Author Profile: Simone Armer

As we stepped out of the train station and into the attached undercover market that snakes towards the centre of Tsuruhashi, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I was literally dripping, too – it had been sheeting down all morning and I’d long ago surrendered in the battle of the thousand...   view more

There is no Japanese word for ‘hipster’, which, ironically, is about as hipster as you can get. The closest you’ll find to the Western pejorative here is “ultra individual” (超個性的) or “one who loves novelty” (新しがり屋). But there is a term for the stuff hipsters love to...   view more

Like most South Africans, I grew up snacking on Maggi Two Minute Noodles. Before the contamination scares and poison scandals and MSG controversy, the instant ramen favourite was a quick, tasty treat that took care of hunger pangs when our parents were...   view more

It was a wonderful thing, being raised by a mom who loves books as much as I do. I’d get to spend almost every day after school maxing out my library card. Which is why, when I read about an entire neighbourhood dedicated to books in Tokyo, I had to go check it...   view more

Zenko-ji temple boasts a 1400-year history and an annual visitorship of 7 million. It is believed that if you visit the pilgrimage shrine just once in your lifetime, you will be granted salvation and passage into the...   view more

We were in the Mamedamachi district of Hita City, browsing through what I thought was your average soy sauce shop, when we discovered a secret museum with (literally) thousands of dolls on...   view more

One of Japan’s top onsen resorts is located in Oita prefecture, which also boasts the highest number of hot spring locations and the highest annual yield of hot spring water in the country. Yufuin (由布院) is located in a small valley beneath the impressive Mount...   view more

Udo-jingū is located in this mythical birthplace, on the Nichinan Coast, about 40km (25 mi) south of Miyazaki City. The gorgeous, vermilion-lacquered shrine is dedicated to Hoori and Toyotama’s son, Ugayafukiaezu, who grew up to father Japan’s first ruler, Emperor...   view more

After Naked Man Festival, we decided to drive the hour south to see Obi Castle Town (飫肥城下町), the “Little Kyoto” of Kyushu. The town was built on the remains of Obi Castle, ruled by the Ito Family for 14...   view more

Unlike the simple architecture of most of Japan’s shrines and temples, Toshogu is exquisitely ornate, decorated with gold leaf, bright lacquer paints and intricate carvings. The mash up of Buddhist and Shinto elements with a strong Chinese influence is a circus of texture and...   view more

Just a two hour’s drive from Miyazaki City, Hitoyoshi is located in southernmost Kumamoto, in a basin that’s enveloped in fogs from late autumn to early...   view more

If ever I should wish for a retreat whither I might steal from the world and its distractions, and dream quietly away the remnant of a troubled life,Washington Irving once wrote, I know of none more promising than this little...   view more

The home of Lorelai and Rory, with its charming town square and white, lattice gazebo, filled with a close-knit community of dreamers of oddballs, came to be just as beloved by fans of Gilmore Girls as the characters...   view more

If you’re a fan of beautiful old houses, then the New Orleans Garden District is a must-see when visiting the Big Easy. This gorgeous neighborhood is known for its historic mansions, lush gardens, and oak-lined streets. It’s also home to some of the city’s most famous residents, like Sandra Bullock. The best part is you can explore as much or as little of it as you...   view more

The Fushimi area in southern Kyoto is one of Japan’s major sake production sites. Located at the junction of the Uji, Katsura, and Kamo Rivers, it’s blessed with high-quality springs ideal for brewing delicious rice wine. The town was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a samurai and daimyo of the Sengoku period. Its location made it an important trade hub since a network of canals could be used to transport sake, rice, and people. Today, it’s still thriving—as a charming historical...   view more