A Traveller's Guide to Authentic Local Experiences in Japan

Japan offers a wealth of authentic experiences that allow travellers to immerse themselves in the country's unique culture and traditions. From riding scenic railways through picturesque landscapes to participating in ancient tea ceremonies, this guide explores a range of activities that provide genuine insights into Japanese life.

Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway



The Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Sagano Romantic Train, offers a picturesque journey through the stunning landscapes of western Kyoto.

Passengers can enjoy breath taking views of mountains, forests, and the river along the Hozugawa River gorge from the train's vintage-style cars, including an open-air carriage for an immersive experience.



The train operates from early March to late December each year, with peak seasons during cherry blossom viewing (late March to late April) and autumn foliage (mid-November to early December).

For a complete experience, consider combining the train ride with a Hozugawa River boat cruise for the return journey, offering two unique perspectives of the scenic Arashiyama area, including the stunning Bamboo Grove.

Stay at a Ryokan



Staying at a ryokan offers an authentic Japanese experience, immersing guests in traditional hospitality and culture. These traditional inns typically feature tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and communal baths, often supplied by natural hot springs.



Guests are provided with yukata robes to wear during their stay, and are served elaborate kaiseki meals, showcasing seasonal local ingredients. Ryokans are best experienced in rural areas for a more authentic atmosphere, but you can also find the inns in large cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.

Bathe in an Onsen



Bathing in an onsen, or Japanese hot spring, is a quintessential experience that offers both relaxation and cultural immersion. These natural hot springs are rich in minerals and believed to have therapeutic properties.

Some of the best places to bathe in an onsen include:

1) Hakone, renowned for its picturesque mountain scenery and diverse onsen options with views of Mount Fuji.

2) Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture, famous for its yubatake, or hot water field, in the town centre.

3) Noboribetsu, Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort which features various types of mineral waters and the dramatic ‘Hell Valley’, full of steaming vents.

Many ryokans and hotels in Japan offer both communal onsen baths and rooms with private onsen, providing a more intimate experience.

Participate in a Tea Ceremony

Participating in a Japanese tea ceremony offers a profound insight into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Known as sadō or chanoyu, this ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha green tea is an art form that emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity.

The ceremony often takes place in a traditional tearoom adorned with tatami mats and seasonal decorations. Guests are usually served Japanese sweets (wagashi) before the tea to complement its bitterness.

One of the best places to participate in a tea ceremony is in the Nishinomaru Garden of Osaka Castle, which is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom. Alternatively, tea ceremonies in Kyoto’s historic Gion district offer you the chance to be served by geisha, known locally as geiko, and observe their graceful movements.

Visit Famous Temples and Shrines



One of the best reasons to visit Japan is to visit its numerous famous temples and shrines. Some of the most notable are found in Kyoto and include:

1) Fushimi Inari Taisha - This shrine dates back to 711 A.D. and is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a stunning path up the mountain.

2) Kinkaku-ji - Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this temple was originally built as a shogun's villa and is famous for its gold-leaf façade that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond.

3) Kiyomizu-dera - This iconic Buddhist temple offers breath taking views from its large veranda overlooking the city, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

Also worth a visit is Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, completed in 645. The temple is particularly beautiful at night when illuminated, highlighting its intricate architecture.

Experience a Japanese Festival (matsuri)



Some of the most renowned Japanese festivals or matsuri, are held in the summer, and include:

1) Gion Matsuri - Held in July in Kyoto, this festival is known for its grand processions of elaborately decorated floats called yamaboko.

2) Aomori Nebuta Matsuri -Taking place from August 2nd to 7th in Aomori, this festival is famous for its giant illuminated floats depicting warriors and mythical figures, accompanied by vibrant music and energetic dancers known as haneto.

3) Tanabata Matsuri - Celebrated from August 6th to 8th, this festival in Sendai is known for its stunning decorations made from colourful paper streamers, and a spectacular fireworks display on the opening night.



If you’re visiting Japan in winter, it’s also well worth visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival. Held in February, it features impressive snow and ice sculptures displayed throughout Sapporo City in Hokkaido, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Note: The photographs in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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Hong Kong Visa for Indians: Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Slip

There was a time when Indian citizens would get free visa on arrival to Hong Kong. Even now, some Indian citizens could get such a visa on arrival, but it depends completely on the immigration officer in front of you. Today, Indian passport holders require a pre-arrival registration (PAR) slip prior to their arrival at Hong Kong else there is a chance that they might be sent back.

Below is all the information about the pre-arrival registration (PAR) slip for Indian passport holders and how Indian passport holders can use this to plan their trip to Hong Kong and may be Macau or mainland China if they intend to travel via Hong Kong.

What is this Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Slip?

The pre-arrival registration is something like an electronic authorization or e-Visa. Indian passport holders need to apply for this pre-arrival registration (PAR) online before arriving into Hong Kong. If you wish to apply or wish to know more, you can read further about the PAR on Byevisa.com.

What are the minimum requirements for this PAR?

The PAR Hong Kong visa requirement for Indian citizens is fairly simple. All you need is a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, 3 empty pages in it, travel and accommodation details.

What is the validity of this PAR?

This Hong Kong PAR travel document will allow you to visit Hong Kong multiple times for 14 days each during its 6 month or 180 day period. This is ideal for those who are planning short trips to Macau, mainland China or Taiwan keeping Hong Kong as a base. This way, you can keep returning to Hong Kong from the different destinations and need not apply for a new PAR as you are allowed multiple entries within a 180 day window.

However, if you change your passport or if the 180 day window has passed, you will need to apply for a new PAR slip.

How do I apply for this PAR?

If you have access to the internet, you can fill the pre-arrival registration for Indian nationals form on the Hong Kong immigration department website. You could go via a travel or visa agency in case you do not have access to the internet or if you wish someone else to handle it on your behalf.

This form entails the following details:

1) Information of registrant: Name, nationality, sex, marital status, date of birth, place of birth, residential address in India, contact telephone number

2) Information of passport: Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, place of issue

3) Previous travels to Hong Kong

4) Previous visits to foreign countries or territories

5) Occupation

6) Details of coming visit: Purpose of visit, proposed duration, address of accommodation, address of local connection (if any)

7) Others

8) Identification question

You will need to confirm the details once you have filled all the details. Do ensure that all the information matches the information mentioned in your passport.

How long before I receive the PAR slip?

You will receive your PAR slip (if approved) immediately upon confirming your details in the form mentioned above. In case your PAR slip does not get approved, you could try applying for a Hong Kong visa at the nearest consulate or may be call them and see when you can apply for this PAR again.

You can take a print out of the PAR slip, sign it and keep it with your passport. You can store a soft copy of the PAR slip as a PDF copy on your phone as a back up in case you lose the print out.

What documents do I need to carry before I arrive into Hong Kong?

These are the following documents that you need to carry with you when you arrive into Hong Kong:

1) Valid passport

2) Printed copy of the PAR

Do remember to carry your PAR slip with you at all times wherever you are traveling within Hong Kong.

So, now that you know how you get your pre-arrival registration (PAR) slip for Hong Kong, all that you have to do is complete your covid-19 vaccination, wait for the international borders to open, book your flight tickets, get your PAR and enjoy a great holiday in Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong Street Food Guide

When it comes to street food, Hong Kong certainly rules the roost! After all, there are very state or areas that not only offer a vast range of gastronomical delights right on the streets and can fill you up with just a few bucks. Moreover, no matter where you go, or which street you enter in Hong Kong, you are surprised by the vast variety of delicious street side snacks and tasty tidbits in so many different flavours.

Needless to say, your trip to Hong Kong remains incomplete without tasting those delicious eats on the streets. Sure Hong Kong boasts of some of the finest dining experience you can enjoy at its elegant restaurants. However, nothing can beat the experience of enjoying the hot and fresh food sold right on the streets.



As there are so many food choices in this culinary mecca, it is a good idea to go for one of those food tours in Hong Kong. It is an excellent way to know about the leading eateries in those humble streets and enjoy a treasuring dining experience.

Here are street foods of Hong Kong that you must try before leaving the state.

1) Curry fish balls

One of the most famous street food, you will love these very flavoursome fish balls that are served on almost every street in Hong Kong. Deep-fried in hot oil, the fish balls are then placed in a spicy curry.

2) Egg waffles

You will love those waffles with crispy, flaky edges and a soft and eggy centre. You will come across almost every local enjoying the street food with fruits, chocolate sauce or ice cream. The Egg waffles are served in various flavour and can easily fill you up.

3) Cheong fun



You will always find a long line for this favourite street food which is smooth rice noodle rolls served with sweet sauce. The smooth and savoury rolls topped with sesame seeds offer a more enjoyable experience and are a crowd favourite.

4) Fried pig intestines

Another of the most appealing street food is the fried pig intestines. However, this street food is only for the adventurous, but once you taste this snack, you will develop a craving for it.

5) Siu Mai

You can recognize this ubiquitous street food because of its bright yellow wrapper. You will love this steamed snack filed with fish meat and served with soy sauce.

6) Grilled squid tentacles

If you are looking for a perfect snack on Hong Kong streets, you will find it in those grilled squid tentacles. You will love the chewy and rubbery texture of these absolutely delicious squids.

7) Pineapple buns

Pineapple buns are a delight, and they have a bit of pineapple in them as well as some butter in their sweet centre. These buns have remained a popular street food for decades and are enjoyed with traditional teas and coffee.

8) Egg tarts



When you bite into the fluffy and light egg custard, you will feel as if you are in heaven. You are sure to fall for these egg tarts with the crispy and chewy crust on the outside and the glistening yellow custard filling inside.

9) Cheung fun

Cheung fun is simply loved for its distinct chewy taste and smooth texture. The street food comes without fillings and is made of rolling steamed rice noodle sheets. You can enjoy it with different sauces of peanut, chilli, and soy.

10) Stinky tofu

Stinky tofu is another classic food that you must try. You may get a bit put off by the rancid smell, but once you taste it, you will simply love the street food that is perfectly crunchy. You can enjoy it with sweet, chili sauce and piping hot noodles.

11) Fried chestnuts

Enjoy a healthy snack of fried chestnuts which is simple but great-tasting. The best part is that they are served at all times on the streets of Hong Kong. It is hard to resist the enticing aroma of these nuts sold with a lot of hawkers in the city.

12) Bowl pudding



The bowl pudding is available in white or brown versions. Everyone loves this ordinary bowl pudding which is like a sticky, glutinous mess with a slight sugary sweetness. Both versions are studded with red beans and remain a favourite with the locals.

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Why should Hong Kong be your Family Getaway this summer?

Hong Kong! What do we typically associate with this world class city of the Orient? Financial hub? Sensational high rises? Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and the generation of Wing Chun and Kung Fu movies? Luxury and budget shopping? Hong Kong is so much more than these usual stereotypes. I have visited Hong Kong quite a few times in the past and I can comfortably say that it is a city that throws pleasant surprises at you. Be its easy paced life amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong island, its rich natural surroundings, its amazing avenues for vegetarian food or the fact that it is a heaven for kids and family holidaymakers, I have always been surprised during my various visits to this lively city that is so full of vibrant character.

If you are looking for an international family getaway destination for the upcoming summer holidays, here are 10 interesting reasons to pack your bags and head with your family and kids to Hong Kong this summer.  The icing on the cake is the SMART deals and discounts being offered at most of these tourist attractions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This is in addition to the savings that you will get using the Octopus card, which you can use for all your transportation, entrance tickets and at supermarkets.

Peak Tram and the Iconic Hong Kong Skyline



The Hong Kong skyline has been immortalized across various channels all over the world and hence it is no surprise that seeing this skyline from the peak is one of the top highlights of a Hong Kong holiday. But, it is not just the view, but the overall peak experience package, which includes boarding the 120 year old peak tram, the world’s steepest funicular railway and experiencing a 7 minute journey where you see the Hong Kong harbour, the skyscrapers of Hong Kong and the entire cityscape scenery at impossible angles.

Irrespective of the time of day or night, the Hong Kong view from the peak will never disappoint you. Once you reach the top, you can also walk on the peak trail, thus soaking in the views from different locations.

Lose yourself in Hong Kong Disneyland



Photo Copyright: Disney

If you are in Hong Kong with kids, there is no missing Disneyland. After all, no kid would want to miss out on Tony Stark’s latest inventions and heroic adventures at the latest Iron Man experience (first Marvel themed ride in Disneyland), the enchanted Mickey and the wondrous book, the technology effects of Disney in the Stars,  or be lost in space at the Star Wars: Tomorrow Land Takeover. Hong Kong Disneyland offers so many immersive and unforgettable experiences that all kids would love to dream and explore all of this. What’s even better is that you can combine a Star Ferry cruise and a trip to Disneyland by boarding the Star Ferry that takes you straight into the fantasy world of Disneyland. And while you are at it, you can discover more exotic adventures at Disney Explorers Lodge, the new hotel property slated to open on April 30.

Relish the Joy of Animals at Ocean Park



Featuring a diverse selection of world-class animal attractions, thrill rides and shows, the Ocean Park offers an interesting mix of educational entertainment coupled with fun and adventure. Whether it is the scenic 1.5 km long cable car between the waterfront and the summit that offers panoramic views of Hong Kong and South China Sea, getting close to Red Pandas at the Giant Panda Adventure, feeding the dolphins, being penguin or panda keepers, watching hundreds of shimmering goldfish or enjoying kid-oriented rides at Whiskers Harbour, Ocean Park is the perfect family getaway for all animal lovers.

Soak in the Leisurely Tram Experience



With more than 100 years of legacy, the British colonial era heritage tram is a great way to experience Hong Kong Island at a leisurely pace. This world’s largest fleet of double deck tram cars offer the perfect photographic opportunity in Hong Kong at a super affordable price. Adults only pay HK$ 2.30 per trip and for children under the age of three, it is free. Like the Star Ferry, which is on water, the Hong Kong tramways is a perfect way to go back in time and experience this bustling cosmopolitan from a different perspective.

Revel in the 360 Degree Views at Sky 100

With more than 7,600 skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a living showcase of the best in international contemporary architecture. What better way to see this than from the indoor observation deck of the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building! Nicknamed as Sky 100, you can reach here in a high speed elevator that transports you 100 floors in less than a minute. And once you reach the top observation deck, you can see the Bank of China tower, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, HSBC main building, Two International Finance Centre and other incredible views of the skyline and the Victoria harbour. One can also explore the observation deck’s state of the art interactive exhibition with a fascinating multimedia tour of Hong Kong’s history and culture.

Go Photo Crazy at the Trick Eye Museum

An absolutely fabulous place to take amusing selfies and photographs, the Trick Eye museum is a beautiful collection of 3D artwork and optically illusive paintings that seem to defy all laws of Physics. This place is so crazy that it not only brings big smiles to the faces of all visitors, but it seems to have an exponential laughter effect coupled with surprise when you share these jaw dropping pictures on social media.

Star Ferry and Victoria Harbour



Founded by an Indian Parsee businessman, the 130 year old Star Ferry is another affordable attraction and a great way to experience one of the world’s most photographed harbours. Rated by National Geographic as one of ‘50 places of a lifetime’ that one should see, there is no better way than to slowly chug from Hong Kong island to Kowloon while you soak in the beauty of the Hong Kong skyline, its business district and the gorgeous looking Victoria Harbour. The Star ferry offers a great opportunity to easily experience the hustle and bustle of Kowloon that is a far cry from the glamour of Hong Kong Island all within 30 minutes.

Experience Hong Kong from inside a Helicopter



There is nothing more surreal than to see the iconic Victoria Harbour with all its boats and ferries and the famous skyscrapers of Hong Kong along with your family from inside a helicopter. Managed by celebrity pilot Michael Wong, this helicopter ride offers you the best seat in the house from possibly a local who knows Hong Kong skies better than anyone else. This is one of those Hong Kong attractions that make for a great option in case you are celebrating something like a birthday or an anniversary.



Go on a Shopping Spree



There is no trip to Hong Kong that is complete without indulging in some shopping. Whether you are indulging in some luxury designer labels at some of the fancy shopping malls in the city or going for budget shopping at one of the many street markets, such as the Ladies market in Mongkok, diversity is the norm in Hong Kong. As most of these street markets are vibrant with great local fanfare and festive atmosphere, everyone in the family, from young to old, will find something that appeal to them. And if you love gadgets, be it phones, tablets, cameras or accessories, what better place to look for than Hong Kong where you get the best gadgets for their true value prices.

Chomp on Delicious Vegetarian Food



Typically, Indian travellers to Hong Kong don’t associate this city with vegetarian food, but based on my personal experiences I beg to differ. I am not just talking about Indian vegetarian joints in Hong Kong, which are an option, but a whole new world of Cantonese and Chinese vegetarian restaurants that offer the best of both worlds – local cuisine and vegetarian food. Be it mock meats, vegetarian equivalents and desserts, a vegetarian family in Hong Kong is pretty much spoilt for choice. From iconic hot pots made from eggplant to pumpkin soup, from the popular Dim Sum and tea at Lin Heung Tea House to ‘bo lo yau’, the yummy pineapple buns and from the famous egg tarts of Tai Cheong bakery to delicious concoctions of veggies, rice, soups and other desserts, vegetarians are truly spoilt for choice in Hong Kong. Personally, I am a big fan of Dim Sum and Hot Pot. I love the communal gathering that these foods bring along.

I am pretty sure that by now you are sold on the idea of Hong Kong as a fabulous family destination. All you now have to do is book your flight tickets and your pre-authorization for Hong Kong visa, pack your bags and make use of all the deals and discounts offered on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong SAR and experience an amazing summer holiday in Hong Kong with your family!

Photo Courtesy: Some of the photographs in this article are courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board.

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The Cultural Side of Macau

Macau is extremely popular the world over for its casinos and its gambling circuit and this is what drives much of the tourism to this special administrative region of China. But, Macau’s equally famous and equally important tourism piece is its cultural side. A large section of the Macau peninsula is a UNESCO World heritage site and is deeply entrenched in rich Portuguese history through its ruins, churches, squares, streets, cathedrals, heritage buildings and Museums.


The best way to enjoy this cultural beauty of Macau is to go on a heritage walk that takes you through most of the buildings and areas that have cultural significance. The best way to enjoy your Macau holiday would be to explore the cultural side during the day and the gambling side during the night.


This will ensure that you set to visit all the heritage monuments that are open during the day and the casino shows that come to life during the evening and night hours.


If you are exploring on your own, it is best to start at Senado Square, a center point to this heritage stretch and home to most of the shops and restaurants. This square is closely located to the downtown area and hence easily accessible from most of the hotels in Macau.


At Senado Square, you can see buildings designed during Macau’s Portuguese rule. My favorite way to explore this stretch is after having some special Portuguese egg tarts, Macau cookies and waffles. There are many shops and street vendors at Senado square where you can find these items.


After Senado Square, your next stop should be St. Paul’s ruins. It is also known as Sao Paulo cathedral and is one of Macau’s oldest and richest buildings in terms of beauty and history. This cathedral also has a small museum, which you can explore. After this cathedral, you can make your way towards the Macau museum, which is situated inside the fort.


It is here that you will get a lot of information and insight into the colonial history of Macau. This is also one of the best places in this heritage zone to offer you a great aerial view of Macau town. You can see the casinos, the Macau tower, St. Paul’s ruins and also notice the stark difference between Macau’s rich and poor living standards.


Once you have got all your insights from the museum, you can stroll through the small heritage lanes that cut through heritage buildings, lanes filled with cookie shops and Portuguese churches with enough oomph to make you gape in wonder. For me, the Portuguese sign boards were a huge interest point.


The best part about this Macau cultural experience is that you can easily cover all of it in a single weekend. You only use the days for this cultural trail and do the casino, gambling and shopping circuit in the nights. This means that you can plan a power packed weekend holiday from Hong Kong and return with so many rich experiences and pictures.

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