DESTINATION GUIDES

Top Cities to Visit in Japan That Aren’t Tokyo
Japan, Asia, City Breaks, City Guide Sophie Alexander-Osman Japan, Asia, City Breaks, City Guide Sophie Alexander-Osman

Top Cities to Visit in Japan That Aren’t Tokyo

Over four months sailing around southern Japan on a cruise ship, I had the chance to visit these cities multiple times and truly get to know what makes each one special. From the powerful history preserved in Hiroshima to the vibrant street food culture of Osaka, and from the peaceful beaches of Okinawa to the volcanic landscapes of Kagoshima, these cities offer a wide range of experiences that show Japan’s rich diversity. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, local cuisine, or unique cultural traditions, you’ll find plenty to explore here. This list highlights the top cities to visit in Japan that reveal the country’s character beyond the usual tourist routes.

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Honeymoon Destinations for 2025

Honeymoon Destinations for 2025

If you’re on the hunt for honeymoon inspiration, just like my hubby and I - then you’ve come to the right place. We got married in April 2024, and had our ‘mini-moon’ a few months later in July. We spent 4 nights in Zanzibar which was exactly what we needed after a long year of wedding planning. But we both said we would save our big honeymoon for 2025, with plans in place to spend 3 weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. Sorry I don’t have inspiration for these destinations - yet! But watch this space! (I can’t wait!)

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Paradise Islands of Japan: Okinawa, Ishigaki & Miyakojima
Asia, Japan, Once In A Lifetime Sophie Alexander-Osman Asia, Japan, Once In A Lifetime Sophie Alexander-Osman

Paradise Islands of Japan: Okinawa, Ishigaki & Miyakojima

Japan has way more to offer than just bustling cities, culture and incredible food. The country is made up of over 6,000 islands and is surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Whilst travelling and working on a cruise ship in 2017, one of our main routes was sailing to three islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. Okinawa, Miyakojima and Ishigaki are all in the Okinawa Prefecture.

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10 Things No One Tells You About Working on a Cruise Ship
Asia, China, Japan, Solo Travel, Taiwan, Cruise Ships Sophie Alexander-Osman Asia, China, Japan, Solo Travel, Taiwan, Cruise Ships Sophie Alexander-Osman

10 Things No One Tells You About Working on a Cruise Ship

Out of all the trips I’ve been on, to everyone I meet, my time working on a cruise ship definitely proves to be the most interesting. 4 years on and I still get asked a lot of questions regarding ship life. Did you like it? Did you miss home? Were you allowed off the ship? I can answer these questions very easily - YES!

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10 Best Sunset Locations from Around The World

10 Best Sunset Locations from Around The World

Truth be told, I have a slight obsession with sunsets. There’s something endlessly captivating about the way the sky transforms—soft pastels melting into deep oranges, golds, and purples, casting everything in a warm, fleeting glow. No two are ever quite the same, and I find myself drawn to them wherever I go, whether I’m by the sea, in the mountains, or simply watching from a rooftop in the city. They mark the quiet end of a day, a moment to pause, breathe, and take it all in. Over the past few years, I’ve made it a habit to photograph sunsets whenever they catch my eye—sometimes planned, sometimes spontaneous, always worth it. These are some of my favourite captures, each one tied to a memory, a place, or a feeling. I hope they bring you a little bit of the same peace and wonder they gave me.

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