Asiahop’s blog
The most original places in China and Japan
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Hanami 2027: When and Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Sakura 2027: When and Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan There is no image more Japanese than a cherry tree in bloom. For a few weeks each year, parks, castles, rivers and ordinary streets are covered in a cloud of pale pink that the Japanese celebrate with hanami: the art of sitting beneath the…
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What to see in Chongqing in three days
Some cities you stroll through; others you traverse. Chongqing is the latter: a metropolis of over 30 million people squeezed between mountains and two great rivers, where skyscrapers grow on hilltops, monorails slice through apartment blocks, and the steam of hotpot hangs over every alley. For centuries it was the trading gateway of the Yangtze;…
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Shangri-La, the lost paradise of Yunnan
Shangri-La, in Yunnan Province, sits at an altitude of approximately 3,200 meters and is home to Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region and one of the most important in all of Southwest China. Surrounded by mountains, grasslands, and valleys of great beauty, the city combines profound spirituality with a spectacular natural…
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National Park of Wulong in Chongqing
In the municipality of Chongqing (重庆), in southwestern China, lies one of the world’s most unique geological wonders: the Wulong Karst (武隆喀斯特). This natural site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its limestone formations, deep sinkholes, and stone bridges sculpted by water erosion over time. Its fame has spread far beyond…
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What to see and do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong lives with its gaze turned towards the sea. Its harbour, islands and coastline are all part of a city where water is ever-present. Amidst traditional markets, bustling streets and shopping districts, the city is explored by double-decker buses and trams, ferries and cable cars that connect neighbourhoods, mountains and different vantage points. It…
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Discover Ōmihachiman, a historic trading enclave in Japan
In the heart of Shiga Prefecture, near Lake Biwa, lies Ōmihachiman, a town where history is palpable at every turn. Its origins date back to the late 16th century, when Toyotomi Hidetsugu ordered the construction of a castle in the area. Although that fortress eventually disappeared, its legacy remains in the Hachiman-bori, the canal that…
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Nagano between temples and mountains
The prefecture of Nagano (長野県, Nagano-ken), located in the central region of Chubu, represents the essence of the Japanese Alps. Known worldwide for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, this city offers much more than snow sports. It is an enclave where Buddhist history and wild nature converge, offering travelers a necessary pause from the hustle…
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Kiyosumi garden, Tokyo
In Tokyo’s Koto Ward lies an oasis of peace that seems to stand still in time: Kiyosumi Garden (清澄庭園, Kiyosumi Teien). Although Kyoto usually takes the spotlight for its traditional green spaces, this garden is one of the most refined and striking examples of the Meiji-era landscape style in the Japanese capital. Its design, centered…
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Ainokura a Living History in the Gokayama Valley
Discovering the village of Ainokura (相倉) is like taking a trip back in time to the most authentic rural Japan. Located in the remote region of Gokayama (五箇山), this hidden gem is famous for its gassho-zukuri (合掌造り) houses, whose impressive thatched roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall of the Japanese Alps. Unlike other,…
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Guidelines for tourists on behaviour in Japan
As a tourist in Japan, everything is very straightforward. Thanks to the high standards and professionalism of the services, as well as the punctuality and efficiency of the transport system, you’ll have no trouble getting around comfortably anywhere in the country. However, there are bound to be a few things that surprise you on your…