Tokyo’s endless churn of demolition and rebuilding comes with a noticeable trend—houses are shrinking. The city’s obsession with perpetual renewal means that many homes barely make it past 30 years before being torn down, their remains carted away in mini dump trucks. But what replaces them is often even smaller than before. Rising land prices,…
Japan’s convenience stores, or konbini, are an essential part of everyday life, seamlessly blending convenience, quality, and efficiency. Found on nearly every street corner, these stores operate 24/7, offering a staggering range of services beyond just food. Whether it’s paying bills, sending parcels, printing documents, or even buying event tickets, konbini are designed to make…
Ah, the classic morning commute with a little one in tow—where every second counts, and somehow, you’re always one sock short. If you take the train, brace yourself for the peak-hour crush. Even the politest commuters turn into efficient sardines, and squeezing in with a child can feel like playing Tetris on hard mode. If…
Kerosene heaters remain a common sight in Japan, particularly in older homes, small businesses, and rural areas where central heating is rare. Even in urban environments like Tokyo, many residents still rely on them to keep individual rooms warm during the winter months. Unlike in colder regions such as Hokkaido, where kerosene delivery trucks regularly…
Step into a Tibetan monastery, and the air hits you with a thick, unmistakable scent—earthy, rancid, smoky, and oddly rich. That’s yak butter candles at work. These traditional butter lamps, burning day and night as offerings, fill the temples with a dense aroma that clings to the ancient wooden beams and centuries-old murals. Yak butter,…
Drepung Monastery, perched on the outskirts of Lhasa, Tibet, is a sprawling labyrinth of whitewashed walls and golden roofs. Once the largest monastery in the world, it was home to nearly 10,000 monks in its heyday, making it a bustling hub of Tibetan Buddhist learning and debate. Today, it’s quieter but no less awe-inspiring, with…
At some hotels in Lhasa, including the more altitude-savvy ones, you might find an oversized balloon filled with oxygen on offer. Yes, a literal lifesaver in latex form, designed for guests struggling with the high-altitude thin air. These O2 balloons are often kept handy at reception or even sent to your room if you’re feeling…
Touching down in Lhasa feels like stepping onto another planet, and not just because the city sits at a dizzying 3,656 metres above sea level. The moment your plane door pops open, you’ll feel the high-altitude air smack you in the lungs. Cabin pressure during the flight keeps things manageable, but as soon as you…
Geysir and Strokkur, nestled in Iceland’s geothermal heartland, are nature’s ultimate boiling points. Geysir, the granddaddy of all geysers, is mostly dormant now, but its historic significance remains; it’s the namesake for every other geyser on Earth. Nearby, Strokkur has taken the spotlight, delighting visitors with its reliable eruptions every 5–10 minutes. In winter, this…
Gullfoss waterfall in winter is a mesmerising display of Iceland’s raw power frozen in time. The mighty Hvítá River crashes down into the canyon, partially encased in thick layers of ice and snow. The water still flows, but frost clings to the edges of the falls, creating sparkling icicles and frosty sculptures that glint in…
