I visited Japan for the first time around Thanksgiving 2019 for a two-week trip with my parents. Since it was our first time in Japan - we explored the most popular spots in the main cities. Cities Visited (in-order): Osaka Kyoto Himeji Kobe Nara Tokyo Lodging: We mainly stayed in Osaka for most of the trip (at the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel) which was also an easy 40-min train ride to Kyoto. Luckily, the JR train station was at the bottom of the hotel and had direct trains to Kyoto Station. Once we flew into Narita Airport in Tokyo, we went straight to Osaka to check-into the hotel. We chose to mainly stay in Osaka throughout most of the trip since it's very central to many other cities, as well as being close to Kyoto. Around Osaka were <1 hr train rides to Kyoto, Himeji, Kobe, and Nara. Once we were in Tokyo, we stayed at an AirBnb for a few days in the Shin-Okubo district in Shinjuku. Places Visited: Kyoto: My favorite part of the trip was exploring Kyoto. The most beautiful and unique places were in Kyoto and they provided the quintessential Japan experience. Fushimi Inari Shrine (i.e. red torii gates) Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Yasaka Pagoda Iwatayama Monkey Park Kinkaku-ji (i.e. golden temple) Osaka: Osaka is mainly known for eating and shopping and you can find many malls and eateries around the city. There are also famous historic sites like Osaka Castle as well. Osaka Castle Dotonbori (popular eating/shopping area that runs along a canal) Himeji: We took a day trip from Osaka to visit Himeji mainly to explore Himeji Castle - one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. Himeji Castle is worth exploring if you have an extra day to travel outside Osaka. Himeji Castle Kobe: On the train ride back from Himeji to Osaka, we took a quick stop in Kobe (en-route) to try Kobe beef in Kobe (ended up trying Steakland Kobe-kan). Nara: Similar to Himeji, Nara is a quick day trip from Osaka known for it's deer. You can buy crackers from local vendors and feed them to flocks of deer. Nara Park Todaiji Temple (one of the largest wooden temples in the world) Nakatanidou (famous mochi-pounding shop) Tokyo: On the last leg of our trip was Tokyo where we spent just a few days. Tokyo reminded me of a more 'New York' New York, with bigger crowds, more ad displays, and more of everything. Shinjuku District Tsukiji Market (famous seafood market) Japan Travel Tips: Mobile Hotspot - Renting a mobile hotspot makes it easy to use WiFi on the go for multiple devices. These can be rented/returned at the airport Unlimited JR Pass - Unlimited JR Passes are available for visitors to Japan (we rented a 7-day JR Pass. Make sure to buy/pick these up in your country before flying)

Every few years, I visit Taiwan since my parents are from Taiwan and I have many relatives that still live there. In total, I have been to Taiwan six times - mainly staying in Taipei and more recently splitting time between Taipei/Kaohsiung. What is remarkable about Taiwan is the abundance of things to find on a tiny island that is smaller than the state of New York. One thing Taiwan is most known for is its food scene, especially the night markets dotting the streets with cheap and delicious street snacks that spring to life at night. As I learned more about the country and what the island offers with each visit, I became surprised by the breadth of the natural gems on the island. Just 30 min outside Taipei you can find mountains, gorges, hot/cold springs, forests, grasslands, etc. As you venture to the East side of the island, you can find Taroko National Park where mountain ranges tower over the Pacific Ocean. On the South side of the island near Kaohsiung, there are beaches that line the coastline. Taiwanese people are also friendly, welcoming, and treat others as if they are family. Grabbing a turnip cake at the mom/pop food stall down the block that has been there for 3 generations feels like your own parents serving you breakfast. Places Visited: Taipei: Taipei 101 Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Wulai District (mountains/hot springs outside Taipei) National Taiwan University (台大) Kaohsiung: Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum Chengcing Lake Cijin Park Taiwan Sugar Museum (Qiaotou) 85 Sky Tower China Steel Corporation Headquarters Hualien: Taroko National Park