Being a lot cheaper than Japan, however, this makes Jiufen a no-brainer for anyone wanting to experience Japan on a budget while near Southeast Asia.

About Jiufen, Taiwan

Jiufen is a mountain town in north Taiwan only 2 hours away from Taipei City, which makes it an ideal day trip if you’re in the area.

It was a mining town during the gold rush of the Japanese era up until the 1950s but, far from becoming a ghost town, its stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, tea houses, picturesque winding streets and vintage Japanese feel, made it a popular destination for Taiwanese and travelers.

In fact, the Japanese feel is so strong that its connection with the Japenese film, Spirited Away, cannot be ignored.

But Jiufen Taiwan has more than just one film going for it. The winner of the 1989’s Golden Lion film award, A City of Sadness, was filmed here too.

Jiufen is quite small, with only about 3,000+ inhabitants. Being a mountain town, its roads are narrow, curvy and steep. Some things you might expect to find, such as a bank, you will not find here. So bring essentials with you and don’t rely on finding it within Jiufen.

Why Is Jiufen Cheaper Than Japan?

Japan, as a whole, is quite a bit more expensive than Taiwan.

Transportation Cost

Transportation in Japan is expensive,  with a single train journey alone (e.g. from Tokyo to Osaka) setting you back around $140, whereas in Taiwan the equivalent would only set you back by around $25.

Many of the local trains from Taipei (the capital city) to surrounding areas won’t be much more than $12. Whereas the metro system in Taipei itself is also cheap, with 10 days metro use costing this blogger just $3.60.

To save money traveling around Taiwan use local trains and the metro when in cities like Taipei.

Food Cost

Moreover, food in Japan is generally more expensive than in Taiwan. Not because Japan’s food is particularly expensive, but because Taiwanese street food is so cheap due to the many night markets. We recommend eating Taiwan’s street food over restaurants because, first of all, we find them to be safer (less likely to get food poisoning!), and secondly, because it is SO much cheaper.

Most street food dishes are around $1 or $2, so you can’t go wrong with that price. Best of all, it’s more authentic and what the locals do themselves.

Accommodation Cost

Accommodation usually costs a fair amount in Japan and, even if you are lucky enough to find a budget hotel, in comparison to Taiwan, you’ll be forking out more to spend the night.

You can find some great Airbnbs within Taipei for as low as $25 per night.

How Do I Get To Jiufen From Taipei?

1. Train

Go to Taipei Main Station (台北車站) and take the train north to Ruifang Station (瑞芳) for around NT$60 / $2. Then, exit Riufang Station, facing the “wellcome” supermarket, go straight and turn left onto Mingdeng Road.

Walk about 5 minutes/200 meters looking out for a police station, next to it is a bus stop called Local Residents Plaza (區民廣場) with the Keelung Bus 788 and 827 heading toward Jiufen. It’ll cost you about NT$20 / 50¢ to board. Stay on the bus until the last stop since it’ll drop you off near(ish) to Jiufen’s Old Street.

Once out of Riufang Station go straight and turn left onto the street in front of you. Cross the street and walk down for about 5 minutes or so until you reach a bus station. We were slightly unsure of which bus to take, so we asked the bus driver before we hopped on (I believe it was Keelung Bus 788, but double check the schedule). Stay on the bus until the last stop, which will drop you off a few minutes away from Jiufen Old Street. The train ticket is around NT$60 and the bus ticket is around NT$20.

2. Bus

A direct bus (the 965) leaves Banqiao Bus Station in the Banqiao district of New Taipei City and takes about 80 minutes to get there. One way, this ticket will cost you about NT$90 / $2.90 and leaves 6AM – 9PM on weekdays and 7AM – 9PM on weekends and holidays.

Alternatively, make your way to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station ((忠孝復興) at the intersection of the Brown and Blue line, and leave Exit 2. From outside the Sogo department store, you’ll be able to take the Keelung Bus 1062 to Jinguashin. (It says Junguashin, but it’ll take you to Jiufen, so no need to worry!)

This bus ticket will cost you NT$100 / $3.30 and the bus journey will take about 60 minutes, so get a good seat to spot the views!

3. Car

Of course, if money is less of a concern, you could just rent a car for the day from either IWS Car Rental or Chailease Auto Rental. The drive will take about 45 to 60 minutes.

What Is There To Do In Jiufen?

1. Jiu Fen Old Street

Be transported back into a different world by visiting the bustling old streets of Jiufen. It’ll feel like old Taiwan and old Japan all at once, and is located near Keelung’s coast with gorgeous sea views.

There are 4 streets of notable significance for you to check out: Jishan Street (particularly packed on weekends or holidays), Jianci Road, Cingbian Road, and Ciche Road.

Slow down, people watch, take it all in, and try and snap that perfect photo of hanging lanterns and Japanese-style decorations. It’ll feel like a different world!

There is also great food here too.

On the packed old streets of Jiufen there are vendors offer all kinds of Taiwanese foods such as hot or cold Taro Balls, Green tea balls, Hongzao meatballs, rice cakes, and much more. Definitely try the Taro Balls, which is popular all over Taiwan but was first created here in Jiufen in the 1940s.

Good places to grab a bite include A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll, Grandma Lai’s Yu Yuan and Ah Gan Yi Yu Yuan.

2. Do A Night Tour

If you’re the sort of person who dislikes crowds then a night tour of Jiufen may be perfect for you. You’ll get to see Jiufen in all its glory during the night and the atmosphere will be different.

Quite a few people think you can complete Jiufen in just one afternoon, but that is a mistake. Sometimes people regret not staying overnight in Jiufen and end up coming back again.

So starting your Jiufen trip with a night tour and then staying at one of the amazing guesthouses (e.g. Shanhaiguan Guesthouse / 九份山海观民宿) overnight so you can wake up bright and early to experience Jiufen in the morning is a fantastic idea!

A night tour with Klook around the night markets of Jiufen, Shifen and Keelung Miaokow would also be a great choice.

3. Visit A Tea House

Throughout the Old Street of Jiufen (though, in turn, its more like an alley) are a scattering of teahouses—squashed, hidden, and delicately placed in the middle of shops and buildings that are well worth the visit.

There is A Mei teahouse decorated with masks reminiscent of Spirited Away. Expect to hear Japenese. The author (Hayao Miyazaki) can deny Jiufen’s inspiration in the Japanese fantasy film all he wants, but this won’t stop the tourists due to the Studio Ghibli memorabilia found throughout the town.

The menu of A Mei teahouse offers a wide selection of beverages, teas and desserts. Pricey but tasty, and worth the experience.

Another teahouse of note is the Skyline teahouse. Offering pristine views of the coast and nearby mountains, this oolong-selling traditional teahouse also sells traditional Taiwanese snacks.

4. Hike Keelung Mountain (基隆山)

If just walking down the twisting, steep roads of Jiufen doesn’t satisfy your hiking needs, then a hike up Keelung Mountain is a must-do. At 588 meters high, it’s quite a challenge for newbies and will take about 2 hours in total for travel times from Jiufen and to complete it.

If you’re looking for how to get to Jiufen from Keelung to do this hike, simply either take a taxi or, alternatively, make your way to Jiu Dao station by taking the 基隆客運 KL bus from Keelung train station, or the 825 bus from Ruifang train station.

5. Check Out Shengping Theater

If movies and Baroque architecture is your thing, you ought to check out Shengping Theater.

Built in the early 1900s the theater is the oldest existing theater in Taiwan. Renovated and reopened in 2011, this theater now gives locals a chance to re-live childhood memories watching classic Taiwanese films and operas.

So go and check out an old Taiwanese movie and connect with the movie-history of Taiwan.

Jiufen Taiwan Map

Here is our interactive map of Jiufen so you can see where some of the most notable places are.

The Best Time To Visit Jiufen

If you’re going just to shop then the best time to visit Jiufen Taiwan is late morning.

If you’re going for the ambiance, experience and mood then this is best in the early morning and evening. (And, like mentioned above, spending the night is highly recommended).

What Should I Buy In Jiufen?

If you’re looking to try Taiwanese delicacies then you definitely should taste the Ah Gan Yee’ Yam Ball (阿甘姨芋圆). A warm soup (which will be nice at this colder mountain altitude anyway). We also recommend asking for the mixed version which is red peppers, yam balls in a green bean soup.

If you’re looking to bring something home with you then good souvenirs include cups, bags, fans, plushy teddies, and lots of silk products—the embroidery on these silks are excellent and will make a great gift.

A recommended tea to order in teahouses would be Jin Xuan Oolong Tea (金宣茶).

A Day Trip To Shifen

Nearby to Jiufen, another day trip worth doing from Taipei is Shifen. You can either spend a few days in Jiufen and go to Shifen as well or do it separately from Jiufen altogether.

Possessing its own Old Street, Shifen also features the broadest waterfall in Taiwan, Shifen Waterfalls.

A Day Trip To Jinguashi

Another worthy day trip is the mining town of Jinguashi, again not far from Jiufen.

Featuring one of the hardest hikes in Northern Taiwan called Teapot Mountain (茶壺山), Jinguashi also contains the Gold Museum which looks at Taiwan’s fascinating gold mining history, and also the Golden Waterfall which, although not flowing in gold, is an extraordinary scene of nature and definitely worth visiting.

Are you going on a trip to Jiufen soon? Tell us how it goes and share your experience and tips in the comment section below!

Suggested next reading: 7 Nerdy Things To Do In Tokyo That Are SO Much Fun

The post Jiufen, Taiwan: The Budget-Friendly Japan Of Taiwan appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Visiting a castle should always be near the top of your bucket list. These fortresses still carry their glory and when you step your foot in one, you will stop imagining how life was before and actually start feeling it, living it!

You can experience first-hand the life of kings who conquered many battles, the queens who stood by them, and the people who put their sweat, blood, and in some instances, lives, into constructing these outstanding fortresses that have stood the test of time.

In this article, we are going to put together 16 of the best castles around the world you can visit. The list also includes the best castles in Europe. But first, here’s a summary of the best castles in the world, with more info on each castle following below!

The Best Castles In The World Are:

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

This castle stands in the Bavaria Alps in Germany and it was in this place that Ludwig II spent his childhood. The castle attracts over 1.5 million every year making Neuschwanstein one of the most visited places in the world.

Best time to visit. You can visit this castle at any time of the year, be it when its peaks are covered by snow or gleaming-white due to the summer sun. Nevertheless, Neuschwanstein receives around 6,000 daily tourists so it may be best to avoid visiting during the peak months in the summer like July and August.

To beat the long waiting lines, try to arrive at the Ticketcenter Hohenschwangau as early as possible, even before it opens. Alternatively, you can get there any time after 3pm when there are small crowds.

Another useful tip is to plan for your Neuschwanstein Castle visit on weekdays or schedule your tour during the off-season. Additionally, if you want to treat yourself or family to a great experience during the end of the year’s festive seasons, the number of tourists to Neuschwanstein usually drops considerably between the months of November and April.

Interesting fact. Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Disney’s Magic Kingdom castle.

2. Karlštejn Castle

This fairy tale castle is located in Czechia (the Czech Republic) and was built by Emperor Charles IV in 1348AD.

Best time to visit. If you are planning to visit Karlstejn, there is no best time to visit throughout the year—it’s great all year round! The red roof architecture of Karlstejn Castle, with its lush hidden gardens, and the majestic winding River Vltava will constantly provide new charming perspectives every time you visit. Whether it is Spring, Winter, Autumn, or Summer, just pack your bags and get ready for a wonderful experience.

Interesting fact. After Germany took over the Czech Republic in 1939, Adolf Hitler spent the night in the Karstejn Castle “proudly surveying his new possessions.”

3. Pena Palace

Pena Palace is located in Sao Pedro de Penaferrim, Sintra, Portugal. It is nestled on top of the Sintra Mountains overlooking the city of Sintra. This Portuguese gothic castle constitutes one of the major modern day’s expressions of Romanticism.

Additionally, the castle is still used by the country’s president for state occasions. Apart from being a Portuguese national heritage, the palace is also one the country’s Seven Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time to visit. The medieval village that surrounds Pena Palace makes it one of the best castles you can visit. But like any astounding place on earth, it’s better before the large crowds arrive. If you want to enjoy your tour best, consider arriving at Pena Palace around 9am to beat the morning crowd or late afternoon around 5pm when the crowd grows thin. This will work especially well if your hotel is in Sintra. And why not? Sintra has one of the most prestigious hotels in Portugal called The Tivoli Hotel Seteais Palace.

Interesting fact. If you are in Lisbon on a clear day, you can actually see Pena Palace.

4. Malbork Castle

Take a trip to Central Europe and you will find one of the best castles in Europe. Malbork Castle is also popularly known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order, and this 13^th Century Teutonic palace is specifically located in Malbork town of Poland. It was famously enlarged and enhanced when the Grand Master seat was moved from Venice to here. Today, it occupies a staggering 21 hectares, making it the world largest castle by land area.

Best time to visit. Malbork Castle is open to the public all year long, from 9am to 8pm. The area around the Castle features crystal clear lakes and rivers, making Spring to early Autumn the best time to visit.

Interesting fact. Malbork Castle is the world’s largest castle built in brick and the largest brick structure in the world. The castle was originally called Marienburg, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother.

5. Hohenzollern Castle

This castle is located in the southernmost city of Deutschland and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany.

Best time to visit. If you are planning on visiting Hohenzollern Castle, do so between May and September when the days are longer.

Interesting fact. The castle was completely destroyed by Swabian rulers in 1423 but was built again in 1454. This time bigger than before.

6. Eltz Castle

Another one of Germany’s medieval castles. This 12^th Century castle was built above a 70m tall hill surrounded on three of its sides by the Elzbach River in Wierschem, Germany.

Best time to visit. Eltz Castle can be best explored when you arrive early in the morning, between 9.30 and 11.00 or late afternoon between 3.30 and 5.30. Tours of the castle normally begin every 15 minutes.

Interesting fact. Despite Germany being hit heavily during the two world wars, Eltz Castle was never touched and is one of the best-preserved castles in Germany.

7. Eilean Donan Castle

This is one of the castles you can visit in Britain. It is located on Eilean Donan Island in Scotland. If you are Scottish, you have probably seen it on shortbread tins and calendars!

Best time to visit. Just like many of the world’s best castles, the best time to visit Eilean Castle is very early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The castle has varying opening and closing hours so check the official site for up to date info.

Interesting fact. Eilean Castle is currently owned by the Macrae family, the Highland Scottish clan. Many people are familiar with the castle from seeing it in movies, as it has been featured in close to ten movies.

8. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the world. It is located in Berkshire, England, and this castle is a royal residence of the British royal family.

Best time to visit. Unlike other castles in this list, Windsor castle has limited public access, but you can still visit. If you want to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, arrive at the place at 11.30 or earlier. There is no Changing of the Guard on the Lord’s day (the Guards deserve a day off to tour the castle too!)

Interesting fact. Windsor Castle is the longest-occupied palace in the world.

9. Oberhofen Castle

This castle is located on the shores of Lake Thun in Switzerland, was built around the 13^th Century, and is the home of a living museum.

Best time to visit. The castle is only open between May and October, from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am-5pm. In July and August, the castle closes at 6pm.

Interesting fact. The castle features a tower that is actually in the lake!

10. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle is located in the city of Schwerin, Germany and has been the home of the dukes and grand dukes of Mecklenburg. With so many German castles making this list we’d not be surprised if you began to wonder which country has the most castles in the world. (Surprisingly the answer is actually Wales, not Germany!)

Best time to visit. The castle is open from March to November between Tuesday and Sunday. There are usually no large crowds in Schwerin Castle so you can visit any time of the day or year and enjoy it without the fuss!

Interesting fact. Schwerin Castle can be seen in the movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

11. Castello Scaligero

The only Italian castle to make this list of the best castles around the world, it’s nonetheless fully deserving of its place. Located in the Lombardy region of Northwest Italy, Castello Scaligero is one of the best preserved of Italy’s thousands of castles.

Owned by the noble Scaligeri family, the Lords of Verona, this castle was built in the 13^th Century. Strikingly beautiful as it is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lake Garda, this castle has had a rich and full history having been in the hands of the Italians, French and Austrians at various points.

There is a lot to learn about the history of this castle and region by visiting here. And, what’s even better, making your way to the top of the tower will reward you with an exquisite view of Lake Garda.

Best time to visit. Since it can still be a bit wet and cold here even as late as April, we’d recommend visiting Castello Scaligero from May to September.

Interesting fact. In 1924 tombstones were discovered with Latin markings to the pagan goddess Iside, indicating that the ancient Etruscans were perhaps the first inhabitants of the area surrounding Lake Garda.

12. Swallow’s Nest Castle

This castle is located in Gaspra, Ukraine. Built between 1911 and 1912, Swallow’s Nest castle hangs on top of Aurora Cliff, 40-meters high.

Best time to visit. Swallow’s is open between 9am-7pm from May to October and 9am-4pm from November to April. The castle is closed on Mondays.

Interesting fact. The Swallow’s Nest castle was first built by a wounded general who visited Crimea while seeking treatment after being given the land by the empire.

13. Balmoral Castle

Another Scottish castle making the list. Balmoral Castle is situated in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Best time to visit. The castle is not usually crowded so if you are planning for a visit, it opens at 10am and closes at 5pm.

Interesting fact. Did you know that Balmoral Castle is royal property and that Queen Victoria personally laid the castle’s foundation stone back in September 1853? Now you know.

14. Chateau de Pierrefonds

This medieval structure is situated in the County of Valois, France and it was built in 1328AD.

Best time to visit. The castle is open daily from 9.30am-6pm between May and August, and 10am-1pm between September to April. It is closed on Mondays.

Interesting fact. The entrance to Chateau de Pierrefonds is located in the weakest part of the wall.

15. Chateau de Chambord

This castle is located in Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France. It was built in 1519 and is one of the world’s most popular chateaux.

Best time to visit. Planning for a tour of Chateau de Chambord? It is open from 10am-5pm from October to March. The castle opens every day except for Christmas and January 1^st.

Interesting fact. There are over 400 rooms in the Chateau de Chambord, and 84 staircases.

16. Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle is a half hour walk away from Neuschwanstein Castle (the 1^st castle mentioned on this list). Built by King Maximilian II of Bavaria in the 19^th Century, this is where King Ludwig II of Bavaria stayed as a child.

Best time to visit. The castle is open from 10am-4pm during Winter and 9am-6pm during Summer, but is closed on December 24^th and January 1^st. Visit during the Summer for the best odds for a fantastic day, but seeing it in the snow around December-March would also be a great choice!

Interesting fact. The castle was first mentioned in 1397 under the name of “Schwanstein”, meaning that at some point in the 19^th Century it switched its name with Neuschwanstein Castle.

What do you think is the best castle in the world? Did it make the cut in our list? Did we miss it out? Leave a comment below.

Suggested next reading: 6 Of The Best Castles To Visit In England That Have Incredible History

The post 16 Best Castles In The World You Can Visit appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Visit the World’s Smallest Park

There are two different versions of how this park came to be. It’s founder, Fagan, claimed he looked out of his office window and to his amazement, saw a leprechaun in the middle of the street. He instantly ran outside to catch it and when he was successful in doing so, the leprechaun grudgingly granted Fagan his wish that a park be named after him.

However, as Fagan hadn’t specified a size, the leprechaun—or Patrick O’Toole as he became known—granted the small, 2-foot circle of land for Fagan.

The other, less fantastical version is that Mill Ends Park was originally intended to be the place for a streetlight but after the hole was dug, no light turned up. Therefore Fagan planted flowers in the hole, named it Mill Ends and announced it to be the World’s Smallest Park. In 1971 the Guinness Book of Records agreed and as a result, the park has been used for many unusual things such as a miniature Ferris Wheel and a swimming pool for butterflies.

The only challenge to its title came from the town of Burntwood who claimed their Prince’s Park should be known as the World’s smallest as it had a fence around it. Mill Ends devotees responded by erecting a tiny fence around the miniscule perimeter and no more was said on the matter.

So if this story doesn’t immediately make you fall in love with Portland, we’re really not sure what will.

2. Visit China

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If after your visit to Mill Ends, you’re more in the mood for an outside space you can actually walk around, then we suggest leaving the USA for a brief period and stepping into China.

Portland is twinned with Suzhou which lies in the beautiful Chinese province of Jiangsu. This region is known for having outstanding Dynasty Gardens and it seems like Portland wanted to echo that reputation in their own city. Therefore they created what is known as the most authentic Chinese Garden outside of China in the Lan Su garden. This loosely translates to the Garden of the Awakening Orchids and is said to be a little piece of Asia right in Oregon.

Nothing is required of you except to appreciate its authentic beauty, so why not take a moment out of hectic city life and experience a small slice of tranquillity?

3. Explore the Shanghai Tunnels

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Portland is currently known for its hippie, quirky vibe but did you know that between 1850 and 1941, it was considered one of the most dangerous places in America? This reputation could be based on the existence of the Old Portland Underground or as its otherwise known, the Shanghai Tunnels.

Built originally to move stock on and off ships, the tunnels were later rumored to be used by members of organized crime. But what they are really famous for was the part they played in “Shanghaiing” or rather kidnapping unsuspecting men in order to make them work for free on board ships. It is said that these unfortunate souls were dropped through trap doors or “Deadfalls” into the underground system and held in cells against their will before being sold to ship captains and made to set sail.

Now there is some evidence to suggest that the stories of the Shanghai Tunnels may not be entirely true or at the very least, have been exaggerated for the tourist trade. But we’re not so sure. Why not book yourself onto an Underground tour and find out for yourself?

4. Glow in the dark mini golf?

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Let’s lighten the mood now, quite literally with the happy knowledge that Glow in the Dark Mini Golf exists. Yes, that’s right. Ever wanted to play Minigolf but just been too blinded by that gosh darn sun? That’s not a problem at the basement located Glowing Greens miniature golf course where you can enjoy 18 holes of pure, neon colored, radiating fun. Go on your birthday and get a free round!

5. Take an ancient selfie

We all love a vintage filter but what if you could get that effect completely authentically? The folks at Ace Hotel have lovingly restored a vintage photobooth, plopped it in their hotel lobby and made it available for anyone to use. The 100-year-old technology means you’ll be stepping back in time in order to preserve the present moment.

Simply pop in $4, strike 4 poses and wait 4 minutes. You’ll have your very own strip of photos just like your recent ancestors would have done. Pro-tip, make sure to smell the photos afterward. Apparently, the rotten smell is a sign of authenticity. That’s what they tell us anyway.

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6. Take a Submarine Tour

Sadly or perhaps thankfully, the submarine on display at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry doesn’t actually go under the water anymore. But apart from that, it’s still a totally authentic navy experience.

Tour highlights include touching a torpedo, looking through a working periscope and visiting a completely restored and fully operational radio room. Although this submarine hasn’t been in active service since 1990, it’s still the closest thing to submarine living that any of us land lovers are likely to get.

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7. Skate your way to a trophy

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Finally, end on a high note and skip down to America’s largest roller skating rink. Oaks Park holds regular events for kids, couples and everyone in between. Even better, you can enter one of their many competitions and obviously it’s dependent on your skill level, but we really think you could win it!

If you somehow don’t manage to snag a prize, you can commiserate yourself by heading to the amusement rides, games and other family-friendly activities available at the park. What a brilliant end to your Portland trip.

Can you think of any more wonderful and weird things to do in Portland? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: 6 Things To Do That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Seattle

The post 7 Wonderful & Weird Things To Do In Portland appeared first on Modern Trekker.

So if you’re planning a visit to the UK and want to see a little bit more than just London town, here is a list of easily reachable and definitely worthwhile day trips from London.

1. Brighton—for fans of the alternative

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Bohemian, laid-back, alternative and all this right on the seafront. Although Brighton and London are both thriving, buzzing cities, they also have stark differences that you’ll need to see to believe. For example, Brighton is famous for its beautiful pebble beaches, quaint little shopping lanes and vibrant nightlife.

There’s also a lot of unique sights, such as the oldest aquarium in the world (built in 1872) or the Royal Pavilion, a Grade 1 listed palace that might make you question whether you’re in England or India.

So if you fancy some fish and chips on a grade II listed pier in one of the friendliest places in the South, then Brighton is one of those “must-do” day trips from London.

How to get there:

Trains from London are quick and frequent. Leave from London Victoria station and you can be on the beach in under an hour.

2. Oxford—for fans of Harry Potter

When you picture a University life in England, you may well be picturing Oxford. The old buildings, the libraries, the academics strolling around in their robes. It all still happens in Oxford. As a result, this small but perfectly formed city is a wonderful place to spend a day punting on the river Cherwell, strolling about the Covered Market and having a pint in a local pub.

The City of Dreaming Spires has been featured in many a literary tale but is recently most famous as the inspiration and filming location for Harry Potter. If you’re a Potter fan you can choose to go on a walking tour of the city or download the audio guide here.

Just make sure to see the Great Hall at Christchurch. As its design and architecture were copied for the Dining Hall at Hogwarts, it really will be like stepping into a magical world.

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How to get there:

Catch a train from Paddington station which should be easy as they leave every 5 to 10 minutes. With a journey time of just over an hour until you’re in some beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.

3. Windsor—for fans of the Royal Family

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One of the best day trips from London for people who love English royalty. Known for its royal connections, Windsor is a small but picturesque town just West of London. It claims to fame is the opulent Windsor Castle, which is the largest inhabited castle in the world and still used as a residence by the Royal Family.

Hint: If the Royal Standard is flying, it means the Queen is at home and definitely wants you to pop in for a cup of tea and a biscuit.

If her majesty is not at home, you can still take a tour of the house and watch the Changing of the Guard at 11am most Mondays to Saturdays. Or you can head away from the Castle into the beautiful Windsor Great Park for some serious picnicking and red deer spotting. Of course, there is always the option for souvenir shopping in one of the many central shops.

No matter how you look at it, you’re guaranteed a lovely day out!

How to get there:

Direct trains run from London Waterloo or Paddington station to Windsor and Eton Central and take about 30 minutes.

4. Guildford/Godalming—for fans of the quaint

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There are a rich plethora of “commuter towns” around London and for the most part, they are convenient more than they are interesting. Guildford is a little different in that it is definitely used by many of its residents to travel to London each day, but it is also an interesting and vibrant place in its own right.

Dating back to Saxon times, this busy little market town is peppered with old buildings, delicious restaurants, riverside walks and to top it all off, a castle said to be built sometime around 1066. It’s much quieter than some of the larger cities and towns on this list and so can be an excellent snapshot of English life in a southern town.

Its close location to the nature spots like Pewley Down or Newlands Corner, mean you are on the doorstep of some truly outstanding English countryside.

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How to get there:

35 minutes on the train from London Waterloo and it’s just a 5-minute walk from the station to the cobbled high street.

5. Winchester—for fans of King Arthur

On the edge of the South Downs National Park, Winchester is a seething hotbed of historical landmarks. Not only does it boast one of the most beautiful Cathedrals, but it also has a 17^th Century Library, the ruins of Wolvesey Castle and a working 18^th Century Corn Mill.

But it’s Winchester Castle which might get most history buffs interested, as within it’s great hall can be found what is reported to be King Arthur’s Round Table. That’s right, proudly displayed in the 13^th Century aisled hall, is a living piece of medieval mythology. And only 10 minutes away from Winchester station.

Even if you’re not a history buff, you can still spend a happy day pottering around Winchester’s many boutique shops and enjoying a tea or tipple in one of its many cafés and restaurants. It’s many international eateries showcase a modern city in a historic setting. A little bit of everything for everyone.

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How to get there:

Trains to Winchester run from London Waterloo and take around an hour on average. It’s worth noting that the station is about 10-minute walk to the center but it’s a beautiful walk which is well worth the effort.

What do you think of our day trips from London? Can you think of any more great ones? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: 6 Of The Best Castles To Visit In England That Have Incredible History

The post 5 Brilliant & Easily Reachable Day Trips From London appeared first on Modern Trekker.

What kind of thrill-seeking do you like? White Water Rafting, Glacier Walking, Bungee Jumping? The good news is you can do all of them surrounded by spectacular scenery in one country. New Zealand actually invented Bungee Jumping and merely perfected the art of the rest. So whether you like falling from the sky or walking on ice, you’ll be sure to find an unforgettable experience.

2. Cruise Through Milford Sound

Some people say New Zealand is the most beautiful place on earth. Other people say Milford Sound is the most beautiful place in New Zealand. If you add these two facts together, the result is that this is one place you really don’t want to miss. Huge towering glacier formed mountains erupt from the sea and culminate in snow-capped peaks. The staggering views in Milford Sound mean it’s a highlight of the UNESCO area its part of, which is quite a feat. View it by cruising on a boat, hiking around its slopes or flying around its peaks. The choice is up to you.

3. Visit A Geothermal Paradise

New Zealand’s position on the Pacific Ring of Fire has had dramatic and aesthetically astounding results. The Geothermic pools have been used in the past by the local Maori, as therapeutic hot pools and even to cook food. Nowadays it’s more regularly viewed as a popular tourist attraction and with the colorful hot pools, bubbling mud and gushing geysers, we can see why. Traveling to this area allows you to really get close to nature and all the burbling, squelching noises and smells that entails.

4. Go & See Hobbiton

I’ve strategically placed this one a few items down the list, even though it is clearly the coolest one. It’s hard not to research New Zealand and come across a zillion mentions to Lord of the Rings. But I say, why fight it? When you could instead pack a handkerchief, slip on your cloak, jump on the back of your friendliest eagle and head on down to Matamata to where Hobbiton lives and breathes. Here you can walk around the location used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings and the actual set used in the Hobbit. Sign up for a guided tour and imagine what a sunny day in this part of Middle Earth would look like. Even though the first film came out in 2001, this is still an incredibly popular tourist destination so booking in advance is highly recommended.

5. See The Aurora Australis

The Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve on the South Island is famous for having some of the darkest skies in the world. The inky blackness makes it a perfect spot to see a starry filled sky and take some breathtaking photographs. There is even the chance to see the Southern Lights. So grab a blanket, a thermos of something warm and head out for a night of stargazing you’ll never forget.

6. Try Some Of The World’s Finest Wines

If you’re a fan of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir then not only do you have excellent taste but you also have a brilliant excuse to visit some of New Zealand’s best wineries. New Zealand has a great reputation for being a top wine producer and in areas such as Marlborough, Otago or Hawke’s Bay you can test this theory out yourself. The best part? These wineries are known to be set in some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. What better excuse for a toast is there?

7. Immerse Yourself In Maori Culture

 

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Although the Maori believe their origins lie in the mythical Polynesian land of Hawaiki over 1000 years ago, they still see New Zealand very much as their home. The Maoris have a very strong cultural tradition that is kept alive to this day. If you’d like to experience it for yourself, head to the town of Rotorua and head straight for a Maori meeting ground, or Marae. Here you can see singing, dancing, warrior training and fire poi all whilst enjoying food that has been cooked using the heat of incredibly geothermically active earth surrounding the area. Sure beats a takeaway on a Saturday night.

8. Watch A Whale Do Its Thing

 

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You like Whales, right? Of course you do, everyone likes Whales. But not everyone travels to Kaikoura, on the South Island in order to be almost guaranteed a chance of seeing them. Whale watching is a tricky pastime as it’s so dependent on date, time, weather and the whales themselves. However, this is one of the few places where Whales are regularly seen all year round. Different species frequent at different times so if you’d like to see an Orca, try and time your visit for the Summer. If Humpbacks are more your thing, pop along in Winter. However, if Sperm Whales are really where your heart’s at, you’re in luck! These little beauties are spotted around the calendar. When you add in the chance to see dolphins, seals and snowcapped mountains into the bargain, you’ve got yourself a real steal of a deal.

9. Light Up Your Visit In A Glow Worm Cave

 

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There’s a certain draw that all living life seems to feel towards the ethereal blue haze emitted by bioluminescent light. We feel it, the fish down in the deepest darkest oceans feel it and the tiny insects that are attracted to the glowworm’s threads feel it. The difference between us and the glowworm’s prey is that we can view this twinkling display without being pulled towards a rather slow but inevitable demise. Instead, we can hop on a small boat and take an organized tour below them. Much more fun and more much visually pleasing. If this sounds like something you’d be attracted to, make sure to add Waitomo Glowworm Caves to your bucket list.

New Zealand is an amazing place and as a result, it was hard narrowing this list down to 9 things. What do you think? Did we miss anything—let us know below!

Suggested next reading: Australia’s Must-See Art Installation In The Middle Of The Outback

The post 9 Astonishing Reasons Why You Need To Visit New Zealand Now appeared first on Modern Trekker.

More importantly, have you ever wished there was a place you could go and be accepted for the beautiful, strong and enigmatic geek that you are? Well, what if we told you that this place not only exists but is yours for the visiting. Welcome, friends, to the geeky glory that is Tokyo. Here begins a list of nerdy things to do in Tokyo, Japan’s amazing capital.

1. Robot Restaurant

Do we need to say anymore? Probably not, but we’re going to anyway, because a Robot Restaurant is definitely something worth talking about. Part cabaret, part techno music and all robot, this show is a highlight of anyone’s visit to Japan. Confusingly this experience is much more robot than restaurant with some deals offering the food section of the evening in a different venue altogether. We suspect they assume visitors are more excited about the robots than the dinner. And ticket sales suggest they might be right. It’s for this reason we recommend booking well ahead of time as these tickets sell out fast!

2. Real Life MarioKart

This activity has already been covered in depth elsewhere on our site but it’s just too awesome not to mention. Japan is an amazingly clean, courteous and careful country. Which makes it even more amazing that it’s also the only place where you can dress up as Mario, put on a themed onesie and drive a glorified Go-Kart around the streets of Tokyo.

As in real streets.

Where normal people are going about their daily lives.

And are possibly not expecting to see a life-size Bowser scoot past them in a tiny car.

If you’ve ever played Mario Kart, you’ll love this; if you’ve never played Mario Kart—well you’ll probably still love i, because it’s just really good fun to go whizzing by Tokyo tower in a Princess Peach costume.

3. Grab a snack at the Pokemon café

Phew, are you exhausted from all that scooting around? You deserve a sit down and some kind of delicious sustenance. But where could you go that satisfies both your hunger and unquenchable desire for character based snacks? Look no further than the recently opened Pokemon Café. Pikachu omelettes, Eevee burgers and Jigglypuff cheesecakes are all on offer. Too cute to eat!

…almost.

4. Visit an Arcade

Item 4 on our list of nerdy things to do in Tokyo won’t even require a special trip, as you can do this by popping into any of the plethoras of Arcades around Tokyo. The assault on your senses as you enter is both astounding and exhilarating. Lights, noise and color all compete for your attention as you can choose from a vast array of arcade games. Once you’ve had your fill of dancing games and train driver simulators, we recommend simply watching some of the hardcore gamers play their favorite machines. Nothing makes you feel amazed at other’s abilities and ashamed of your own more than watching a teenager on Guitar Hero.

No, I mean really seriously.

5. Get your food delivered by a tiny train

Niagara Curry restaurant in Tokyo is the result of one man’s love of trains. This Meguro based restaurant was created by an avid train fan and memorabilia collector. As a result, not only are the walls full of fascinating train trinkets but your food is delivered to you by a mini SL-train. If you want to ramp up the experience even more, try and time your visit to coincide with when the owner is around as he will hand out authentic train hats and pose for selfies with happy punters.

6. Visit the Ghibli Museum

If you’re at all interested in Japanese culture, chances are that you’ve watched a Ghibli flick or two. Whether it’s the breath-taking animation, deliciously depicted food or just the charming and captivating storylines, Studio Ghibli’s films have been delighting audiences for over 30 years. At the Ghibli Museum, you can see exhibits relating to the movies, watch clips and then relax in their rooftop garden. There’s also a play area for kids. Although when watching a Studio Ghibli film, aren’t we all kids really?

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7. Buy a hat for your cat

One of the most impressive things Japan has managed to achieve is creating photos of cats wearing hats, and not looking like they’re about to scratch the living daylights out of the photographer.

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I mean, just look at it. Do you know even one single cat that would let you put this hat on it? Let alone then pose for a photo.

However, if you do know of such a cat then you should definitely take all your change and head to the nearest Gachapon machine—a vending machine which dispenses capsule toys—and put all your money in it until you find the perfect cat banana hat.

If felines dressed as fruit isn’t your thing, that’s not a problem. How about as flowers? Or vegetables? Or bunnies? Or Christmas trees? Or bears? Or squirrels? Or…

And that’s our list of nerdy things to do in Tokyo! But Tokyo is a massive place—have we missed any out? Send us a Howler or reply in the comments to let us know.

Suggested next reading: Real Life Mario Kart In Tokyo: Everything You Need To Know

The post 7 Nerdy Things To Do In Tokyo That Are SO Much Fun appeared first on Modern Trekker.

So Many Rules!

I’ve remembered not to rest my chopsticks upright in my rice (it’s associated with funeral rites), not to eat and walk at the same time, and definitely to remove my shoes before entering people’s homes.

Japan is a land of many rules and complex social etiquette. Is this sometimes taken too far? Well, possibly.

One bottle of shampoo warned that if we wanted to use it to drink from then we should remove the contents first. Got it, thanks. Smokers are also reminded not to jab cigarette ends into children’s faces, which, if anything, just made me do it even more.

However, I’m not complaining. Most of these rules combine to create a highly ordered, efficient public life, and more importantly, help foster a healthy respect for others.

Sure, there can be a little anxiety involved in observing so many social mores, but once you’ve got your head around it all it can be quite nice to know exactly what’s expected of you and what you can expect of others. Still, it can feel like a lot to remember at times.

Wait…What?

 

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Which is why it’s especially surreal to be among traffic on a busy Tokyo highway, dressed as Bowser and sitting in a Mario Kart.

We’ll wind our way through the fashionable streets of Roppongi, bobbing and weaving between taxis, trucks and motorbikes, then around the breath-taking site of Tokyo Tower, before making our way through the bustling Shibuya district and its iconic crossing.

The sun is shining and everywhere we go people wave at us. Not just tourists and children, but adults too: salarymen in suits, construction workers, shopkeepers, everyone seems happy to see a group of Pokémon and Mario characters fly past on Go-Karts.

It genuinely seems to brighten their day, and we feel like minor celebrities too, waving back and posing for photos as if we actually were the cast of Mario Kart.

But one thought keeps going through my mind: “how can I be allowed to do this?”

Imagine trying the same idea in London or Rome; I wouldn’t even know where to start. I know where it would finish: sitting in a bar telling your friends about the ridiculous business idea you just had rejected by the council.

And even if you did get it to work, I’m not really sure how many tourists would want to risk their necks for a few hours’ fun. A Canadian chap we met said there was no way he would try this in Toronto and I think I’d feel the same way about doing it in my home city, too.

Rules Are Fun Now

Paradoxically though, it’s precisely the ordered efficiency of Japanese life that allows us to Mario Kart in Tokyo whilst feeling just as natural as surreal.

 

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On our trip, nobody switched lanes unexpectedly or cut us up; no-one honked or harassed us; nobody tried to run the lights and we didn’t hit any traffic jams, even at peak time.

Driving in Tokyo is so ordered that it makes an experience like this not only possible but pleasurable. I can’t think of any cities outside Japan where this would work so well. So, as much as Mario and Pokémon now belong to a modern age with a shared iconography, there is something about this experience that remains uniquely and authentically Japanese.

Mario Kart In Tokyo Tips

In the spirit of “rules are fun now”, here are some things you will and won’t be able to do on your trip:

YES: Eat a banana

NO: Throw a banana at a family vehicle (sadly Tokyo is yet to install Item Boxes on its streets)

NO: Drift across lanes of traffic

YES: Drift off. There are plenty of traffic lights where you can take a break to daydream. Don’t worry about falling into a deep sleep, however. Other motorists will inform you if this happens.

YES: See Tokyo

NO: See all of Tokyo. The city is so huge that you can only cover a small part of it, so research first and choose your desired area carefully (more details below).

NO: Aggressively overtake other karters just like you do when playing the real Mario Kart (safety first)

YES: Allow them to pass you slowly, in a spirit of gentle camaraderie

How To Actually Do It

Hopefully, my guide has persuaded you to Mario Kart in Tokyo…if so then you’ve made the right decision, friend!

So, are you ready to live the dream and become Mario or Pikachu? Perhaps you’ll opt to disappoint your mother even more and become Luigi?

Whatever you decide, we’d strongly recommend booking with MariCAR. They were excellent throughout our trip and I was particularly impressed with our guide, Hiro, who wasn’t just friendly and funny but also gave clear instructions on how to stay safe and checked with us all regularly to make sure we were happy and keeping up.

Perhaps life as a Mario Kart guide has simply taught him to remain cautious when in 1^st place? No-one likes a blue shell, after all.

MariCAR operates different routes through Tokyo, starting at Shinagawa, Asakusa, Shibuya or the Tokyo Bay area. There are a variety of lengths, of course, open to suit different budgets but the average price is about 9,000 Yen per person.

More Info

You can choose to see the city in the daytime, as we did, or take the night course for added drama. As well as choosing your character costume—genuinely one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made—they also have a range of products you can choose to rent to enhance your experience.

A GoPro is always handy, there are music speakers for the terminally conspicuous, or a fake mustache for the…people who don’t have mustaches.

For travelers who aren’t able to Mario Kart in Tokyo, MariCAR also has branches in Osaka, Okinawa and Yokohama.

Let’s a-go!

 

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FULL DISCLOSURE: We have no financial incentive to promote MariCAR, and other similar tour operators exist. Our recommendation comes entirely from the writer’s personal experience.

Suggested next reading: 6 Temples & Shrines In Kyoto That Will Cure Your Wanderlust

The post Mario Kart In Tokyo: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Modern Trekker.