outdoor adventures, and connect with like-minded people from around the world.

🌄 What to Expect:

• Hikes, bike rides, and gondola trips in the Carpathians

• A visit to a local bear sanctuary

• Exploring Dracula’s Castle

• Day trips to Brasov and Bucharest for food and wandering

• Vegan and vegetarian group dinners

• Group mastermind sessions

• Hotel sauna, gym, pool, and steam room access

*Minimum stay: 1 week

💻 What’s Included:

• Independent accommodation with a private bathroom

• Access to two cooking spaces and two coworking spaces

• Wellness facilities: gym, sauna, pool, steam room

• Community activities and local exploration

• Optional transfer to Bansko Nomad Fest (extra cost, depends on participant interest)

Want to see the hotel, day trips, and full retreat offer?

👉 Check out their website 👈

💬 How It Works:

They chat with each participant before confirming spots to ensure everyone’s aligned. Just fill out the [Google form] (insert link), and they’ll schedule a quick call to see if it’s a good fit.

✨ Why It Stands Out:

What makes this retreat special is the balance between personal growth and giving back. Most retreats focus only on wellness and fun. This one adds purpose:

By joining, you commit to:

1. Volunteering 2 hours with Fundatia Roots, a local NGO focused on education and entrepreneurship in Sinaia

2. Leading at least one activity (e.g., a workshop, yoga session, or anything you’d love to share)

As a nomad myself, I often want to contribute more meaningfully, but it’s hard to know how. This retreat makes it easy to get involved and give back.

It’s also a small, intimate group, so you won’t feel lost in the crowd.

💸 Price: €650

That includes your retreat and accommodation. For Sinaia, that’s a solid deal. The area can be pricey, especially accommodation, and this includes a lot.

I know it’s a bit last-minute, but if you’re working remotely and craving a unique experience, I suggest following them on social media. Even if you can’t join this time, you’ll stay updated on future retreats and events. I know I will.

Disclosure

This isn’t a paid post. I just genuinely believe in this project and wanted to share it. I wish more people would visit Romania. Sinaia and the Carpathians are magical. It’s worth it, trust me.

PS: If you have questions about the retreat or future events, reach out to The Better Neighbors.

I know everyone’s dying to visit and experience this amazing country, so I’m splitting it into three parts: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The classic itinerary, sprinkled with day trips, shopping, matcha, sushi, and everything in between. Let’s start.

First of all, I want to say how grateful I am to be here. It truly is an experience. We get to explore Japan for a month and a half, 50 days. It feels like a lot, but looking back, it’s nowhere nearly enough.

We started our adventure in Tokyo. On April 20th, we flew in from Bangkok on an overnight flight with Air Japan. For the first time, I had an entire row to myself and managed to sleep. It wasn’t the best sleep, and we arrived a bit tired, down with the flu, and grumpy, but it didn’t matter.

We landed early in the morning. From the very first minutes, we were greeted by the sun, a calm airport, Nintendo characters, and polite Japanese people obsessed with order and rules. It simply hits you the second you arrive, and that’s beautiful. It’s culture shock in a way, but it’s a beautiful way. It’s the good kind of culture shock.

You notice right away that Japanese people are extremely polite, quiet, put-together, and dedicated to their “craft”. Just like Tom Cruise said in The Last Samurai, “they dedicate themselves to their craft every day.”

They're not rushing. They're not hustling. Yet everything gets done and everything is perfect. I would say “perfectionism” describes Japan best.

We took a train from the airport to Ueno Park, where we dropped our suitcases. Since we arrived at 8 AM, we couldn’t check into our Airbnb yet, so we used a locker. Ueno Park was the closest “attraction” to our accommodation.

We booked an Airbnb for two weeks in Sumida City. Most people recommend staying in Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza, and I totally get why. But accommodation in Japan is expensive (not everywhere, but in Tokyo and Kyoto it is on the pricier side). It’s hard to find anything under $100 per night in Tokyo. We compromised with Sumida City because our Airbnb was close to the metro and had only five-star reviews. Again, I don’t regret it. Here’s the link if you want to check it out or save it for your trip.

It’s a new building, with great soundproof walls, spotless, has modern appliances, fast internet, and it’s located in a quiet neighborhood. The train station is about 12 minutes away. Every corner of our street felt like an anime setting. Sumida City isn’t a popular area, so you don’t see many foreigners. It’s more relaxed, traffic is minimal, and restaurants feel more local. I really recommend it. It’s about 30 minutes from Ginza by train and around 50 minutes to Shinjuku.

Our first day was spent in Ueno Park, and then we walked around Akihabara for a few hours. Because we work during the week, we spend Monday through Friday working, and visiting different areas (usually at lunch) or when it not raining. Unfortunately, Japan has UK-like weather, so when it rains, it pours. It rained quite a lot, but that didn’t stop us.

💺 How to get around Tokyo

Tokyo is a megacity, and it’s built like one. Japan has invested in railways for decades, and you’ll find trains connecting even the tiniest towns. Traveling is a dream. Japanese trains are fast, clean, and always on time. Everything they say about Japanese trains on the internet is correct. People are silent, they queue, and no one is listening to loud music or TikTok.

If you're staying longer in Tokyo, get a rechargeable travel card. We bought a PASMO card at a metro station. You can top it up with cash or via Apple Wallet. You can also add the card to your iPhone for easy tap-and-go access. It works on local trains, subways, buses, vending machines, and even at places like Skytree or in other cities.

🚄 Bullet Train

Traveling long-distance by Shinkansen (bullet train) is exciting. It’s fast, reliable, comfortable, and also not cheap. I’ll go into more detail in the Osaka newsletter, including how to buy tickets, luggage rules, and travel tips. But yes, it can be a bit confusing at first, especially if you’re not used to huge train stations.

🚕 Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis in Japan are safe, clean, and honest. You won’t get scammed. If you’re unsure where to get one or what the procedure is, use Uber. There are other apps, but we have only used Uber so far.

If you're a bigger group or traveling with lots of luggage, you can also pre-book a car service via Klook, Google, or your Airbnb host.

🚴 Bikes and Scooters

Japanese people love bikes. Rain or shine, they ride. You can rent one for a day or use Lime or Loop. Just make sure to park in designated areas. Don’t leave bikes randomly on the street. They will be towed and fined. If you’re unsure, ask someone or check Google Maps.

🚌 Public Transport

If you’re staying a bit longer in Tokyo, a rechargeable travel card will save you lots of time. We bought a PASMO card from a metro station. You top it with cash at any metro station or convenience store, or with your credit card via Apple Wallet. You can also add the card to your Apple Wallet for an even more seamless transit experience. The same PASMO card will work on buses, local trains, the Skytree, and public transport in other cities throughout Japan, as well as vending machines. The PASMO or SUICA IC Cards are very useful and easy to use.

📍 Google Maps + AI = LOVE

One thing that will help you during your stay in Japan is Google Maps and Google Translate. We use Google Maps to get around every single day. In Japan, Google Maps is quite accurate in terms of timetables, showing the best route, telling you which car to choose for an easier transfer, which exists to take to reach your destination faster, and how much it will cost you. Yes, it even shows accurate prices for metro/buses/trains/taxis.

We also use it to find restaurants, attractions, check out hotels before booking them, bars, parking spots, and so on. I’ll talk about how to find restaurants in a bit.

What you also need to know is that although Japan is open to tourists and appreciates them, not everything is translated into English or a non-Japanese alphabet. Some restaurants or places only have Japanese characters for their name, and if you can’t read them (lots of people can’t), you might get confused or frustrated. Have no fear, there’s Google Translate or ChatGPT.

If you’re being served a menu in Japanese or you need to park your car and don’t know how to do it, just use AI or Google Translate. From our experience, Google Translate is faster, but ChatGPT is better at understanding the context and telling you what to do. We use both. I use Google Translate a lot to help me understand what I’m buying at the supermarket. I suggest you download both. Google Translate is also a bit better and faster if you need to ask a person something at a pharmacy, a shop, etc.

🍜 Food

Japan is one of the most romanticized countries in the world. People dream of visiting, especially during cherry blossom season. We all love sushi and rice dishes, so we expected Japanese food to be an experience. I get the hype, but I’m going to be honest. The food wasn’t as mind-blowing as I expected. It’s not like tacos or Peruvian food.

Yes, sushi is incredible and unlike anything else. But aside from that, most meals were good, not “drop-everything-and-move-here” good. Sushi with tuna will melt in your mouth, and wasabi is not that potent here. But other than that, their food kinda lacks vegetables, fiber, and it’s just fried food. For a few days, I don’t mind, but we’re staying a month and a half, so I need my protein and fiber.

That said, the attention to detail and hygiene in Japan is unmatched. Every dish is plated exactly like the menu photo. Even the tiniest ramen shop is clean, and the staff takes hygiene seriously. We didn’t have a single stomach issue, and we came from Thailand, so trust me, that’s a big deal. They have sinks where you can wash your hands, or they’ll give you a hot towel to wash your hands the sweat. Even convenience stores will give you free wet towels if you buy food.

You’ll notice this “obsession with hygiene” everywhere: high-tech toilets, hand towels at restaurants, and wet wipes at convenience stores. Public toilets are clean, the metro is clean, the streets are clean, everything is clean.

Vending machines

Another popular thing you’ll see on every corner, metro station, or park is vending machines. They’re everywhere, and they all work. You just choose your drink, push the button, pay, and bam, you get your drink. And they’re always cold. They’re amazing. I’ve only seen vending machines with drinks and ice cream. I know they also sell other things (IYKYK), but I haven’t seen them. Even Disneyland has vending machines.

🍱 How We Chose Restaurants

There are a million guides out there. This isn’t one. Here’s how we actually chose restaurants: we walked around, saw what was open, and walked in. That’s it. No Google, no TikTok, no TripAdvisor. Just vibes.

Why? Because even the most rundown restaurant here is clean and decent. We had some great meals using this method. Popular restaurants have long queues, and honestly, I’m not waiting an hour for noodles. Time is precious.

That said, we also ate at some saved spots and tried supermarket sushi (which is amazing, by the way). My favorite was from Life Circle Square, around $10–15 for high-quality sushi. Fast, fresh, and affordable.

So if you’re worried about food or reservations, don’t be. Go with the flow. You’ll be fine.

If you’re looking to find even more restaurants, try writing in Japanese on Google Maps. It should give you different restaurants than the ones that have their name in English. Are they better? It depends. We tried this strategy in other countries, but food is subjective. We like different things.

🏠 Where to Stay

As I mentioned, we stayed in Sumida City. Not quite by choice, but it turned out to be a good choice. I would recommend it. But if you’re worried that you’re spending too much time on the train (you won’t) or that it’s too far, here’s what to choose.

If you want to be close to everything (shops, popular restaurants, important attractions, major train stations, big parks, museums, etc), choose Ginza, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. These three neighbourhoods are close to each other and home to the flagship stores and every hot spot you might see on TikTok. If you can’t find hotels there, try looking in the neighbourhoods around them.

We stayed in Sumida City, and while it wasn’t our first choice, it worked out really well. But if you want to be close to the action, stay in Ginza, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. These areas are packed with shops, attractions, and easy train access.

If you can’t find a place there, check nearby neighborhoods. The key is to be close to a train station. And don’t worry. There are no “bad” areas in Tokyo.

⛩️ Sightseeing

After two weeks, 30k daily steps, and countless train rides, I can tell you, you need a lifetime to fully explore Tokyo. But if you’re just visiting for a few days or weeks, here are some thoughts:

• TeamLabs: Beautiful concept, but way too crowded. We visited Borderless. It was fine, a bit underwhelming. Maybe Planets is better? Hard to say. Both are usually packed with people, big groups, and children.

• Parks: Japanese parks are dreamy. Peaceful, scenic, flower-filled. But weirdly, some don’t let you sit on the grass. They feel more like museums. It’s like you can look, but you can’t touch.

• Temples: There are temples everywhere. After a few, they start to blend, like churches in Europe. The beauty of temples is that they all have gardens and huge surroundings where you can walk and enjoy the silence.

• Shopping: You could shop forever in Tokyo. From flagship stores to indie boutiques, there’s something cool in every district. And don’t let me get started with the stationery, the beauty, Don Quijote, anime merch, souvenirs, or home decor. Remember that Uniqlo is cheaper in Japan. With a tourist visa, you can shop tax-free if you spend over ¥5,500 and show your physical passport. Due to this and the fact that their currency is weak, buying Japanese brands is very affordable. They’re also of good quality.

• Anime/Manga: If you’re a fan, head to Akihabara. It’s anime heaven. The neighbourhood is filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes where you can live your best anime life.

• Markets: We went to the fish market, Tsukiji Fish Market. Good food, lots of options, but super crowded. No matter when you go, it’s crowded. Akasaka also has a nice market vibe, but it can be crowded too.

• Disneyland: We went there for a full day. It was magical. If you’re into it and have the time, go for it. I wrote more about it in a separate newsletter here.

• Animal Cafes: Not my thing. No judgment, but I don’t support animal cafés or zoos. Feel free to visit them, but I’m against such animal cruelty.

• Pokemon & Nintendo Stores: Go. Just go. It’s pure nostalgia and joy if you grew up watching Pokémon and playing on a Nintendo console, so I think it’s worth it.

🗻 Day Trips

• Yokohama: We went. It could’ve been an email. I would skip it, honestly.

• Mt. Fuji: Worth it. Affordable, beautiful, and peaceful. We saw late sakura blooms and had perfect weather. If you go, make it a weekend trip and book a nice Airbnb.

• Mount Takao: Also doable as a day trip.

📝 Final Thoughts

If you're planning a trip to Japan, you're going to love it. If you’re not sure how long to stay, take as much time as you can. It’s worth it. If you’re wondering how many days you need in Tokyo, trust me, book at least a week.

Don’t overthink the itinerary, the restaurants, or the packing list. Japan has everything. Come with an empty suitcase and buy what you need here. There’s no overtourism problem in Japan, except in a few popular spots. If you’re not trying to tick boxes, you’ll enjoy every street, every corner, every moment.

📬 Q&A Time (new)

If you have any questions about Japan, where to stay, prices, when to visit, itinerary, attractions, and so on, feel free to reply to this email or reach out on my Instagram.

I’ll answer as fast as I can.

Till next time.

Bye-bye, from me and Pikachu. 💛

“Where dreams come true at the happiest place in Japan.” 🎀

If you’ve been following our journey, you know we’re currently exploring Japan. While we’ll cover our first two weeks in Tokyo in the next edition, this issue is dedicated to something truly magical: Tokyo Disneyland. 🎪 Yes, we went, we rode, we ate, and now I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip of your own. Keep reading or bookmark this for your future adventure!

🪄 First things first

Disneyland has a limited number of locations worldwide. There are two in the United States—Anaheim, California, and Orlando, Florida—and one each in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo. This visit marked my first time at any Disneyland park. I had various preconceptions and expectations about the experience, and perhaps you do too. Some people call it "the most magical place on Earth," while Disney promotes it as "the happiest place on Earth." But are these claims accurate? What truly makes Disneyland special? Is it worth the cost? Should you dedicate a day of your trip?

According to Wikipedia, this was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States, and it opened on April 15, 1983. The park was constructed by WED Enterprises in the same style as Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida.

Tokyo Disneyland shares many of its attractions with Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, featuring themed areas such as World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland. Notably, World Bazaar is unique to Tokyo Disneyland, offering a covered shopping street reminiscent of early 20th-century America.

The Tokyo Disney Resort comprises two distinct parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Each park requires a separate ticket, and to fully enjoy the experiences each offers, it's advisable to dedicate a full day to each. Attempting to visit both in a single day can be overwhelming and may not allow you to experience all the attractions and entertainment each park has to offer.

The resort also features several Disney-branded hotels and the Disney Resort Line, a monorail system that conveniently connects the parks, hotels, and nearby transportation hubs. This comprehensive setup contributes to the resort's designation as the Tokyo Disney Resort.

🎟️ Tickets

If you're planning a trip to any city with a Disneyland park and intend to visit, it's advisable to purchase your tickets in advance. While I can't say exactly how quickly they sell out, it's better to be prepared. We bought our tickets a few days before our visit, but to ensure availability, consider buying them about a month ahead. We paid around $65 for a ticket without any Fast Passes or additional options.

As mentioned earlier, Tokyo Disneyland comprises two distinct parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. To fully enjoy both, you'll need to purchase separate tickets for each. You can check the latest prices and availability on their website.

Discounted tickets are available for certain groups:

• Evening Admission: The Early Evening Passport allows entry from 3:00 PM on weekends and holidays, and on weekdays during specific periods. This ticket is priced lower than the standard 1-Day Passport.

• Children: Reduced rates apply for children aged 4–11, and juniors aged 12–17.

• Guests with Disabilities: Individuals with an applicable disability certificate, along with one accompanying guest, can purchase discounted tickets.

In my opinion, if it's your first visit, it's worth purchasing a full-day ticket to experience the park from opening to closing. Some attractions may not operate after 5:00 PM, and the park's ambiance during daylight offers a different charm. That said, the nighttime illuminations are also enchanting. Keep in mind that in Tokyo, the sun typically sets around 6:00 PM, even during summer, so daylight hours are shorter compared to some other destinations.

Tickets can be purchased through the official Tokyo Disney Resort website or the Tokyo Disney Resort App.

🎢 Is Disneyland for everyone?

I’m not the biggest Disney fan. I watched most of the movies growing up, but I was never a die-hard. I don’t know all the princesses or every character, so Disneyland was never high on my list. Honestly, I thought it would be a waste of time, just an overwhelmingly crowded place full of kids.

I was wrong. Very wrong. 🫠

Yes, Disneyland is full of kids, but once you're there, you kind of feel like a kid again. It takes you back to the days when you used to watch those movies and brings back some really sweet memories. Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing.

On top of that, Disneyland seems to be designed to make every single person on the planet fall in love with it. I don’t know how they do it, but it works. No matter your age, gender, or background, Disneyland is an amazing experience, and you're going to love it. There’s just nothing that can ruin it.

• Everyone is constantly waving and smiling.

• The staff is incredibly helpful and unfailingly polite.

• Even the queues are fun and engaging, no matter how long they are.

• Every corner is Instagram-worthy, so you can take as many photos as you want.

• There’s a wide variety of food, with stalls everywhere.

• And the merch? There's something for every taste and every budget.

So yes, Disneyland is for everyone. It’s also one of the safest parks I’ve ever visited, and the staff takes safety seriously.

🚇 How to get there?

Depending on where you are staying in Tokyo, you’ll probably take a train or a taxi to Disneyland. You can also drive, since there’s a parking lot there. Whatever you decide, Google Maps is your best friend. Google Maps in Japan works quite well, giving you many insights about your route, the platform, which exists to take, which coach is more suitable for a transfer, and the price. There’s also the option of staying at the Disney Hotel. In that case, all you have to do is be ready a bit earlier, as guests can enter the park 15 minutes before everyone. That’s the kind of benefits Disney offers to its hotel guests.

📱The Disney Resort app

After purchasing your tickets, you'll receive instructions on how to proceed. You'll be prompted to download the Tokyo Disney Resort App, create a MyDisney account, and link your tickets within the app. While downloading another app might seem inconvenient, this one is quite helpful. It allows for a smooth check-in at the park, pre-ordering meals, planning rides, purchasing Disney Premier Access, checking wait times for each attraction, navigating the park, and more.

We utilized the app extensively, and it was invaluable in determining which rides to experience next, understanding current wait times, noting when certain attractions close (some as early as 5 or 6 PM), and identifying any rides that were unavailable due to maintenance. The app also indicates which attractions are temporarily closed, so you can plan your day.

Since the app is primarily used during your visit, you can uninstall it after your trip to Disneyland.

TL;DR: Download and use the Tokyo Disney Resort App for a seamless park experience, then delete it.

🎠 The rides

Now, let’s get down to business and talk about the rides. Tokyo Disneyland offers a variety of attractions, parades, and shows. Their schedule is available in the Tokyo Disney Resort App, so if you're unsure about the timing or location of a parade, just check the app.

We aimed to enjoy as many rides as possible, focusing on the most popular ones. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't ideal, and it started pouring rain around 5 PM. As a result, we couldn't experience all the rides we wanted or watch the fireworks. 🎆Nevertheless, we had fun and spent approximately eight hours at Disneyland.

We arrived about 45 minutes before the park opened and queued until 9 AM. We were fortunate to enjoy the first three rides with minimal waiting. After the first hour, the queues began to lengthen. Despite this, we managed to go on 12 rides.

My top 3 favorite rides were:

1. The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast

2. Star Tours: The Adventure Continues

3. Big Thunder Mountain

⭐ Honorable mentions: Haunted House, It’s a Small World with Groot, and Tom Sawyer Island Rafts.

We queued for most rides, sometimes up to 40 minutes. It might seem like a lot, but time flies when you're at Disneyland because they ensure you're never bored. All rides are carefully designed to guide you from the entrance to the ride through a line reminiscent of an airport queue, packed with various hints about what the ride entails. These themed queues make the waiting experience fun and engaging.

There are no benches or chairs in the waiting lines, so you'll have to stand. It can be tiring after a few hours, but fortunately, there are places where you can rest. The park is meticulously designed to accommodate everyone. Whatever you need, they have it: fun little benches and tables, dining halls, and more.

As you might expect, since it's Disney, most things are available for purchase. If you want a snack, it's available. If you need a hat, you can buy one. If you want dessert, it's there. If you wish to skip the line, you can purchase a Disney Premier Access pass. If it rains, you can buy a raincoat or an umbrella. It's a fun experience, but be prepared to pay for every additional item. The ticket grants you entry to the park and access to the rides; everything else is an extra cost.

🚨 Important 🚨

Since we're in Japan, most rides and dialogues are in Japanese, even those aimed at children. The staff is proficient in English, and the famous Disney songs are in English, but expect a lot of Japanese. It doesn't make the rides less enjoyable, but you might not understand the introductions or what the characters are saying at times.

Prices are listed in yen, but you can pay by card almost everywhere.

⏩ Disney Premier Access - Is it worth it?

As I mentioned earlier, queuing for some rides can be quite lengthy, sometimes up to 80 minutes. That's a significant amount of time spent waiting in line. So, how can you skip the line? The answer is simple: purchase Disney Premier Access. Most rides offer this option through the Tokyo Disney Resort App, allowing you to select a specific time slot to enjoy the attraction with a reduced wait time. The cost for Disney Premier Access varies between ¥1,500 and ¥2,500 (approximately $10 to $17), depending on the attraction.

Since we weren't interested in experiencing all the rides—some of which are designed for children—we opted to purchase Disney Premier Access only for the "Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast." This particular ride consistently has long queues and is considered one of the park's highlights. It was worth every penny.

If you're feeling tired or simply don't want to spend hours waiting in line, Disney Premier Access is a worthwhile investment. While it does add to the overall cost, the time saved can enhance your park experience.

Keep in mind that Disney Premier Access is available in limited numbers and may sell out. It's advisable to check the Tokyo Disney Resort App in advance for availability and to make your purchases early in the day.

By strategically selecting which attractions to use Disney Premier Access for, particularly those with the longest queues, you can maximize the number of rides you experience during your visit.

Disneyland strategies for the perfect day

The park operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Many guests begin queuing around 8:00 AM to ensure they're among the first to enter. If you can arrive early, that's great, but the entry process is quite efficient. Even if you arrive by 9:00 AM, you'll be fine.

Another strategy is to prioritize the most popular rides early in the day. At Tokyo Disneyland, attractions like "Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast," "Pooh's Hunny Hunt," and "Splash Mountain" often have long wait times. If you arrive at the park when it opens, heading straight to these rides can help you experience them with minimal waiting. Once you've enjoyed these top attractions, you can explore other areas, grab a bite to eat, take photos, watch parades, or shop.

If you're short on time or prefer not to plan every detail, you can ask ChatGPT to help you create a personalized itinerary. However, keep in mind that AI may not be aware of real-time updates, such as ride maintenance or unexpected closures. It's always a good idea to check the Tokyo Disney Resort App for the latest information during your visit.

🛍️ Shopping at Disneyland

If there's one thing Disneyland excels at, it's shopping. Shops are strategically located throughout the park, each offering a unique experience. For instance, the Grand Emporium, the largest shop in Tokyo Disneyland, provides a vast selection of plush toys, stationery, and wearable items, all set within a charmingly themed environment.

The attention to detail is remarkable. Every store is meticulously decorated to reflect its theme, from the whimsical Toy Station adorned with tin rockets and model airships to the elegant Kingdom Treasures, which showcases Disney film-themed merchandise in a medieval-inspired setting.

No aspect is overlooked. The lighting, signage, merchandise, and even the restroom facilities are thoughtfully designed to enhance the immersive experience. This dedication to detail ensures that every corner of the park contributes to the enchanting atmosphere that makes Disneyland truly special.

As I mentioned earlier, Disneyland offers a vast array of merchandise, all branded with Disney, of course. While we didn't purchase anything due to limited luggage space, rest assured that there are Disney stores outside of the parks as well.

One notable location is Bon Voyage!, an official Disney souvenir shop situated just outside the Tokyo Disneyland Resort. It's conveniently located between Maihama Station and the park entrance, making it an ideal spot to pick up exclusive Tokyo Disney Resort merchandise before or after your park visit. You can’t miss it! The shop stays open one hour longer than the park, offering a wide selection of original merchandise from both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Additionally, there are several Disney Stores across Tokyo where you can find a variety of Disney-themed products. For instance, the Disney Flagship Tokyo store in Shinjuku is the largest in Japan, offering a vast range of merchandise, including items from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel franchises. Other locations include Shibuya Koen Dori, Odaiba Aqua City, Ikebukuro Sunshine City, and Tokyo Solamachi near Tokyo Skytree.

If somehow you don’t have time to shop at Disneyland, you can still do it outside the park at any of these stores. 😉

🎒What to bring with you

You're allowed to bring a bag or a backpack with you inside the park, so here are some essentials you might consider:

🔋 External Battery
Since you'll be queuing for some time, you're going to scroll and take photos and videos for hours. Bring an external battery with you so you don't run out of power. You also need to return home, so you'll need some extra battery for that too.

🌂 An Umbrella
The weather in Tokyo can be a bit moody, so in case it rains, I suggest you pack an umbrella. Of course, you can buy an umbrella or a raincoat at any Disneyland shop, but if you don't want to spend more money, bring one with you. Backpacks are allowed, so you can easily pack one with you. The umbrella can protect you from the sun as well.

🧃 Snacks and Water
Disneyland has lots of food options and snacks available. The entire park smells like caramel popcorn and donuts. It's amazing. I know some people might not want to indulge in sugary sweets, so make sure you bring your own food. You can hit a 7-Eleven before Disney and grab something. Water bottles are also allowed, and you can refill them at any food hall without any charges. It's Japan after all; they offer free water everywhere. As you can imagine, there are plenty of vending machines, so if you fancy a drink, you can buy one.

🧢 Hat and Sunglasses
If it's a sunny day, you might want to pack your sunglasses and a hat. Queues are usually covered, so you'll be safe from direct sunlight or rain, but outside of the rides and waiting areas, you’re fully exposed. Since you're bringing a backpack with snacks and an umbrella, you might as well pack a hat and sunglasses too.

✨ Final thoughts

A visit to Tokyo Disneyland offers exceptional value for the experience it provides. It's notably more affordable than many other Disney parks worldwide. The park's immersive attractions, meticulous theming, and high-quality food and service contribute to an enriching experience. 🫖 Many visitors find that Tokyo Disneyland and its neighboring park, Tokyo DisneySea, offer some of the most enchanting and well-executed Disney experiences globally.

If you're planning a week-long stay in Tokyo, dedicating a full day to Disneyland is highly recommended. With thoughtful planning, it's possible to enjoy the park on a budget without compromising on the experience. Whether you're a Disney enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Tokyo Disneyland promises a memorable adventure that lives up to its reputation.

That’s it!

See you next time. 👸

🥥 Support Pink Coconut

If you like the Pink Coconut newsletter and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. Feel free to donate as little or as much as you’d like. No pressure. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends.

Let’s start! 🪷

🎉 What is Songkran

If you’ve never been to Thailand in April, chances are you’ve never heard of Songkran. I had been to Thailand back in 2019 for New Year’s Eve and still had no idea it existed—at least not until a few months ago, when we started planning this trip.

Like any normal person, I Googled “Songkran Thailand”. You can check out the Wikipedia page, or just search “Songkran Bangkok” on TikTok or YouTube. Watching videos is honestly the best way to grasp the scale of this holiday and see if it’s something you’d want to experience. 🌈

Songkran is celebrated all across Thailand, not just in Bangkok. I experienced it in Bangkok with a group of friends, so what you’ll see here is the Bangkok version. Even if you're heading to one of the islands, you’ll still get a taste of it, just on a different scale.

What does it actually look like?

Reading about Songkran and experiencing it are two very different things. Most people call it “madness” or a “crazy holiday,” and they’re not wrong, but until you live it, it’s hard to grasp just how massive it is.

You’ll hear it described as a week-long holiday where everyone grabs a water gun and splashes others with water. Sounds fun, right? We’ve all had water gun fights before. But if you’re thinking, “I’ll just get a little wet, and it’s hot anyway, so I’ll dry fast,” think again.

You don’t just get wet. You get completely soaked—again and again, for hours on end. You rarely get a chance to fully dry off. That’s just not how it works. When it’s Songkran, if you go outside, you will get drenched. If you prefer staying dry, your best bet is to stay indoors because nothing out there is safe.

Groups of kids hang out in front of 7-Elevens with giant water guns, ready to spray anyone who walks by. Strangers will blast you with water or dump entire buckets over your head if you pass their way or even if you’re just stopped at a red light. Even police officers join in, squirting people as they cross the street. So yes, if you step outside, expect to get soaked. 🐳

I know the idea of getting wet all day might sound overwhelming, but remember that Thailand is scorching hot in April. A bit of water should feel refreshing. Then again, as I said earlier, there’s no such thing as “a bit” of water during Songkran. You get soaked. Period.

During the days we joined the celebration, we were drenched—whether we wanted to be or not.

In the weeks leading up to Songkran, you’ll hear people rave about the upcoming holidays. Then, you’ll start noticing water guns appearing in supermarkets. A few days before the festival begins, almost every street will be lined with stalls selling water guns, water pouches, hats, and all kinds of waterproof gear.

My advice? Get yourself a water gun and a waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet. Even a simple Ziploc bag will do the trick.

What to wear and expect during Songkran

• During Songkran, wear light clothing, bathing suits 🩱, or sportswear. Choose something that dries quickly, and wear shoes that won’t get slippery. 🧢 🥽 🩴

• Avoid bringing valuables that could get ruined, like your passport, iPad, laptop, expensive jewelry, or favorite clothes.

• The celebration lasts about a week, so if you’re up for music and a good time, you can join in as often as you like. It’s usually more crowded on weekends.

• Most water fights start around noon and “officially” end around 6 PM, although the ones hosted at malls often go all day.

• Even though the whole city gets involved in the chaos, there are designated spots for a more organized experience. Picture roads blocked off, huge speakers blasting music, brand activations, vendors selling water and drinks, and police keeping everything in check. It feels like a music festival on every major street. 🔊

• In some areas, police shut down roads so people can enjoy the water fights safely. In others, there are organized spaces that require an entrance fee. Look up the official Songkran locations if you want to join in at one of these spots.

• Most malls set up dedicated areas—usually right in front of the entrance—with a stage, big speakers, and water for refilling your guns.

Keep in mind that Songkran is also a religious holiday. People visit temples to pay their respects and take part in the traditional water ritual. 🧘🏻‍♀️ There are no water fights inside the temples, but the moment you step outside, it’s a different story.

We spent our last weekend in Bangkok getting soaked and partying.

It was fun, it was intense, and I’m not sure I’d do it again. But never say never.

The next newsletter is all about island life, cocktails, and sun in Koh Samui. 🌴

Bye-bye!

🥥 Support Pink Coconut

If you like the Pink Coconut newsletter and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. Feel free to donate as little or as much as you’d like. No pressure. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends.

It all started a few weeks ago when my partner came up with the idea of spending a weekend in Erawan National Park. All we needed was a plan and a date—because with this heat, finding a few more people to join us wouldn’t be a problem.

After some planning and research, we settled on a date and booked an Airbnb. Although the area is quite large, we ended up finding an incredible chalet. So instead of going to Kanchanaburi or Erawan, we stayed in Sai Yok National Park, close to Hellfire Pass.

It was the best decision ever. Thank you, Silviu, for finding this amazing chalet. 🫶

If you’re not familiar with the name or the area, this place is best known as the Death Railway. Why such a sinister name? It was built by WWII prisoners, and thousands of them lost their lives constructing the railway that connected Bangkok to Burma between 1942 and 1943.

Some historical facts:

• The Japanese army forced approximately 60,000 Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and roughly 200,000 civilian laborers (mostly Burmese and Malayans) to build the railway.

• Laborers faced starvation, disease, and brutal working conditions, including impossibly long hours in remote, unhealthy locations.

• A particularly notorious section of the railway, Hellfire Pass, is known for its harsh conditions and heavy loss of life.

• The railway became a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of hardship and cruelty.

Why would anyone visit such a morbid place? Because it’s a piece of history that most Europeans know little about, and it intertwines this incredible story with breathtaking nature and peaceful surroundings. Plus, it’s a great way to escape Bangkok and its pollution for a few days.

Getting there from Bangkok can be a bit challenging, but if you’re willing to endure the journey—anywhere from three to five hours, depending on your mode of transportation—it’s well worth it. Rural Thailand is truly spectacular, and I’m grateful to have experienced it and now share my story. If you’re planning a longer trip to Thailand, I highly recommend adding this destination to your itinerary, even if just for a weekend.

🚂 How to get to Death Railway

There are multiple ways to visit this place. Since the area is quite large—and even hotter than Bangkok (if that’s possible)—I’d recommend spending at least three days there. If you’re wondering how to get there, here are your options:

You can get there by train 🚂

• There are 2 trains that take you to Nam Tok from Thon Buri Train Station in Bangkok. One is in the morning, and one at noon. It takes about 4 hours to get to Nam Tok, and the trains are very basic (No AC, no windows, dirty benches, etc) but with beautiful scenery once you reach the national park. The price is 100 baht. You get what you pay for. A local train in Thailand that stops every 10 minutes along the way.

  

You can book a Grab or hire a private driver 🚕

• If you fancy, you can book a Grab (their Uber) or hire a private driver to take you there. It will cost you around 1,500 baht or more, but you don’t need to worry about the schedule, the heat, or food. The driver can stop along the ride if you need to go to the bathroom, for example. Depending on your destination, the cost can be higher. We paid 1,500 baht from BKK to Kanchanaburi and another 1,000 baht from Kanchanaburi to our Airbnb.

You can rent a car 🚗

• Another convenient option is to rent a car by yourself or with friends and drive there. This can be a really good option if you’re sharing the costs with friends. Having a car allows you to visit all sorts of places without any schedule concerns.

You can take a bus 🚌

• Buses are also a convenient option. There’s one almost every hour from Bangkok Bus Station. From my research, prices range from 100 to 250 baht. Not bad, but again, you get what you pay for.

You can book a tour

• If you don’t want to bother with itineraries, trains, buses, and other details, you can book a day tour from Bangkok. You won’t see everything or enjoy staying in the park, but it can be an option.

🛖 Where to stay

I strongly recommend our Airbnb and the area we stayed in, but there are plenty of other beautiful places as well. Erawan National Park is stunning, the Nam Tok area is lovely, and almost anywhere along the river offers great options. You can choose from a variety of chalets, resorts, glamping sites, and hotels—it all depends on your budget.

We booked this chalet for two nights, and honestly, we would have stayed longer.

Why? I’ll let these images do the talking.

I don’t think the images do it justice. It’s such a calm and serene place. There are only five cabins, each offering complete privacy. No one will bother you—except for a few lizards and the usual mosquitoes.

They offer a variety of activities you can book, free bikes to use, breakfast included in the chalet price, and dinner at reasonable prices with generous portions. It’s truly a jungle paradise, where you don’t have to worry about a thing. The only thing we could have asked for was a few extra days.

🧳 What to visit

As I mentioned above, the area is rich in both nature and history, so be prepared for waterfalls, lake swims, river cruises, kayaking, museums, tours, temples, meditation centers, biking, old railways, and, of course, delicious food.

Here’s a short list of fun things to do:

• Visit the Sai Yok Waterfall.

• Visit the Erawan Waterfalls.

• Explore the Hellfire Pass Museum.

• Go kayaking down the Khwae Noi River.

• Take the train from Nam Tok to Kanchanaburi and experience the Death Railway from the train.

• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary—ideally one where you can observe the elephants in their natural habitat without touching or feeding them.

• Go hiking.

⏭️ What’s next

This is officially our last week in Bangkok. In a few days, another group of friends will be joining us. We’ll celebrate Songkran together, visit some temples, tour the city, and eat lots of Thai food. I can’t wait! 🤩

After that, we're heading to Koh Samui for a week of relaxation and adventure. We booked a villa, we’re renting scooters, and we’ll be chilling at the beach. I’m so excited to finally explore Koh Samui and see what all the hype is about—especially after The White Lotus.

Next, we’re off to Japan! ⛩️ If you’re curious about what it’s like, how to get there, visas, accommodation, prices, food, and more, make sure you’re subscribed.

That’s it!

See you next time!

🥥 Support Pink Coconut

If you like the Pink Coconut newsletter and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. Feel free to donate as little or as much as you’d like. No pressure. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends.

🥡 More food recs

Because Thailand has such a vibrant food scene and people eat out every day, we don’t bother cooking. Our apartment and kitchen are pretty small, which gives us even more reason to go out and enjoy Thai food. I think I could eat it almost every day, so deciding what to eat is always easy.

When people think of Thailand, they picture islands, cocktails, blue waters, and coconuts by the beach. They’re not wrong, but Thailand is so much more than that. You can explore national parks, waterfalls, mountains, and, of course, big cities. Bangkok may be hot and noisy, but it also has endless things to do. Beyond the usual tourist activities like visiting temples, floating markets, tuk-tuk rides, rooftop bars, and street food stalls, there are plenty of other fun experiences. Here are a few ideas:

• There’s this fun and cozy “The Bed” cinema you can go to.

• You can try this Thai cooking class (100% worth it).

• You can do a Muay Thai class. They also do private classes.

• You can ride a bike in Bangkok’s green lung. Just take a ferry from here and then rent a bike.

• You can go to an onsen Japansese style spa.

• You can book an escape room.

• You can go climbing and bouldering. There are multiple places in Bangkok.

• You can spend some time at a cat/dog cafe.

• You can go carting with friends.

I know you like restaurant recommendations, so here’s a list of some of the places we’ve been to lately.

• Thong Smith Noodles - get the boat noodles and wonton starter.

• Chinatown Nai Ek Roll Noodle - get anything crispy pork.

• Coconut Lane - we got the shakshuk, and it was a dream.

• Mahanakhon Food Court - we tried a few restaurants there; they’re not very expensive.

• Tum Pak Pert - a great place for Thai food. The larb chicken was really good.

🍵 Matcha madness

I discovered matcha years ago, but it was only last year that I decided to fully switch from coffee. Why? Because matcha is easier to make, widely available, and doesn’t give me a caffeine crash a few hours later. It releases energy slowly without making me feel anxious. It doesn’t have the coffee effect (iykyk 🚽), and even though it’s more expensive than coffee, I love it.

Naturally, when we got here, I found that matcha is super popular, easy to find, and cheap. You can get a matcha latte for $3 at a café or even less. They have every combination you can imagine—frappuccino, coconut matcha, Thai tea matcha, and more. There’s also matcha ice cream, matcha ice bars, matcha yogurt, matcha protein shakes, matcha cheesecake, and matcha snacks. I love it. 💚

I make my own matcha at home, and for that, I bought Uji matcha from Bic C. It was about 325 baht (± $9.5), and it’s really nice Japanese matcha. I make it with vanilla syrup, ice, and soy milk. Back in Europe, I couldn’t find any good matcha for less than $35.

👩🏻‍🍳 Thai Cooking Class - is it worth it?

Back in 2019, when we first visited Thailand, I saw a lot of people raving about cooking classes. There were plenty in Chiang Mai, but for some reason, I thought they would be boring, and we just weren’t that interested. You can find any recipe on YouTube anyway, so why pay for a cooking class? I can cook. I don’t need lessons. And that was the end of it.

This time, we wanted to focus more on experiences rather than just places and attractions. So, a cooking class was back on the menu. After one of our friends arrived in Bangkok, we booked a class for a Monday evening.

Finding the cooking school was surprisingly easy. On our way to lunch, I happened to spot a group of people coming from the market wearing aprons. A quick Google search led me to the place. It had great reviews, was relatively close to us, and seemed like a good fit—so we booked it.

We paid 1,200 baht per person for a four-hour cooking class. This is the one we chose, but you can find plenty of others on Airbnb Experiences, Agoda, Google Maps, or just by wandering around Bangkok. Of course, you can take a cooking class almost anywhere in Thailand.

We made tom yum, pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.

I’ll leave some photos of the experience!

Not to brag, but honestly, it was some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had. I’d like to say it was because of the chef, but it was probably the quality of the ingredients, the right ratios, and a great recipe. Everything was perfect. It was a bit too much food, though—I’m not used to eating four dishes in one sitting—but it was a fun experience nonetheless.

As you can see from the images, they pre-cut the ingredients for you since these classes are designed for everyone, even kids. It’s mostly about assembling ingredients and cooking them for a few minutes in a wok.

I’d do it again (with different dishes) and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Thailand. It only takes three to four hours, and you can do it in the morning, evening, or at night.

They even gave us chopsticks, a recipe book, and a coconut ladle as gifts!

We have a trip planned for this weekend, and then a group of friends is joining us for Songkran.

⚠️ Before you leave, I have a little post-quake update. ⚠️

It’s been almost a week since the earthquake. Everything is back to normal in Bangkok. Most buildings are now safe for residents to return to, but they’re still inspecting elevators and assessing damages. This means we can’t use the gym, the sauna, the pool, some of the elevators, or the terraces in our building. At the moment, we don’t know when these facilities will reopen, so we’re going to a local gym.

Other than that, most shops and malls are fully open and functional. The same goes for the MRT and BTS (most lines). It’s like nothing ever happened.

I can’t advise anyone on canceling their trip to Thailand, but if you ask me, no matter where you go, make sure you know what to do in case of an emergency. You don’t have to cancel your travel plans. You just have to be prepared.

That’s it.

See you next time with other adventures!

🥥 Support Pink Coconut

If you like the Pink Coconut newsletter and you’d like to support the work I do here, you can buy me a coffee. Feel free to donate as little or as much as you’d like. No pressure. This is a fun project meant to help and inspire others, so if you feel inspired, share it with your friends.

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Friday, March 28th

It was a sunny day in Bangkok, like most days. We woke up early, had breakfast, and started working. We had lunch plans with a friend for the evening, so around noon, we decided to hit the gym to get it out of the way.

My boyfriend went up first (the gym is on the 50th floor), and about 10 minutes later, I joined him. I got there, put my water bottle on the table, and started searching for a podcast for my workout. My boyfriend saw me, walked over, and then suddenly I started to feel dizzy, leaning toward the table. In just a few seconds, I quickly realized I wasn’t dizzy. The building was moving. It was an earthquake.

Everyone started to panic and ran for the exit. I screamed, “Not the stairs!” and rushed toward my boyfriend. We held hands, trying to balance ourselves. We were panicked but holding it together somehow.

Our building has 56 floors (if I’m not mistaken), so at that height, you feel the swaying intensely. Then, I saw the wall crack several centimeters wide. That’s when I understood the magnitude of the earthquake. It was bad. I thought to myself, If the walls are cracking, we’re going down.

This is it. We’re gonna die.

Unfortunately, within seconds, everyone ran out of the gym to the pool, two floors lower. So I followed them. We all gathered there, trying to balance and in shock. The water in the pool was making big waves and started pouring out toward the elevator.

I knew elevators were not an option, so I took out my phone and started recording what was happening. I tried to Google it to see if it was an earthquake, but it was too soon. There was no news or information about it online.

There were about 10 people at the pool. After the swinging stopped, we decided to take the fire escape down and evacuate. Not the best decision in hindsight, but we were all scared.

As we were going down the stairs, the alarm started ringing.

Some floors were more damaged than others, and most of us were still in shock. Me included, of course.

We didn’t know Thailand had earthquakes. This was not supposed to happen. According to the internet, this was the first earthquake Thailand had experienced in more than 50 years.

I don’t remember how long it took us to get down from the 49th floor. Probably 10 minutes, but it felt longer. I took some photos.

When we reached the ground floor, the staff and our neighbors were already waiting outside. They had all evacuated somehow.

Most of them were wearing pajamas, loungewear, or underwear because you’re never prepared for an emergency. Some didn’t even have their phones or shoes.

All I had was my phone, my AirPods, and gym clothes. That’s it. No passport, cash, laptop, hat, or water.

Luckily, our building, and most buildings in Bangkok, survived the earthquake. Only one building collapsed, and it was under construction.

As you can imagine, everyone around us evacuated. The sidewalk was full of people looking for shade. It was around 1–2 p.m., and the sun was scorching. We all needed shade.

As we waited for any news, they started handing out water bottles. Restaurants were giving out water too. Everyone was trying to help. 7/11 was closed, but they were handing out water as well.

It’s beautiful how humans come together during times like these.

We waited there for an hour, talking to our friends in Bangkok. By this point, most news outlets were reporting on the earthquake, so we decided to let our families know we were okay.

Since there was no sign of us getting back into our building (they had to check if it was safe for everyone to return), we decided to meet our friends in Lumphini Park. As you can imagine, Lumphini Park was packed with people. All parks were crowded with people trying to get away from aftershocks, high-rise buildings, and highways.

We stayed there for the rest of the day, waiting for our Airbnb host to update us.

It took them probably four or five hours to assess the building. By 6 p.m. or later, they announced that we could go back up to our apartment.

Unfortunately, our friends weren’t that lucky. One of them missed his flight because traffic was hell, and he couldn’t get to the airport. Our other two friends weren’t allowed to return to their building—one slept in our apartment, and the other booked a hotel for the night.

As you can imagine, lots of people spent the night in the park. Some were afraid to go back to their homes, while others weren’t allowed to return at all. Local authorities provided tents and toilets.

Around 8 p.m., we decided to go back to our building.

Unfortunately, only one elevator was working, so everyone was queuing to go up and down. I saw lots of people waiting in the lobby with their luggage.

I was nervous to see if our apartment was damaged, so after queuing for 20 minutes, we decided it would be quicker to take the stairs. It took us about 10 minutes to get up to the 29th floor. On the way, we checked out a few floors, and it didn’t look promising. Some floors were more damaged than others. I’ll insert some pictures.

When we arrived at our apartment, things weren’t so bad. Some debris on the floor, dust, and cracked wallpaper. That’s it. Our laptops were fine. Nothing of value was damaged.

We took some pictures for the Airbnb host and then started cleaning up a bit. All we had to do was wipe the surfaces and sweep the floor. Thank God the apartment is small.

After a brief cleaning, we had dinner (7/11 pad kra pao), showered, and went to sleep.

Saturday, March 29th

The next day, we woke up somehow still tired, had breakfast, and then decided to go “inspect” the building ourselves. We wanted to see if the common spaces were open and look for the gym stuff we left during the earthquake (a towel and headphones).

Upstairs, the situation wasn’t that bad. A few tiles were missing, some debris, and some cracked walls. Nothing major or life-threatening. 🙏🏻

We got our belongings back and then took a Grab to our friend’s building to check if his apartment and belongings were still intact. Luckily for him, one elevator was working, so we were able to go upstairs quickly. Although he saw his building in the news, his apartment was in good condition. Better than ours. He even had running water, WiFi, and electricity. Everything was fine aside from the common areas. As of today, the pool, gym, sauna, and library in his building are out of service. 😭

Hopefully, we can still use the gym in our building. Not sure I’m brave enough to go in the pool anytime soon.

We spent the day chilling and coordinating with the Airbnb host for a deep cleaning of our apartment.

Sunday, March 30th

48 hours have passed since the earthquake. Almost everything is back to normal in Bangkok. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about Myanmar. Some sources claim it was an 8.2 earthquake, while others say it was 7.8. Either way, it was devastating. Although we were over 1,000 km away from the epicenter, we felt it too.

The death toll in Myanmar is now over 1,500 people, with more than 3,000 injured and probably thousands in need of help. If you want to donate, consider choosing a trustworthy NGO such as the Red Cross or UNICEF.

If you don’t know where to donate, you can contribute here (my “Buy Me a Coffee” account), and I’ll send all the money to an organization. I’ll update you on which one.What we learned & some useful resources

Most people are unprepared for disasters. I know it’s hard to think of the unthinkable, and there’s not much you can do to prepare, but we can all stay updated with the latest safety measures. Lots of people don’t know what to do in case of earthquakes, and that’s highly dangerous. Unfortunately, lots of people still believe urban myths when it comes to safety, so I’ll leave some resources here.

• What to do in case of an earthquake → UNICFF, YouTube Video, Red Cross

• What do to in case of a tsunami → Red Cross, YouTube Video

• What to do in case of a fire → YouTube Video

For more resources feel free to watch other YouTube videos, read articles, ask your local authorities, take a course, or even ask ChatGPT. I strongly suggest you read official websites and not random blog posts.

If you’re traveling

If you plan on traveling, I would advise taking an emergency course. It’s crucial to know what to do in case of a medical emergency or a natural disaster. An emergency course will help you in any situation. It’s on my list too.

Whenever you’re going to a new country, try to research the potential dangers you might face. Check for risks like earthquakes, flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, or hurricanes. If you’re going to an island or seaside, look into tsunami risks, sharks, or jellyfish, among other hazards. It’s always better to be prepared.

From my experience, earthquakes can happen even in areas where they’re not expected. I experienced one in my hometown, so I know how unpredictable they can be.

Make sure you have travel insurance and a plan in place in case something happens.

I know our instincts take over in an emergency, so try to stay informed and knowledgeable. When you know what to do, it’s easier to stay calm and act. Also, if you’re traveling with a friend, make sure you both know what to do in case of an emergency.

Final thoughts

This was my third earthquake. The first one happened when we were in Bali back in 2020. The second one caught us at home in Cluj-Napoca, and the third one here in Bangkok. No matter how often you experience them, they’re always scary.

Earthquakes are very scary.

When your life is in danger, it’s terrifying. I’m happy nothing happened to us or our building. Most buildings in Bangkok are still standing. Now, 48 hours after the event, I’m going to watch some YouTube videos about earthquakes and be better prepared next time.

Until next time.

Cristiana. 👋🏻

You’re reading the first Pink Coconut newsletter from Bangkok, Thailand. 🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭 Yes, Sawasdee kha! 🙏 It’s already been a week and it feels like 3 months. It’s probably the thrill, the time zone, the massages, and the food. New experiences make everything feel more exciting. This newsletter is all about the first week- where we’re staying, what we’re eating, and things to do if this is your first time here. Enjooooy! 🫶

✍️What to expect

Hi! If you’re wondering who’s behind the keyboard, it’s me, Cristiana. 😇

I’m a 30-something freelance social media manager who’s been traveling for more than five years. ✈️ With great travel experience comes great insights, so I decided to share my adventures with the world—covering accommodation, destinations, restaurants, activities, tips, insights, and everything in between.

If you’re looking for inspiration or recommendations, this newsletter might be a good place to start. 😉 I’ll be sharing my experiences—where I’m eating, where I’m staying, what I’m doing for fun, and other nomad activities.

🐘March 1st: We landed in…

After 14+ hours of traveling and a few more hours spent in the airport, we found ourselves in a Grab heading to our Airbnb. It’s not our first time in Thailand🇹🇭, but it’s our first time staying for 51 days.

Back in 2019, we spent two weeks between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. This time, we’re staying in Bangkok and Koh Samui. It’s gonna be exciting—and hot! 🥵

🍜Best places to eat in Bangkok

For us, the first week in Bangkok was all about exploring the city. We exclusively ate Thai food and had one too many mango sticky rice desserts, matcha lattes 🍵, and 7/11 snacks. 🍛 We really enjoyed Pad Thai Kratong Thong by ama, Cheaper & Better Street Food, Piranya@Siam, Terminal 21 Asok Food Court, and Joom Silom - Sticky Rice. I’ll only link the places that really stuck with me.

We also discovered that Thai people love malls. When it’s 34 degrees every day, you need a place to chill. You can’t just hang outside with your friends—it’s too hot. So, you go to the mall.

That’s why you’ll find a mall on every corner in Bangkok. They have affordable food courts, nice sit-down restaurants, and other things like arcades, cinemas, and shops—you know the drill.

So far, we enjoyed the Terminal 21 Asok food court (at 5th floor), the Siam Paragon Gourmet Food Court, and the SamYan Mitrtown Food Court.

The best thing about these food courts is that they offer a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines, have affordable prices, are clean, and don’t require a long wait for your food.

💆🏼‍♀️If you’re feeling tense

Since massages are part of our weekly routine, I have to give a shoutout to my faves. It’s only two places, but they were close to perfection and decently priced. At Ease in Sukhumvit (we paid 650 Bath for 1h Thai massage), and Health Land in Sathorn (we paid 600 baths for 2h Thai massage). I will probably go there again.

🛋️Accommodation in Bangkok

Since we’re staying a full month in Bangkok, we decided to stay around Lumphini Park. Why? Because we have friends in the area, it’s well-connected, it boasts restaurants, shops, malls, massages, markets—you name it—and it’s just a great area overall. 🥳

We found a nice condo in a building with a gym, sauna, jacuzzi, and infinity pool on Airbnb, and if you ask me, we nailed it. A nice, fancy building gives you lots of flexibility if you work remotely. With all these facilities, you don’t feel the need to always go to a noisy coffee shop. But if the coffee shop need arises, we do have a Starbucks downstairs.

Here’s a link if you want to save it for your next Bangkok trip. 😜

Is AirBnb a good idea in Bangkok? If you’re staying for a few weeks or 3 months, go with Airbnb. If you plan on staying longer, go ahead and look for 1-year leases.

What areas to look for? If you’re staying 2-3 months I suggest Chid Lom, Silom, or Sathorn.

That would be it for the first week.

See you next Friday! 👋

🪄Travel tips of the week

After my latest long-haul flight, I think you absolutely NEED these:

1. 🔋 An external battery: always pack an external battery with you and make sure it’s fully charged. It’s now forbidden to charge your phone from your external battery during your flight, so it’s good to have it for when you land.

2. 📲 E-Sim: check your e-sim options before you reach your destination. You can always get a sim when you land from the airport. This time we used Revolut.

3. 👮🏼‍♀️ AirBnb law: short-term stays are forbidden in most residential buildings. So if you’re looking to stay 3 nights in a fancy condo, it might be challenging. Make sure to check with your host that AirBnb is not illegal in the building.

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