(OP mostly stolen from last year's rate, which was mostly stolen from the year before's, which was mostly stolen from the 10s Boy Groups/Girl Group SMACKDOWN OPs, they paved the way)
Welcome to the 2023 K-Pop Essentials Rate! Us 3 hosts (u/1998tweety, u/LilacDaffodils, & u/throwaway-7650) are excited to host the 3rd annual K-Pop yearly review rate. Last year, NewJeans - Ditto was crowned the winner of 2022 K-Pop Essentials - with TWICE - The Feels also winning 2021 K-Pop Essentials while being the only artist having 3 songs in the rate, will that trend continue this year, either by NewJeans again/several other artists also represented with 3 songs, or will the streak be broken by crowning a new winner altogether? Without further ado, here's this year's list of Essentials^TM:

1. (G)-IDLE - Queencard
2. aespa - Drama
3. aespa - Spicy
4. AKMU - Love Lee
5. ATEEZ - BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)
6. BABYMONSTER - BATTER UP
7. Billlie - EUNOIA
8. BSS - Fighting (ft. Lee Young Ji)
9. Dreamcatcher - BONVOYAGE
10. ENHYPEN - Bite Me
11. EXO - Cream Soda
12. FIFTY FIFTY - Cupid (Twin Ver.)
13. fromis_9 - #menow
14. H1-KEY - Rose Blossom
15. ITZY - CAKE
16. IVE - Baddie
17. IVE - I AM
18. IVE - Kitsch
19. JENNIE - You & Me
20. JEON SOMI - Fast Forward
21. JIHYO - Killin' Me Good
22. Jimin - Like Crazy
23. JISOO - FLOWER
24. Jung Kook - 3D (feat. Jack Harlow)
25. Jung Kook - Seven (feat. Latto)
26. Jung Kook - Standing Next To You
27. KAI - Rover
28. KISS OF LIFE - Shhh
29. KISS OF LIFE - Sugarcoat (NATTY Solo)
30. LE SSERAFIM - Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard's wife
31. LE SSERAFIM - Perfect Night
32. LE SSERAFIM - UNFORGIVEN (feat. Nile Rodgers)
33. LEE CHAE YEON - KNOCK
34. Loossemble - Sensitive
35. NCT DOJAEJUNG - Perfume
36. NCT DREAM - ISTJ
37. NCT U - Baggy Jeans
38. NewJeans - ETA
39. NewJeans - OMG
40. NewJeans - Super Shy
41. NMIXX - Love Me Like This
42. NMIXX - Roller Coaster
43. ODD EYE CIRCLE - Air Force One
44. Red Velvet - Chill Kill
45. RIIZE - Get A Guitar
46. SEVENTEEN - Super
47. SHINee - HARD
48. STAYC - Bubble
49. STAYC - Teddy Bear
50. Stray Kids - LALALALA
51. Stray Kids - S-Class
52. TAEMIN - Guilty
53. TAEYANG - VIBE (feat. Jimin)
54. TAEYEON - To. X
55. TOMORROW X TOGETHER - Chasing That Feeling
56. TOMORROW X TOGETHER - Sugar Rush Ride
57. tripleS - Girls' Capitalism
58. tripleS - Rising
59. TWICE - MOONLIGHT SUNRISE
60. TWICE - SET ME FREE
61. V - Love Me Again
62. VIVIZ - MANIAC
63. XG - LEFT RIGHT
64. XG - SHOOTING STAR
65. YENA - Hate Rodrigo (feat. YUQI)
66. ZEROBASEONE - In Bloom

But... where's this group or that song? Why is x in over y? [etc.]?

The main goal when curating the selection was to create a list of the most notable releases by K-Pop acts that catered to popheads' interests and taste. To determine whether a song should be included, multiple metrics, including local (Korean) and international success, streaming numbers, "... of the year" lists, acclaim from critics and online fan spaces, relevance in the sub, etc. were used. We also wanted to have a broad and diverse lineup that represented as many acts as possible, but given the competitive and fast-paced nature of the K-Pop industry, not everyone could be included, unfortunately. The reason why your robbed fave was excluded is likely either 1) the act was already well-represented in the rate or 2) it didn't do well enough in the metrics to replace any of the songs currently in the lineup. Which leads us to the...

Bonus Rate:

1. THE BOYZ - LIP GLOSS
2. THE BOYZ - ROAR
3. THE BOYZ - WATCH IT

As THE BOYZ were the unfortunate final cut of the rate this year, we as hosts decided to bring back the secret bonus rate idea from 2 years ago and each picked a "payola" song for the bonus rate and this is what we ended up with, 100% serious. THE BOYZ now joins the other 4 artists with 3 songs in the rate, making for a total of 5! Which title track of theirs from last year will come out on top?

Bonus Rate Playlists: Spotify Apple Music YouTube

Note: the bonus rate is optional so if you'd like to skip it just leave those lines untouched, you can also only give scores between 1-10 (aka no 11/0)
If you’re already familiar with rate rules and can’t wait to get started, feel free to skip the rest of this post and send your ballot using THIS LINK - this is a shared account so all 3 of us will be looking over the ballots. Here are the Spotify and Apple Music playlists as well as the YouTube playlist(s)*: we strongly recommend watching the music videos if you have time, as so much of the quintessential K-Pop experience has to do with the visuals - they are integral to the music and may also enhance your enjoyment of a song. If you ever find yourself bored, we encourage you to take advantage of the MVs!
* see the Playlists section for more details
Many thanks to the talented brilliant incredible etc. Nick (u/whoisValensi) for the incredible playlist cover!

Rules:

• You must listen and assign a score to EVERY song listed. If your ballot is missing any scores it will not be eligible and you'll be sent a message asking you to fill in the missing scores.
• Each song should be assigned a score between 1 to 10. Decimals up to one point are allowed but any further is a no-no – 9.9 is fine, but 9.99 is not.
• You can use ONE 0 and ONE 11 for the entirety of the rate, for your least favorite and most favorite song respectively - they are optional but HIGHLY encouraged if you feel some type of way about any given song! Comments are also very encouraged but not required for such scores.
• Please be sure to submit your scores using the prepared message format linked here, it makes it infinitely easier for us to record your scores using the rate machine program. **
• Comments are encouraged and much appreciated (but not required) and can be added to any song by simply typing after the numerical score, like so:

FIFTY FIFTY - Cupid (Twin Ver.): 1 50/50? they're just begging me to give them a 5.0 so I'll divide instead **

** This is the ONLY correct way to format a comment. Please do not include colons (ex. 10: I stan!), dashes (ex. 1 - ?), or any other symbol after your score/before your comment as it breaks the program.

• DO NOT SABOTAGE! Hopefully this shouldn’t be a problem as we trust you guys (famous last words) but we reserve the right to reject your ballot + ask you to change your scores and/or leave comments, especially for scores on the low end. Ultimately, please just rate all of the songs truthfully – this will make the whole process a lot easier and more fun for everyone involved!
• Use the provided message link to submit or by copying this pastebin into a Reddit convo.
• If you want to change scores or add comments at any point, don't hesitate to message this Reddit account (u/2023inKPOP). You can find us on Discord as well in the Popheads Discord #rates channel (or even submit your ballot through Discord DMs if there is any Reddit messaging issue)!

DUE DATE:

around the middle of June (15th) [EST] - there will be no extensions so don't procrastinate until the final hour(s)! but we'll accept anything that shows up in our inbox through the end of the weekend

REVEAL DATES:

June 21st - 23rd (times TBD, EST)

Day 1 - TBD Day 2 - TBD Day 3 - TBD

Playlists:

Spotify (+ BONUS)

Apple Music (+ BONUS)

YouTube (sorted by release date/popularity + BONUS)

BONUS PLAYLIST: Tidal

LINK TO SEND IN SCORES

* as a backup option please use this pastebin for your ballot and DM it to u/2023inKPOP

In the bustling culinary landscape of Kuala Lumpur, where diversity in flavors meets the discerning palates of food enthusiasts, there exists a hidden gem that promises an unparalleled gastronomic experience: GL Marine's Chilean descaled salmon fillet. Imported all the way from the pristine waters of Chile, this frozen delicacy embodies the essence of freshness and quality, redefining the seafood experience in Malaysia's vibrant capital. Salmon malaysia
Picture yourself in the heart of KL's bustling food scene, where cafes and franchises alike strive to curate menus that captivate the senses. Amidst this culinary symphony, GL Marine emerges as a distinguished purveyor of premium seafood, elevating dining experiences to new heights. At the core of their offerings lies the majestic descaled salmon fillet, each piece weighing approximately 1.5 kilograms, ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other.
What sets GL Marine's Chilean descaled salmon apart is not just its origin, but the meticulous process it undergoes before reaching the plates of eager patrons. Sourced from the cold, clear waters of Chile, known for their rich marine biodiversity, every fillet is a testament to nature's bounty. Expertly descaled to perfection, the fillets arrive frozen, preserving their freshness and flavor, ensuring that each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. Salmon fish malaysia
For chefs and restaurateurs in KL, sourcing premium ingredients is paramount to crafting exceptional dishes that resonate with diners. GL Marine understands this demand, offering a seamless supply chain that caters to the unique needs of cafes and franchises across the city. Whether it's a cozy brunch spot in the heart of Bukit Bintang or a trendy eatery in Bangsar, the descaled salmon fillet from GL Marine becomes the centerpiece of culinary creations that leave patrons craving for more.
Beyond its culinary prowess, the Chilean descaled salmon fillet embodies a story of sustainability and responsibility. GL Marine is committed to ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that each fillet is harvested in a manner that respects the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. By choosing GL Marine, cafes and franchises not only offer a delectable treat to their patrons but also contribute to the preservation of our oceans for future generations to enjoy. Salmon price malaysia
In the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, where flavors collide and culinary boundaries are pushed, GL Marine's Chilean descaled salmon fillet stands as a beacon of excellence. It's not just seafood; it's a journey—a journey of taste, quality, and sustainability, inviting diners to embark on a culinary voyage unlike any other.

Note: Viking Holdings Ltd. (VIK Proposed) received an initial 2-Star SCOOP Rating TODAY – Friday, April 26, 2024 – The Consensus Call: Up 1/2 Point to Up 1 Point – with the possibility of an upgrade on Monday.

Note: The Street hears that underwriters want indications by 4 P.M. EDT TODAY – Friday, April 26.

Note: The books will close MONDAY, April 29, at 4 P.M. EDT.

Size: 44.0 million shares – 33 million offered by selling shareholders and 11 million by the company – at a price range of $21.00 to $25.00 – to raise $1.012 billion ($1,012.0 million)

BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan, UBS Investment Bank, Wells Fargo Securities, HSBC and Morgan Stanley are the joint book-runners.

SCOOP Rating on Viking Holdings Ltd. (VIK Proposed) & Indications Due at 4 P.M. EDT TODAY – Friday, April 26, 2024

Viking Holdings Ltd. (VIK Proposed)

2-Star SCOOP Rating

The Consensus Call: Up 1/2 Point to Up 1 Point

The IPO Buzz: The Street hears that people like Viking’s IPO in spite of the Bermuda cruise line company’s debt – and for this reason, Viking starts with a 2-Star SCOOP Rating TODAY – Friday, April 26, 2024. The Consensus Call: Up 1/2 Point to Up 1 Point

The word is that Viking’s IPO is already well oversubscribed.

BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan, UBS Investment Bank, Wells Fargo Securities, HSBC and Morgan Stanley are the joint book-runners.

Rothschild & Co. and Stifel are the co-managers.

Note: The Street hears that indications are due TODAY by 4 P.M. EDT.

The books will close Monday, April 29, at 4 P.M. EDT - a day ahead of pricing.

Viking’s IPO is set to price Tuesday, April 30, to trade Wednesday, May 1, on the NYSE.

Size: 44.0 million shares – 33 million offered by selling shareholders and 11 million offered by the company – at a price range of $21.00 to $25.00 – to raise $1.012 billion ($1,012.0 million)

The selling shareholders are TPG, the private equity firm, and CPP Investments, Canada Pension Plan’s investment arm.

Cornerstone investor Norges Bank Investment Management, a division of Norges Bank, has indicated an interest in buying up to $100 million - or about 10 percent of the IPO.

Viking Holdings Ltd. , based in Pembroke, Bermuda, with a U.S. office in Woodland Hills, Calilfornia, caters to an upscale clientele in their 50s and up. Viking, founded in 1997, operates a fleet of 92 ships.

“For the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, nearly 650,000 guests traveled with us, and we generated total revenue of $4,710.5 million, a net loss of $1,858.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $1,090.3 million,” the prospectus says.

Total Debt: $5.4 billion as of Dec. 31, 2023

“We have also generated industry-leading ROIC (return on invested capital) of 27.5 percent for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, up from 26.1 percent for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019,” the prospectus says.

Financial Snapshot: Net loss of $1.86 billion ($1,858.6 million) on revenue of $4.71 billion ($4,710.5 million) for the year that ended Dec. 31, 2023

(For more information about these companies, please check the IPO Calendar and the individual IPO Profiles found on IPOScoop.com’s website.)

Note: Never trade on proposed symbols. They have been known to change and you might buy something on the OTC Bulletin Board.

To see what time the NASDAQ IPOs are expected to trade, please log in to: NASDAQTrader.com then scroll down to IPO Message.

Disclosure: Nobody on the IPOScoop.com staff has a position in any stocks mentioned above, nor do they trade or invest in IPOs. The IPOScoop.com staff does not issue advice, recommendations or opinions.

• This is a continuation post from Part 1 here (Day 0~9, Shikoku~Hiroshima) and Part 2 here (Day 10~18, Hiroshima~Shimane~Tottori/Misasa Onsen~Kinosaki Onsen)
• Refer to link for a map covering Day 19~23 here and Day 24 here.
• This post covers between Kobe (Day 19) to Osaka with multiple day trips out (Day 24).
• This trip occurred during Mid-November to Mid-December (autumn season).

Day 19 – Kobe, Maiko Promenade, Akashi-Kaikyo Exhibition Centre/Bridge (Hyogo)
Made an early rainy start from Kinosaki Onsen towards Kobe via the limited express Hamakaze. As it was a very early departure (~0712), the owner kindly prepared my breakfast in a bento setbox which I was appreciative of, so that I can have my breakfast on the train. The ride down to Kobe took ~2.5 hours which was pretty long, though by starting the day much earlier, I maximize the amount of productive time I have for the remainder of the day. After dropping my luggage at the hotel, I made my way backwards to Maiko to visit the Akashi-Kaikyo Exhibition Centre which details the construction process in making the longest suspension bridge in the world [until recently]. Engineering folks would be interested in the details of maintaining such a bridge. Just beside the exhibition centre, the Maiko Promenade provides access a small section of the suspension bridge lower deck– it is really windy (and noisy with traffic rumbling above you) there!
The main item for the day was to join the Bridge World exhibit tour, which consist of a safety briefing, a site walk along the suspension bridge maintenance deck and taking a lift up to the bridge pylon i.e. the tallest point of the bridge. The entire tour costed 5k yen and took about 2 hours. Although the tour is entirely in Japanese (it is chaired by their own engineers), there is an English audio guide provided for you to explain certain aspects. My own opinion is that while the audio guide covers the main aspects, the extra tidbits/trivia mentioned by the engineers are not included (so its an added bonus if you have some Japanese listening comprehension). Also, you will need to be able to climb up some stairs so if you are unable to, you’ll have to give this a hard pass. The exhibit tour runs between April to end-November so you’re out of luck if you come during winter [I asked one of the staff why there was no session planned between December and March, and his response was that it was “too cold” to conduct said tour].
After the tour, I took a highway bus back to Sannomiya/Kobe. Incidentally, it was dinner time and a friend suggested that I try out Kobe beef since I’m already there. Although most steak establishments there require a prior booking ahead of time, I managed to find one named Mouriya that accepted walk-ins. In a word, it was delicious– a pain to the wallet at 12k yen no doubt, but its worth trying out at least once for the experience.
After dinner, I walked around the area on the way back to the hotel. To the hotel in question for the night, the La Suite KOBE which had a direct view of Kobe Harbor. One thing I have noticed while planning this entire trip is that there are very few 5 star hotels in Japan, and when I saw this and the offer price, I just decided to go with it just for the experience. After staying here for a night, I now understand what it takes to be considered as one, from getting a personal room tour by the hotel staff to extravagant room sizes to bottled ‘designer’ mineral water to jacuzzis. I must disclaim however, by saying that 3-stars hotels in Japan are typically very good for the value proposition. A great place to crash the night, if you have the money to splurge.
Day 20 – Kobe Maritime Museum, Himeji Castle/Koko-en (Hyogo), Minoh Falls (Osaka)
Breakfast at this hotel is done differently from other hotels – instead of a buffet spread, the hotel staff wheels a table directly to your room and you get to eat it in solitary peace – that certainly was a first for me. Before checking out, I made a stop at the nearby Kobe Harbour to visit the maritime museum and the earthquake memorial park . What I find surprising about the museum is that it wasn’t entirely about maritime/shipping/vessel stuff, instead, there’s one large section dedicated to Kawasaki [think bike/shinkansen manufacturer] and a special exhibit on Hatsune Miku. While I personally didn’t mind it I thought it feels like a misnomer to call it a ‘maritime’ museum. Spent about 3 hours at the harbor area. Kobe Tower was down for maintenance when I visited.
After checking out of the hotel I zipped over to Himeji, left my luggage at the JR station lockers and proceeded to explore Himeji Castle and Koko-en. There was a discount ticket set for both attraction so I went with that. Himeji Castle is pretty well documented here so I’ll just keep it short and say that it was worth the visit. Ditto for Koko-en in the autumn; both places took me just around 2.5~3 hours.
After that, I zipped down to Osaka via the Shinkansen, deposited my luggage at the hotel before heading over to one last destination – Minoh Falls. I have last visited this place years ago during the day and wanted to see for myself how the autumn illumination was like. To be frank, it was alright, though on reflection I feel it wasn’t fully worth the time to walk all the way to the falls (I clocked just north of 46000 steps which was one of the highest daily record).
Lastly, the hotel in question for the next 5 nights is the Vessel Inn Namba, a ~2 minute walk away from Dontonbori and Namba station (which I would argue is THE major transportation artery in Osaka beside Umeda). Although the room was rather small at ~14m2, for the pricepoint of ~9k yen/night and its convenient access to major transportation nodes I thought it was value for money.
Day 21 – Ise Jingu , Futamiokitama Shrine, Toba Aquarium, Mikimoto Pearl Island (Mie)
NOTE: Day 21, 22 and 23 utilizes the 5-day Kintetsu Rail Pass+ [=/= JR PASS] (which covers free bus services at Ise and Nara).
Day trip over from Namba to Ise. Took the first express train out of Namba at 0600 and arrived at Ise Station just after 0800. The overall routing was as follow:
Namba Station train to Ise Station bus to Ise Jingu Okage Yokocho bus to Futamiokitama Shrine bus to Toba Aquarium Mikimoto Pearl Island Shimakaze ride back to Osaka
Brief notes for the places as follow:

• Ise Jingu is labelled as one of Japan’s most important shrines, and the scale and grandeur of it, along with the sheer local crowd drives home that point pretty well, though I would note that visitors cannot enter the actual inner shrine (it is fenced off and is restricted for private events). Got a goshuin for my efforts. Takes at least an hour to walk at a leisurely pace to cover.
• Okage Yokocho is your typical shopping street (equivalent to Kamakura’s Komachi-dori). They do have their specialty lobster crackers that makes for good souvenir gifts.
• Futamiokitama Shrine is essentially a Shinto shrine with two rocks on the sea (Meoto Iwa). There’s a bit more historical context to it related to their gods, and there was quite a sizable amount of local tourists. An hour is more than adequate here.
• Toba Aquarium is not bad with quite a varied set of exhibits, though I would still put Osaka Aquarium above it overall. There were quite a number of live shows which would cater well to families. ~2 hours is recommended here.
• Mikimoto Pearl Island was a minor surprise for me - while I wasn’t a fan of pearls, there was some education exhibits such as how pearls are created, some pearl-related artworks and a live Ama diver demostration. There’s also a sales gallery if one is inclined to buy pearl ornaments. You could think of it as a glorified Mikimoto advert. I spent about 1~1.5hours here.

The final item for the day was to ride Kintetsu’s ‘special’ limited express Shimakaze back to Osaka-Namba. Seat was plush and extremely comfortable, though the main draw was the on-board café carriage which served food. I had curry for dinner and … it was alright; not terrible but nothing special to write home about. I suppose its more for the experience of dining on a train. Nevertheless, I enjoyed unwinding on my seat as the train whizzed past the countryside back to Osaka under cover of darkness. Booking a seat on the Shimakaze is competitive especially for the unobstructed first-row seats facing the conductor; you should book via the website immediately after reservation slots are open (a month in advance).
I wouldn’t recommend this day trip to first timers in particular, in large part because of the long travel time (~2 hours one-way with the limited express train to/from Osaka) as well as the multiple bus connections between destinations. It can be punishing if you do not time your bus connections well.
Day 22 – Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha (Nara), Uji, Fushimi Inari (Kyoto)
Spent the morning in Nara, afternoon at Uji and evening/night at Fushimi.
I had a pleasant time strolling around Kasuga Taisha in the morning just before 0800 which was near Todai-ji; it was a relatively quiet affair walking along the shrine. After that, a quick stroll over to Todai-ji. The crowd started to pick up pretty quickly after 0930 though so do arrive early to beat the crowd. The main temple itself isn’t large, but do cater for more time if you want to explore the surrounding temples and parks. Also, you could feed those deer crackers but they can be pretty aggressive so do mind them. I spent about 2.5 hours just walking around two aforementioned attractions.
After Nara, I zoomed up to Uji via the JR Nara line to explore Byodo-in and crossed over the Tachibana River to Uji Shrine and Daikichiyama Observation Deck. As the main attraction in Uji, Byodo-in was understandably the most crowded of all, but crowd management was done well and it didn’t feel as cramped as Kiyomizudera or other major hotspots in Kyoto. There was another separate queue to enter the temple building proper, but I wasn’t in the mood to queue so I just took some photos from the outside. Outside of the temple, I enjoyed viewing and purchasing some tea while walking along the Uji river, and making a short trek up to the observation deck to view the entire town.
Finally, I made an evening/night play for Fushimi. This would be my second return trip to here, and it was still an enjoyable hike up the mountain. Crowd is substantially lower compared to day time so I would propose putting this place as one of your last destination for the day. Moreover, as you make your way up the mountain to the top of the shrine, the crowd level does reduce considerably too. The view of the city from the mid-point was pretty nice. Paths are generally well-lit so there is no visibility concerns at night.
Day 23 – Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kyoto Manga Museum, Kyoto Railway Museum (Kyoto), Den Den Town, Abeno Harukas (Osaka)
An (almost) full day at Kyoto, with the night spent at Osaka.
With an early start at 0630, the routing for northern Kyoto was as follow:
0630 train from Osaka Arashiyama bus to Kinkakuji bus to Ginkakuji, Philosophers’ Path bus to Kyoto Manga Museum bus to Kyoto Railway Museum Aoniyoshi train ride back to Osaka at 1630

• Without droning this point again and again, going to Arashiyama early morning is a major boon – crowd levels at 0745 was comfortable even at the bamboo forest, though I note that things start to pick up at around 0900. I would encourage making a short trek up the hill to the vantage point facing Arashiyama and the Oi River – the view is worth the hike. Also, Tenryu-ji is a good stop if you’re already heading over here. Just these two alone took about 2~2.5 hours.
• Buses in Kyoto are covered by the subway+bus pass at 1.1k yen, or via Suica/Icoca. While bus frequencies are frequent at ~10 minute intervals, the main concern is actually being able to get up on the bus (you are jostling for space with locals and foreigners). Do allocate some spare time in the event you are forced to miss a bus.
• Kinkakuji was EXTREMELY crowded when I visited during the ‘peak’ time of 1030, in part because of a combination of tourists and local school students visiting at the same time. The temple was pretty, and it was an okay walk around the area, but that’s about it. Got a goshuin for my troubles however. It took me about an hour to explore the place.
• Ginkakuji was the same story as Kinkakuji, but with a notably reduced crowd level (I was there at 1230) – I guess it wasn’t as flashy as Kinkakuji thus people aren’t that interested?) Nevertheless, it’s the same story – nice structure, but that’s it. Another hour spent here, with a goshuin for my efforts.
• Philosopher’s Path is mediocre during autumn. Barren trees, no activities going on. I suppose its offseason (its probably better to visit here during spring or summer instead).
• Kyoto Manga Museum was a sleeper hit for me – having some interest in manga, I spent nearly 2.5 hours here browsing through mangas from the 1970s+, as well as going through the exhibits. There was a seasonal exhibit showcasing the development and advancement of manga/comics in Africa which I thought was well done. Manga fans are going to have a blast here.
• Kyoto Railway Museum also didn’t disappoint with a ton of train replicas, old models, train dioramas, steam locomotives and even an active roundhouse platform! My only regret was that I had to rush through the entire museum in 1.5h in order to catch my return train – you should plan for at least 2-2.5 hours to properly savour the place. The museum was designed to cater for families, but even solo travellers like myself would have no shortage of things to look and learn.

My personal pick would be the two museums unironically – those appealed to the kid in me.
The return trip from Kyoto to Osaka is done via Kintetsu’s Aoniyoshi sightseeing train which travels back to Osaka-Namba via Nara. Similar to the Shimakaze, the seats are extremely comfortable and faces towards the window, allowing you to just unwind and look outside. There is also a café carriage which sells rail merchandise and some sweets/desserts. I got myself a coffee and an ice cream sandwich which was great. For purchase of this sightseeing train, you can buy the limited express reservation on the Kintetsu website – demand for this is also quite high so book as early as you can. However, for solo travellers, you need to buy TWO limited express tickets –an adult seat and a child seat (at half price).
I was still feeling alright after lounging on the sightseeing train, so I decided to spend the remainder of the day shopping at Den Den Town for anime related stuff, as well as the nearby Abeno Harukas for the observatory point (Harukas 300). Personally, Den Den Town has that gritty, unfiltered feel to it which I loved. There was not much crowd at the observatory at night (~2040), and I was able to view the Osaka skyline unobstructed. Great place for couples hangout. Dinner was a pork tonkatsu by a chain restaurant named KYK within Abeno Harukas – it was delicious (at a hefty price tag of 3k yen)!
Just like the Mie day-trip, this routing is punishing with multiple buses to connect, destinations scattered across Kyoto, and a long walk (clocking north of 40k steps again) - I would not recommend this routing to first-timers. Moreover, this demands an early start – late end to the day which is not everyone’s cup of tea either.
Day 24 – Osaka Aquarium (Osaka), Kyoto Station (Kyoto)
This was my free day where I had nothing planned specifically, so I went to do some anime-related shopping at Kyoto Station in the morning where there was a pop-up Kyoto Animation store. I also shipped a package home via JPpost. I enjoyed wandering around Den Den Town and Taito Station, playing some of the arcade games. Lastly, I made a stop at the Osaka Aquarium – this was my second time here and I had a great time gazing at the mega fishtank in the middle which housed the whale shark.
---
If you’re still reading, thanks for powering through! Parts 2 and 3 took a while to write - I am not sure when (and if) I have the time to write on Ishikawa (Kanazawa, Noto Peninsula) and Tokyo/Chiba, but I would highly encourage visiting the outskirts in your return visits! Do let me know if there is anything I can do to improve the remaining write-up. Cheers!

Just got to KL and staying close by to Bukit Bintang area. Wasn’t planning on visiting lounges so didn’t do enough research to see what’s out there. Found some decent places using KMs close to my hotel but nothing crazy nice. Anyone know of any lounges that would cater to a more enthusiast smoker that potentially has some dark leaf and something a bit better than basic egyptian bowls? TYIA

I recently took a month long vacation throughout SE Asia and Japan, and had the privilege of staying at 11 Priority Pass Lounges, and 2 Delta Sky Clubs. Here are my thoughts on these lounges, in chronological order. I don't drink alcohol, so I didn't pay much attention to the drink selection.
Al Maha (DOH; Doha) - I got there around 11pm, and it was CROWDED! It was, by far, the most crowded lounge I encountered during my entire trip. I got the last seat before people had to be waitlisted. The food selection was okay, but I was disappointed that there wasn't any "Qatari" food other than Qatari tea and coffee. It was standard soup, pasta, bread, and salad fare. They didn't serve any alcohol due to it being the holy month of Ramadan. The staff was super nice and on top of clearing dishes/sanitizing surfaces once somebody left their seat. There is NO tarmac/runway view; the view is of the airport (which is an impressive airport, tbf). The seating is pretty close together compared to most lounges I visited, which may have contributed to how cramped the lounge left. It beats sitting at the gate, but I'd rather stay at an airline lounge if given the opportunity.
SATS Premier Lounge Terminal 2 (SIN; Singapore) - This was the less impressive of the two SATS lounges I visited, but it was a comfortable lounge. I visited this lounge twice, once on the way to Kuala Lumpur and once on the way to Bangkok. The food selection was a bit small, mostly cold, but a few great hot dishes. The highlight for me was the build your own laksa station, and the fact they clearly labeled the vegetarian dishes. There isn't much staff interaction because they have a robot butler roaming the lounge looking for dirty dishes to collect; that's the clear "wow" factor of this lounge. There is plenty of seating, TVs, reading material, and a VIP section with some nice artwork. This is definitely the better PP lounge in terminal 2.
Plaza Premium Lounge Contact Pier (KUL; Kuala Lumpur) - This was my first Plaza Premium lounge, and it didn't disappoint! There was a wide array of food, both hot and cold. lots of pastries/desserts and phenomenal truffle mushroom soup and mee goreng. The drink selection was weak, but that might have been due to Ramadan. It's a bigger lounge with varied seating options. It has a VIP area (UOB only area), really nice showers, and a lovely interior design (imo). The only downsides were that it took the staff a really long time to clear away dishes when guests left, and the charger placement in the booth seating was weird. The charger placement reminded of older United Airlines planes where they are "under" the seat. I mostly use lounges for the food, so this was one of my favorite lounges of the trip!
Plaza Premium Lounge (SIN; Singapore) - Compared to the Plaza Premium lounge in KUL, this was a bit of a disappointment. It wasn't the worst lounge, but it wasn't as good as others. In fact, there were a few people who walked out because they thought it wasn't up to par. There isn't much seating (it doesn't help that most of the booths/large tables are reserved for groups of 4+), and some of the seating reminds me of capsules or pods. There are some nice tarmac views, however, if you sit near the lounge entrance. The food was both the biggest disappointment and the saving grace. The food selection is pretty basic; it's a small selection of mostly cold food and salads with only a couple of hot options. However, the lamb curry they served was fantastic, and the sole reason I visited this lounge three times over the course of my trip. It was probably my favorite dish out of any of the lounges I visited. The drink selection isn't too bad, and the bartenders are so fun! The staff is friendly, and quick to help you clean dishes. Other than that, it's kind of a disappointment given that it's a Plaza Premium Lounge in Singapore.
SATS Premier Lounge Terminal 1 (SIN; Singapore) - The better of the SATS lounges imo. It's a massive lounge with a wide array of food and drink. They have a make your own laksa station, clearly labelled vegetarian options, a good selection of alcoholic beverages, and some really good pasta and noodle dishes. There is a ton of seating, including some private nooks on the left side of the lounge for people who need to work (or game like I did). Lots of reading material, although the target demo is well above my tax bracket, and very attentive staff. I arrived around 1am, but it was still about 75% full. I imagine that it's full during peak hours. This was probably my favorite lounge out of all of the lounges I visited due to the food selection, the attentive staff, and the amount of seating.
Fun fact I learned, Singapore Airlines uses SATS for their catering.
Ambassador Transit Lounge (SIN; Singapore) - This lounge is ass. Straight ass. The food selection is worse than a continental breakfast at a roadside motel. It's just fruit, cereal, bread, and sad single serve ice creams. There wasn't much seating, but it was nicely spread out. I think the lounge mostly caters to Chinese travelers, because the front desk staff barely spoke English and didn't speak Malay or Tamil. The important thing to note is that lounge access is free, but you have to pay to use the gym or the sleeping rooms. I neglected to see how much those cost, but I really didn't want to pay for anything. The only upside was that there is an outside area that gives nice views of the tarmac/apron. However, I wasn't able to use that since I arrived around 2am. This lounge might be nicer during the daytime, with a better food and drink selection, but my experience wasn't good.
Air France/KLM SkyLounge (BKK; Bangkok) - I entered the lounge around midnight, so I'm guessing the staff was getting ready to go home (the lounge actually closed at 1am, not 1:30am as advertised on the PP and Lounge Buddy apps). The front desk agents put out the closed sign around 12:30, then left shortly after. The ones that stayed were nice enough given how late/early it was. The seating was good, and the seats were actually one of the more comfortable that I experienced. The food selection wasn't the worst, but it wasn't great either. It was pretty standard fare with only three hot dishes (that were quickly replenished when empty). The lounge does have a nice view of the tarmac as well as the terminal.
Miracle Business Class Lounge (BKK: Bangkok) - I went here after the Air France/KLM lounge closed. I actually got moved to a different Miracle Lounge because concourse F was full. For some reason, the lounge visit still shows up as Concourse F in the PP app, so maybe there are two Miracle Lounges in Concourse F. It had a nice view of the tarmac, a fair amount of seating, and a better food spread than the Air France/KLM Lounge. They had a whole table of hot food rather than just a few dishes (they also had lamb curry, which made me like the lounge). You don't interact with the staff outside of check-in, which was kind of nice at 1am. The place was bumping at 1am, so I'm guessing the Miracle Lounges are the ones most people use.
Premium Lounge - (CAN; Guangzhou) - This lounge had one of my favorite interior designs! It has a beautiful view of the airport, a great food and drink selection, and super friendly, attentive staff. Almost all of the hot dishes were Chinese, including a good selection of made to order soups. There is a ton of seating, a library room, and a great shower area. It was one of my favorite lounges, right up there with the Plaza Premium Lounge in KL and Changi SATS Lounge in Terminal 1. If you're in Guangzhou, I'd recommend this over the airline specific lounges, honestly. The food is worth it!
Tiat Lounge (HND; Tokyo) - This is a pretty basic lounge. It's 90% seating with a small food island in the middle of the room. The food selection is subpar. They only had two hot dishes (soup and curry), and a dessert spread without Japanese pastries/desserts. The drinks were super basic; they only had sparkling water and sodas. It's nicer than sitting at the gate, but I'd highly recommend going to the Delta Sky Club or other airline lounge. It's surprising how lackluster the lounge is considering it's in HND. I expected a bit more, but I was happy to be in a lounge. I nearly missed my flight because I was messing around in Tokyo (I was hanging out with this really cute girl I met earlier in Osaka who also happened to be in Tokyo that night...being in my 20s causes me to be really stupid sometimes), missed my train stop, got on the wrong train and ended up halfway to Yokohama, had a dead phone, and got to the airport at 8:40pm when my flight left at 9:40pm. I'm lucky that literally NOBODY was in the immigration line, and I breezed through the airport in about 10 minutes.
I.A.S.S (HNL, Honolulu) - This lounge was incredibly disappointing. Honestly, the entire Honolulu airport is pretty disappointing. The biggest demerit is that this lounge has a no food policy. They don't serve any food/snacks, and you aren't allowed to eat any food/snacks that you bring into the lounge. They offer non-alcoholic drinks, and tacky decor reminiscent of the Hawaiian themed Christmas office parties. The staff was super friendly (I think they were Japanese staff, which would make sense given that the IASS company is a Japanese aviation services and consultation company). It did have beautiful view of the cultural garden! Other than the staff and the view, you're better off going to an airline lounge.
BONUS: Concordia Lounge (YIA, Yogyakarta) - Unfortunately, I wasn't able to visit this lounge. I was flying from YIA to BKK via SIN (completely international), but the Concordia Lounge is in the domestic terminal. You have to go through immigration at the entrance of both terminals (domestic and international terminals), and they didn't let me enter the domestic terminal because I didn't have any domestic flights. The airport was the smallest one I visited during my trip, but it had so many cool sculptures, paintings, and displays throughout the airport. The airport entrance (near the YIA Train Station) has a bunch of vendors set up just like Malioboro Street in Yogyakarta. Malioboro Street is the main street in Yogyakarta, filled with vendors, malls, warungs, and art shops.
Delta Sky Club (HNL, Honolulu) - It was lackluster. The only good things about the lounge were the staff and the fact they served local dishes (like Spam Fried Rice). The staff was wonderful, and most were super talkative. I was in a talkative mood that day, so it was nice to talk with them. Other than that...I guess it's better than the I.A.S.S Lounge?
Delta Sky Club (DTW, Detroit) - This was probably the largest lounge I've ever seen. It had a good selection of breakfast foods, an open bar (at 6:30am), and a nice staff. I loved the art hallway. DTW probably has the most art out of any airport I've visited, and I'm all for it. It also had the best business center I've seen in a lounge. Most business areas are sad, but this one actually looked like a real business area.
Overall, my favorite lounge is probably a tie between the Terminal 1 SATS Premier Lounge in SIN and the Premium Lounge in CAN, with the runner-up being the Plaza Premium Lounge in KUL. My least favorite, by far, was the Ambassador Transit Lounge in SIN, followed by the I.A.S.S. Lounge in HNL. It was cool to see all of these lounges and to see how some can be so great while others are incredibly bad.
I'm already planning my next few trips 1) Andalusia, Gibraltar, and Northern Morocco 2) Puerto Rico 3) Disputed Chinese Areas (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Spratly islands if possible).
Happy Travels Everyone!

- Tl;dr if you’re a returning visitor to Japan, I highly recommend that you consider the outskirts such as Shikoku (in my earlier post here) or Tottori/Shimane – I personally find the more ‘outside’ routes more rewarding, and considerably less crowded as well.
- This is a continuation post from Part 1 here (Day 0~9).
- Refer to link here for a map covering Day 10~12 here(labelled Part 1), Day 13~23 here(labelled Part 2).
- This post covers between Hiroshima (Day 10) to Kinosaki Onsen (Day 18).
- This trip occurred during Mid-November to Mid-December (autumn season).
Day 10 – Kintaikyo Bridge (Yamaguchi), Simose Art Museum and Miyajima (Hiroshima)
Started off the day with a breakfast at the hotel, before taking the Shinkansen over to JR Shin-Iwakuni station for just 15 minutes [NOTE: only the Kodama type stops here], and transferring to a local bus (not covered by JR pass) to see the bridge. There is an admission fee of 310 yen to cross the bridge and back. Spent just about 1.5 hours strolling and relaxing around the area.
After that, before noon I headed over to the Simose Art Museum, a new art museum that popped up between Iwakuni and Hiroshima back in April 2023 (yes, its THAT new). Accessibility to the museum via public transport is limited – you will either need to time your bus connection well, or face walking ~2.5km from the nearest station (JR Kuba/Otake) over. Shuttle buses to/from the museum direct are only available on the weekends (I visited on a Tuesday); consequently I had to walk (or eat a 1h penalty/wait for the next public bus). The museum feels modern with its mirror-like exterior, but exudes a traditional, wooden vibe on the interior. I suppose its main call to fame is its “8-colored boxes” exhibition hall situated above a shallow pool, facing the Seto Inland Sea, which is most certainly memorable (or Instagram-worthy). There is both English translation and audio guides if you are unable to read Japanese. The museum was enjoyable though I wished they would consider improving public transport accessibility to said museum if they want to draw more tourists in. Admission tickets are (relatively) steep at ~1.8k yen. I would suggest rationing 1.5~2 hours here in order to enjoy your time here.
After that, I decided to walk back to JR Kuba to hop over to Miyajima. When I took the ropeway up to Mount Misen, it was just past 1530. Getting up to Mount Misen this late was a major mistake in hindsight for two reasons – first, the ropeway service back to ground level ends at 1630, meaning that there’s not enough time for me to head all the way up to the top. Secondly, there was a really LONG queue for people to get off Mount Misen. It took nearly 45 minutes of queuing time to get on a return ropeway down to base. In short, if you want to get up to Mount Misen, do it early and cater more time for it (probably 2-3 hours). That aside, I was able to watch the sunset at Itsukushima Shrine (night version here).
Day 11 – Peace Memorial Park, Yamato Museum, JSDF Maritime Museum (Hiroshima)
After finishing some paperwork to forward my luggage to my next destination, I went to the Peace Memorial Park which was a 10 minutes walk away from the hotel. I think it drives home the point for nuclear abolition rather well overall. The main museum, A-bomb dome and the memorial cenotaph was crowded as expected, though other parts of the park were just as well presented (but with significantly lesser tourist footfall) such as the Peace Memorial Hall and the Children’s Peace Monument. My thoughts is that you’ll probably have to dedicate about 2-3 hours if you want to properly comb through the entire park at a moderate pace. I spent the morning here for reference.
For the afternoon, I took a highway bus from downtown Hiroshima to Kure (you could do it via JR but the highway bus was more accessible for me) to visit the Yamato Museum and JSMDF Kure Museum. If you’re into military or naval history, this should be right up your alley. The Yamato Museum details Japan’s naval history in Kure, and has that mega-scale Yamato battleship which is pretty impressive. Whereas for the JMSDF museum, it details JMSDF’s contribution such as anti-mining efforts and and various joint exercises around the world. The highlight though was being able to enter the life-sized submarine replica and see how cramped submarines can be first-hand. No visit to Kure is complete without trying the JMSDF curry; I thought it was … alright, not exceptional, but not terrible either – good for a taster at least. Kure is about half an hour away from Hiroshima, and can be done as a (half)-day trip.
In essence, Hiroshima isn’t limited to just Miyajima and the Peace Memorial Museum - I feel that devoting an extra one or two days to explore the peripheral areas (Kure, Onomichi etc) would enhance your experience more in that area!
Day 12 – Kurashiki (Okayama), Yuushien (由志園) (Shimane)
This day is meant to be a ‘repositioning day’ from Hiroshima to Matsue (since I’ll need to travel 2.5 hours across the San’in mountains). Hopping on the Shinkansen over to Shin-Kurashiki and local rail to JR Kurashiki, I decided to spend the morning strolling along the historical quarters and visit the Ohara Museum of Art which was not bad. As always, coming early here means you get to beat the crowd and get an unobstructed view of the canals. There’s also a mini-denim street.
Taking the Yakumo train, by the time I reached Matsue and deposited my luggage at the hotel, it was already 1500. Nevertheless, I managed to squeeze in a visit to Yuushien (由志園) which had just started its autumn illumination at night (day version here). Taking a bus over, I spent the evening walking in the garden and watch the illumination; it was pretty, and also relatively chill [crowd levels are definitely much manageable over here].
Day 13 – Adachi Museum of Art, Izumo Taisha, Ancient Izumo History Museum , Inase Beach (Shimane)
NOTE: Days 13 ~ 16 is covered by the Sanin-Okayama Pass for JR-related trains
The plan for the day was to start off at the Adachi Museum of Art in the morning, before breaking wesstwards towards Izumo Taisha and exploring the area before circling back to Matsue for the night.The Adachi Museum of Art is renowned for its well-curated garden, and in my opinion it certainly lives up to its title. Besides that, there is also an extensive art gallery which I would say is on par with some of the better ones in my opinion (think Benesse Art Museum). Access to the museum via public transport is doable via JR Yasugi and hopping on the shuttle bus which departs at fixed timings, however, do note that the bus has a maximum seating capacity of 28; if it fills ahead of time you’ll be forced to wait for the next bus (hourly departure). For the return trip to JR Yasugi, you will need to grab a ticket near the counter to book a slot for the shuttle bus (free).
I then took the Yakumo limited express train over to JR Izumo, and swapped to a bus towards Izumo Taisha. There were a lot of rabbit statuettes littered around the temple, a nod to the folktale The White Hare of Inaba. Considering that it was a public holiday in Japan (Labor Thanksgiving Day) and its innate popularity, it was rather crowded; I decided to queue for one of the smaller shrines and got a goshuin for my effort. I do want to mention that those binded rice straws (Shimenawa) at the front of the temple are extraordinarily thick– seeing is believing. There was still some time before sunset so I decided to walk over next door to the Shimane Museum of Natural History which provided a run-down on the history of Izumo. If I recall correctly, admission is half-priced for foreign visitors so it might be worth a visit even on a budget. The main thing that stuck with me for this museum was the very long temple replica, as well as a full-blown jade/bronze armoury. Lastly, I took a walk over to Inase Beach to visit the sunset; there was a tori gate perched on an outcrop with a donation box stuck near it. Although the sea breeze was chilly, watching the sunset was something worth visiting; its one of those visuals that would stick with me long after this trip fades away from memory.I took the local Ichibata tram that courses along the northern stretch of Lake Shinji back to Matsue to retire for the night.
For dinner, I chanced upon a local cafeteria called Bamboo where I ordered their daily special – kimchi beef nabe, and some karaage. The husband and wife owner duo offered to provide me a free serving of zosui [porridge] using the leftover soup base from the nabe at no extra charge which I gratefully accepted. With my basic command of Japanese, I was able to have a meaningful conversation about some of the tourist hotspots, as well as some of the town happenings – they mentioned that one of the temple nearby was celebrating 神在祭 (lit. gods are present festival) tomorrow and I noted that down. I just find the hospitality rather heartwarming and just want to give them a shoutout here.
Day 14 - Sada Jinja, , Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Matsue Castle (Shimane), Misasa Onsen (Tottori)
Started off with a visit to Sada Jinja, a relatively remote shrine in the outskirts of Matsue. Unfortunately, the main event that the cafeteria owner mentioned would only take place at night, but nevertheless, there were those bazaar stores open for me to explore and buy some finger foods etc. Grabbed a goshuin for my effort, and a corn cob.Taking a return bus to central Matsue, I stopped by the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum where they detailed this one foreigner that made significant effort integrating into 1900s Japan society and contributed enough to be worthy of memorializing. There was a rather popular soba restaurant nearby (Kamiyo Soba) serving nameko [mushroom] soba which I thought was pretty delicious. After lunch, I walked over to explore Matsue Castle, one of the few remaining original castles left standing in Japan. The size of it is pretty impressive when you look at it in person.
Finally, I headed over to JR Matsue to board the Ametuchi sightseeing train. As with other sightseeing trains, there was a bar where you could buy some snacks and drinks to consume. Two particular aspects that stood out to me was the comfy, wooden design feel that was present throughout the train, and was how well they integrated various local crafts into the train, such as the tiles that are on the tables. The sightseeing train coasted along the Sanin line facing the Sea of Japan which made for an enjoyable sightseeing ride. As with previous sightseeing trains, you could book this sightseeing train easily via the JR West website. JR pass (or the Sanin-Okayama Area Pass) covers the base fare.
The train runs from JR Izumo all the way to JR Tottori, though I stopped at Kurayoshi to head to my final destination for the next two nights – Misasa Onsen. The main reason for choosing this particular onsen town was that I wanted to climb up Nageire-dou the next day, which was a 20 minutes bus ride away. However, I made a major blunder by not engaging a local guide to climb with me ahead of time (since the regulations are that hikers need to go in pairs in interest of safety). I casually remarked this to the chauffer that picked me up to the ryokan, and he went above and beyond to call various people to make it happen. Although it was ultimately unsuccessful [since it was so last minute – entirely my own fault], I was really moved by his efforts – it really speaks to the otomenashi experience that ryokans provide, a unique aspect to Japan.
Onto to the actual ryokan – Mansuiro (万翆楼). The room was pretty traditional with tatami mats and futons, but it was comfortable overall. I would like to give special mention to their dinner service which was delectable, showcasing their local cuisine such as crabs, beef sukiyaki and pear wine (!). Another nice subtle touch is how they labelled each dining room with the assigned guest name. I would highly recommend them if you do pass by this area. Also, I would also mention that this particular ryokan is ‘rare’ in the sense that it accepts solo pax bookings; most ryokans would only accept a minimum of 2 pax in order for them to accept your reservations.
Day 15 – Misasa Onsen, Kurayoshi Figurine Museum, Nijisseiki Pear Museum (Tottori)
Had a scrumptious breakfast at the ryokan (look at the quantity of it – I struggled to finish them). Even though I knew that I wont be able to climb Nageire-dou, I decided to go over to view the temple from a distance [and try my luck and see if any solo strangers were there too]. Unfortunately, at ~9am, there were very few trekkers, and I didn’t feel right butting into those couples so I decided not to push my luck further and leave. I managed to get a shot of the remote temple from the observatory point.
With that minor setback, I decided to head over to the nearby town of Kurayoshi via bus to spend the day. Some notable attractions in brief as follow:
- Kurayoshi Figurine Museum: As a repurposed school building, this is a good place to visit if you have interest in anime or figurine collecting. At the point of visiting, there were some exhibits detailing how they made those nenedroids. Even if you aren’t into anime, there are also other figurines such as military(tanks/jets), and animals that you could view, which should be adequate to cater to a wide demographic. There were also some hands-on activities like creating your own nenedroid faces. I took about ~2 hours in this place.
- White Wall Warehouses: as what the name implies, it’s a bunch of historic white-walled building. Its okay if you’re already in the vicinity, though I wouldn’t purposely make a dedicated stop for this. (~10-20 minutes walking along the canals)
- Kurayoshi Line Railway Memorial Hall: a small free museum showing the history of the now-defunct Kurayoshi railway line. I suppose the main draw is that you are able to get up one of the old train replicas similar to those at the Kyoto Railway museum. There's also another SL replica outside of the memorial hall.
- Nijisseiki Pear Museum: a pear museum showcasing the history of pear cultivation in Tottori, as well as the various pear types around the world. You get to sample free pears, though I wanst able to do so because it was Kansai Culture Appreciation Day and admission was free, thus said samples were already gone by the time I visited. (~1-1.5 hours)
Overall, a pretty enjoyable time in Kurayoshi. The figurine museum and the pear museum are the main highlights for me.
Returned to Misasa Onsen late afternoon. I spent the remainder of the day exploring the onsen town before dinner, and one particular interesting location was the Misasa Violin Museum, showcasing how violins are made and some history on violin-making. You could even test-run their violins with purchase of a drink (at ~400yen) though I declined since I couldn’t play it. I enjoyed spending the evening walking along Mitoku River and soaking at an ashiyu. There is an open-air river onsen that is free to all, though I was too shy to do so.
Day 16 – Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori (Tottori), JR Amarube (Hyogo)
Another great breakfast at the ryokan before checking out. As with most ryokans, they offered to drop me off at JR Kurayoshi so that I could catch my next train to next-door Tottori. After dropping my luggage at the hotel, I went straight to the sand dunes for a paragliding session. Usually most people would associate the sand dunes with the museum (and rightfully so), but I was feeling a bit daring and decided to try something out of character. For 10k yen, you are taught the basic commands (left/right) and postures, landing/emergency drills before you get to do your paragliding attempts (4 in total, three solo attempts and one tandem with the instructor). Although not explicitly mentioned in the website, there was actually an English-speaking instructor that was present at all times so I do not think you need to worry if you can’t speak a lick of Japanese. All in all, a great way to view the dunes from above.
After that, I spent some time traversing along the sand dunes and visited the sand museum. It appears that the themes vary on a yearly basis and this year’s focus was on Egypt. I thought the level of detail on each of those sculptures was pretty impressive. Lastly, I made a stop at Amarube Station (or known as the ‘station in the sky’); while I cant say that I am a rail geek, I admire the engineering design that has been in place since the 1910s. Getting to and from the station via JR was a pain though, with train frequency few and far in between, but I still felt it was worth spending an hour just exploring the area and taking some photos. Returned to Tottori for the night to retire at Green Hill Morris Tottori, which in my opinion is a great value-for-money business hotel at ~7.7k yen/night with decent rooms and good breakfast spread.
Day 17 – Hakuto Shrine, Uradome Coast (Tottori), Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)
NOTE: Days 17 ~ 21 is covered by the Kansai Wide Area Pass for JR trains and Kyoto-Tango (for Amanohashidate).
Started the morning with a subsidized sightseeing taxi at JR Tottori to bring me to some of the tourist hotspots such as Hakuto Shrine (with a heavy rabbit theming) and Uradome Coast(which was extremely windy/rainy on that day). For 3k yen, you get to have a taxi to bring you around based on the selected route of your choice, and the taxi driver would explain some background information of the place to you (mostly in Japanese, ymmv). These sightseeing taxis are a good way to get around places in Tottori especially if you rely on public transport. I do note that they operate on a first-come-first served basis (no reservations allowed), so it is a good idea to get there right after the tourism centre opens in the morning. The entire tour lasted for about 3 hours.
After that, I took the limited express Hamakaze over to Kinosaki Onsen. There are only two trains per day (one early in the morning, and another just after lunch) so its not a good idea to miss it. Although I arrived at the ryokan earlier than the check-in time, I was able to drop my luggage first to explore the town. After checking in, I was handed a onsen pass to try out the 7 public baths at no extra charge (its baked in as part of the accommodation cost). I managed to try out 4 of them, with the remaining 3 to be done the next day. I spent the evening and night walking around town. My personal thoughts on Kinosaki Onsen as a whole is that while it is heavily geared to foreigners with English translations almost pervasive throughout the area, it manages to retain its own traditional identity rather well. Additionally, I feel that if one wishes to try out all 7 public baths in the area, spending at least 2 nights here is a good idea especially as 1 or 2 of them would be closed on a certain day during the week for maintenance.
Onto the ryokan for the next two nights – Morizuya. The innkeeper is a cool middle-aged man with a good command of English and here, the otomenashi experience was great – with the little things such as offering to help take photos for personal keepsake, showing the various facilities within the building and the room. My room was on the third floor, and at first glance it looks like the run-of-the-mill traditional ryokan room with tatami mats. However, the balcony view from the room is the million dollar view facing the main road that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Dinner was served with Tajima beef and crab legs. I should mention that Morizuya is again one of those few ryokans that accept solo travellers, so kudos to them.
Day 18 – Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo), Amanohashidate (Kyoto)
Decided to day-trip over to Amanohashidate via Kinosaki. Breakfast at Morizuya was splendid. Getting over to Amanohashidate is not as straightforward as I needed to make a transfer at JR Toyooka via the Kyoto-Tango railway (covered by Kansai Wide Area Pass).
My day trip was as follow:
Amanohashidate at 0930 Bus to Ine to catch the boatride Return bus to Motoise Jinja Kasamatsu Park Nariaiji Temple Rent a bike and cycle across the sandbar to the other end Amanohashidate Viewland return to JR Amanohashidate
- The boat ride at Ine was alright, though it was nothing special overall. Seagulls are pretty aggressive so I think it’s a good idea not to bring any food stuff with you.
- Having experienced both ends of Amanohashidate, Kasamatsu Park was definitely less crowded (since it wasn’t that readily accessible via public transport), though the view of the sandbar was about the same (Kasamatsu Park vs Viewland). IF you have time for just one, settling for Amanohashidate Viewland is adequate. Nariaiji Temple was not bad though and is probably worth the visit over to Kasamatsu Park.
- There is a bike rental store near the sandbar entrance, with rentals at ~400yen for about ~2 hours. If you are not feeling well on that day you could also opt for a boat ride to get to the other end of the sandbar(iirc 600+ yen). Cycling across the sandbar took me about 30 minutes (with some stops along the way to take photos etc).
- If your time is really limited dropping Ine is a necessary evil (since it takes almost an hour on bus to get there from JR Amanohashidate, one-way).
Returned to the ryokan for dinner – great as usual. Additionally, I managed to try out the remaining public onsens.
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If you’re still reading, thanks for powering through! Due to word limit I cant post the Kobe/Osaka leg here, but I'll add them in a separate post in the coming weeks.

Brag post I know 😁!! I been doing this since 2012 and this awardtravel hobby has allowed me to travel to a lot of countries and memorable places. This weekend I finally flew my 25th carrier in J. The full list: AA, AM, BA, BR, CI, CX, DL, EK, ET, EY, IB, JL, JX, KE, KL, LA, LH, MH, NH, OZ, QF, QR, SQ, TG, UA
Notable ones I haven't experienced but want to very much LX, TK, NH (the Room), EY (suites)
Most J experiences over this time - CX, BR, SQ
Favorite carrier - QR, JL, SQ
Best seats - QR, KE (apex), JL (apex), JX Worst seats - ET, QF
Best J catering - QR
Unlike a lot of folks in this hobby, I have done very few F though. All long haul but only 3 times in SQ, once each on CX, OZ, TG.

As the titles states we're looking to move to KL. We're a young muslim couple (22 & 25) We're both from Toronto Canada but recently moved to Muscat Oman - which was a sadly mistake
There are many things pushing us away from Muscat but one of the biggest is that i'm a social butterfly and the community is so tightly knit here that i cannot seem to fit in anywhere, it also doesn't help that i stick out like a sore thumb.
So I have a few questions about KL for expats (or locals)..
1) What was your experience making friends in KL (would prefer a younger woman's answers because it is a little different for us but i'll take what i can get regardless)
2) Are there groups for expats to meet and connect with each other?
3) And overall how is it living there in terms of things to do. (We are extremely bored here in Oman as the list of things to do is as follows eat at restaurants and go to cafes. we've done ALL of the touristy things already) ***edit: we're foodies.. but we have other interests that oman just doesn't cater to.
Thanks in advance!! :)
*edit 2: I'm super excited about the number of positive responses i've been getting.. We'll be making the move at the end of summer... see you soon KL!!!<3 yay!

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Rhaenyra grows up in the height of Targaryen power. For the longest time, she is the only child and the center of attention. Her needs are all catered to and she is pampered as can be. However despite her privilege, she rejects the duties she must perform as a noble woman after seeing what happens to her mother, even if she is promised the iron throne, already a unconventional reward to any woman. She gets jealous of her new brother when he is born and feels angry towards her father for creating a situation that could question her claim even though he continuously ensures she is the heir because of guilt towards Aemma and vague prophecies. Honestly she has a lot of potential at this point if she has good guidance, but she begins to be groomed by Daemon and becomes quite the hedonistic and compulsive liar that believes she can do what she wants because Targaryens are special, entitled and above the law, while fully expecting others to perform their duties and make their sacrifices.
She continues on this negative trajectory to try to avoid responsibility, only doing the bare minimum in ways that suit her desires, has her father clean up her mess and only reaches out to him when she needs something from him, and utterly walks all over and destroys the Velaryon family with no concern for their needs. She doesn't care for the rights of other noble women and disrespects Rhaena and Baela, only supporting feminist ideals when it benefits her situation. She's more of a virtue signaler and self righteous person, only taking advantage of her position to insinuate that it's all about women's rights and tearing down backwards status quo rules. She doesn't network with the other Lords and Ladies of the kingdom, let alone the smallfolk of KL and thus does not create and maintain allies that will support her when she ascends. She does this because she thinks her specialness and her dragons will convince people to bend the knee, and because her confidence in the PtwP prophecy enables her to think that it'll all work out for her because she's the destined line, so therefore her ascension and her heir's ascension is guaranteed.
She thinks doesn't need to do any dirty work in stooping to the level of other houses and commoners and empathize with them, creating promises with them to help and hear them out so there's a non-parasitic relationship established and she can win more support and ensure a peaceful rules. Even when she goes on a match-making tour, she scoffs at every option because she rejects her necessary duty as a future wife and mother, only wanting the fun and glory-filled parts of her position, and because she believes she is above every one of those suitors (apparently not above sleeping with Harwin and having his children though?). Her father ultimately has to force a marriage between Laenor and her which she agrees to because they negotiate an unconventional open marriage pact and because he's Valyrian and within her league.
She is power hungry, yet hypocritical and lazy, believing she needs the iron throne because her father said so despite never earning that right through hard work and experience, partially due to her father's reluctance in couseling and involving her in his political endevours. Even when she should face her problems she created head on like a mature person who wants to prove they can handle managing the 6 Kingdoms, she maintains a perfectionistic image that even fools her bastard sons by shushing these claims and rumors, cannot handle the criticism and escapes to Dragonstone or tries to have her foolish father gaslight everyone into believing her lies and obeying or else they'll get punished like Vaemond, further isolating her within her small group of familial allies and a Valyrian environment, and her enemies in the capital establishing allies and plans for taking the throne. Not only this, she sleeps with Daemon the night of his former wife's funeral, arranges for Laenor's death, lets his family grieve and believe they've lost their last legitimate heir and only son, and absconds with Daemon, marrying him and having 2 legitimate male Targaryen children with him to further create opposing claims that can challenge the rule of the Strong bastards (basically making the same mistake that her father did by having 2 families and naming the lawfully questionable one heir).
These are all traits that check off boxes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. A megalomaniac monster in the making.

Long time listener, first time caller here!
My wife and I are starting on a 6.5 month travel adventure across Asia and Europe in May. We're the kind of travelers who like to have a plan, but who don't book everything out in advance to give ourselves the flexibility to change course!
Still, we have a general sense of how we'll be spending most of our time in SE: 2 weeks in BKK and South Thailand with a friend, 2 weeks in Bali and Singapore for a wedding, and 2 weeks in Vietnam with a tour group catering to younger travelers (we never do those sorts of things, but figured it could be fun to take some planning off our shoulders and mix it up).
For the final ~2 weeks of our time in SEA (end of June), we know we want to go to KL for a few days and tack on Genting Skyworlds (we'll be coming off a nightlife heavy 1.5 months and have a ton of intense hiking waiting for us in Europe, so we thought a theme park could be a fun + wholesome way to reset).
So that leave us with three options:

1. Stay put in Peninsular Malaysia for the whole 2 weeks: this would allow us to add on some combination of the Cameron Highlands, Penang, Ipoh, and Malacca
2. 1.5 weeks in East Java: fly into Surabaya -> Bromo / Ijen / Tumpak Sewu loop -> Yogyakarta -> train to Jakarta (won't spend time there, just flying out)
3. 1.5 weeks Borneo: we'd probably stick to just Sabah, though we might make it as far west as Gunung Mulu and Brunei. We'll have gotten in plenty of beach time by this point, so we'd mostly be doing hiking/jungle/wildlife schtuff.

In any scenario, we'll need to fly out of either KL or Jakarta to Istanbul in early July.
Which of these sounds good to you? Or any other 2 week itineraries in Indonesia / Malaysia we should be considering?

Some context:
-Not concerned about budget
- White American, don't speak any of the languages of any of the countries I'd be visiting (has never been an issue in Thailand, Singapore, HK, etc. and I imagine anywhere that meets my criteria caters heavily to English-speaking tourists, but doesn't hurt to mention.)
- Would prefer not to stay in a huge, bustling city (at least not for most of the time)
-I do enjoy staying at nicer hotels like AMAN, FS, etc. but having a world-class hotel in the area is really not a primary concern for this trip, just a nice plus. I would much prefer staying somewhere a little less nice and having more fun outside of the hotel/resort/villa for this trip.
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Bali has been fun, and I am not ruling it out (usually have rented a villa with staff, was at the Ritz Reserve which was lovely as well).
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I've traveled to Thailand a bit but mostly when I was younger and with family so I don't feel like I know despite having been a few times. Very open to suggestions here.
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Some of my friends have suggested Malaysia- KL (although that seems more urban than I'm looking for at first glance), Langkawi, & Penang in particular.
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Vietnam is gorgeous and probably has places that would fit the bill perfectly as well, but I don't know enough about them.
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Anyway- would love to hear any and all recs. Thanks in advance!
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Discover the top walking shoes of 2024, catering to various needs and budgets. From lightweight casual options to durable trail shoes, our extensive testing covers comfort, support, and performance, ensuring you find the ideal pair for your walking adventures.

Best Casual Shoe for Men

Category or Feature: Best Casual Shoe for Men
Product Name: Hoka Clifton 9

• Pros: Lightweight, thick foam footbed, gentle rocker for stability
• Cons: Lacks responsiveness, not suitable for uneven terrain
• Summary: The Hoka Clifton 9 combines plush cushioning with lightweight design, offering a stable and comfortable shoe ideal for long workdays or casual strolls. Its gentle rocker and breathable upper enhance comfort, though it's less suited for uneven surfaces.

Best Casual Shoe for Women

Category or Feature: Best Casual Shoe for Women
Product Name: Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX - Women's

• Pros: Balanced cushion, breathable, stable
• Cons: Narrow fit, minimal arch support
• Summary: Merging sneaker comfort with hiker resilience, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX excels in stability and comfort. Ideal for varied activities, its waterproof design and breathable upper make it versatile, despite its narrow fit and minimal arch support.

Best Distance Walking Shoe for Men

Category or Feature: Best Distance Walking Shoe for Men
Product Name: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

• Pros: Supportive, comfortable footbed, rocker shape
• Cons: Less support, lacks stability
• Summary: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 offers a cushioned and responsive ride, perfect for extended walks. While it excels in comfort and has a smooth transition, it may not offer sufficient support for uneven terrains, favoring road and treadmill use instead.

Best Distance Walking Shoe for Women

Category or Feature: Best Distance Walking Shoe for Women
Product Name: Brooks Glycerin 20 - Women's

• Pros: Excellent stability, multiple widths available, cushiony footbed
• Cons: Pricey, heavy
• Summary: The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a versatile, all-around shoe that combines cushion with support for a variety of activities. While it is on the pricier side and slightly heavier, its performance and comfort make it a worthwhile investment.

Best Trail Shoe for Men

Category or Feature: Best Trail Shoe for Men
Product Name: Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX

• Pros: Excellent tread, great support, durable
• Cons: Runs a bit warm
• Summary: Offering a perfect balance between a hiking boot and a trail runner, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX excels in comfort and stability on uneven terrain. Its waterproof design and lightweight make it a top choice, though it may be warm for dry climates.

Best Trail Shoe for Women

Category or Feature: Best Trail Shoe for Women
Product Name: La Sportiva Spire GTX - Women's

• Pros: Responsive, comfortable, minimal break-in period
• Cons: Expensive, runs large
• Summary: The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a rugged hiker designed for challenging terrains, offering comfort and stability. Despite its higher price and sizing issues, its performance on trails and waterproof capabilities make it a standout choice.

Best Barefoot Shoe for Men

Category or Feature: Best Barefoot Shoe for Men
Product Name: Vibram V-Trail 2.0

• Pros: Tough traction, minimalist feel, durable build
• Cons: Takes some breaking in, style not for everyone
• Summary: The Vibram V-Trail 2.0 provides a close-to-nature experience with its minimal design and excellent traction. Ideal for trail enthusiasts, it requires an adjustment period and may not appeal to all due to its unique style.

Best Barefoot Shoe for Women

Category or Feature: Best Barefoot Shoe for Women
Product Name: Xero Shoes HFS - Women's

• Pros: Minimalist profile, lightweight, responsive
• Cons: Minimal support, uncomfortable for newcomers
• Summary: The Xero HFS champions a minimalist design for those seeking a barefoot walking experience. Offering a comfortable transition to barefoot shoes, its responsive design is less suited for rugged terrains but excels on roads and light trails.

Best for Overall Cushion

Category or Feature: Best for Overall Cushion
Product Name: Hoka Mach 5

• Pros: Highly comfortable, lightweight, breathable
• Cons: Not the most durable, lacks responsiveness
• Summary: The Hoka Mach 5 wraps your feet in cushioning, making it ideal for those on their feet all day. While its durability and responsiveness may not match others, its unparalleled comfort and support stand out for daily use.

Best Budget Walking Shoe

Category or Feature: Best Budget Walking Shoe
Product Name: Brooks Divide 4

• Pros: Inexpensive, versatile, protective
• Cons: Runs narrow, average weight
• Summary: The Brooks Divide 4 offers a balance of protection, comfort, and affordability. Suitable for a variety of terrains, its moderate traction and breathable design make it a solid choice for budget-conscious walkers.

Conclusion:

Our comprehensive review of the best walking shoes of 2024 highlights a range of options suited for different activities and preferences. From casual strolls to rugged trails, there's a shoe for every walker, balancing comfort, support, and durability. Whether you prioritize cushioning, stability, or a minimalist feel, our top picks cater to all needs, ensuring your walks are both enjoyable and comfortable.
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The use of vans as rental vehicles in KL has become increasingly popular in recent years. With the rise of tourism and the need for transportation, many travelers are opting to rent vans for their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Cheap van rental services in KL have made it easier for tourists and locals alike to access these vehicles for various purposes.
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Overall, the use of vans as rental vehicles in KL has become popular due to their affordability, convenience, comfort, and flexibility. Cheap van rental services in KL cater to the needs of both tourists and locals, providing them with an accessible and cost-effective means of transportation. With the increasing demand for vans as rental vehicles, the availability and options offered by these services are only expected to expand in the future. So if you are planning a trip to KL, consider renting a van for a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience.
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Admin Blog Pakej Kundasang 2025

When it comes to finding affordable transportation options in Kuala Lumpur, cheap van rental KL services are an excellent choice. These services offer a cost-effective solution for people who need to transport a large group of individuals or a significant amount of cargo. Whether you are planning a family trip, organizing an event, or need a vehicle for business purposes, cheap van rental KL services can meet your requirements without breaking the bank.
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Admin Blog Pakej Kundasang 2025

When visiting Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, one of the most convenient ways to get around is by renting a car. Car rental in KL offers tourists and locals alike the freedom to explore the city at their own pace and convenience. With a wide range of options available, finding a suitable rental car in Kuala Lumpur is easy and hassle-free.
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