AirAsia X is flying from KL to Okinawa (via Taipei)!

Starting 22 January 2020, AirAsia X will be flying into Naha Okinawa, the southern most prefecture of Japan. The four times weekly service via Taipei will be AirAsia’s sixth international destination in Japan, after Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Nagoya (via Bangkok).



I have stayed at Okinawa for three weeks. If I had to describe the island, I would say, if Malaysia and Japan had a baby, it would look like Okinawa. With a tropical climate closer to ours and a food cuisine impacted by Americans and Taiwan, the culture there reminded me ever much of Malaysia. Minus our teh-tarik sea waters. Theirs is pristine blue and absolutely beautiful.



You can read my postings on Okinawa here.



AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail says, “Our rapid expansion into Japan continues following the launch of services to Fukuoka and Tokyo Narita earlier this year. Okinawa is an island paradise that offers a different Japanese experience for leisure travellers, including white sandy beaches with clear blue waters, some of the world’s most famous diving spots and unique Ryukyuan cuisine."



Guests from Kuala Lumpur to Okinawa Naha are not required to obtain a visa during their one hour fifteen minutes stopover in Taipei and may return to their seats after clearing a quick security check of their carry-on bags and inflight belongings.



Okinawa is one of Japan’s 47 prefectures comprising 160 islands in the East China Sea. With its unique cultural heritage and local cuisine, Okinawa has long been a holiday destination for the Japanese, while its subtropical climate, coral-fringed waters and relaxed way of life attract throngs of international tourists looking for an alternative to the hustle-bustle of major cities in mainland Japan.


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Riding Japan’s Smallest Horse

This article was first published on Unlock Japan on 5 May 2019 (link)

While a part of Japan, Okinawa has always been a unique prefecture with an unusual history that dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom. Made up of a sub-tropical chain of 160 islands at the southernmost tip of Japan, Okinawa not only has a colourful cultural blend of Chinese and Japanese but is also home to the smallest and rarest horse breed in the entire nation.

Things to do in Naha, Okinawa that are accessible by Train and Foot

Okinawa, despite being a part of Japan was like being in a different country altogether. The culture and food are influenced heavily by the Ryukyu history with touches of Taiwanese and Korean due to the proximity of those countries to the island. Also due to the American army bases all across the island, American brands are fairly popular with Blue Seal ice cream, SPAM and A and W fast food being common household names there. While a well-known holiday destination for locals, the island remained foreign to many tourists from abroad due to its accessibility.

Japanese Airlines, JAL and ANA Offering Free Domestic Flights for International Travelers

In the travel industry, there is a term for Japan called the Golden Route. It basically means the popular travel route of travellers from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka or vice versa. The reason why this is a common route for travellers to Japan is because there are three major international airports (Haneda, Narita and Kansai Airport) connecting two major cities, Tokyo and Osaka for international travellers to fly into. Plus, the Shinkansen connects all three cities, making it a kill three birds in one situation for tourists. 

But as a result, overcrowding and an influx of tourists to these areas has become prevalent. To combat this, Japanese airlines like ANA has introduced discounted or complimentary domestic flights to other parts of Japan when booked with your international flights. I have used this service quite a few times to travel to Sapporo, Okinawa and Nagoya and I will share that it was very convenient for jetting across the country without having to touchdown in the major hubs. 

WWOOFing at Umikaze Horse Farm, Okinawa

I have always wanted to visit Okinawa, having seen photos of sunny beaches, pristine blue water and so naturally beautiful everything. If anything, Okinawa reminded me of home, Malaysia. After three weeks in cold Hokkaido and Tokyo in winter, I was ready for some warmth at my next WWOOF-ing job in Nanjo, Okinawa and boy, did I get loads of that.

You can read all about my first WWOOF-ing experience in Hokkaido here.

Shinyokohama Ramen Museum, Yokohoma

I super love ramen and everytime I go to Japan, one of my must visit places for ramen was of course Ichiran Ramen, found in many cities in Japan except Hokkaido and Okinawa (whyyyyy?).

Anyhow, this post isn't about Ichiran Ramen but rather an unique place that all ramen lovers should visit at least once when in Tokyo and that is the Shinyokohama Ramen Museum (spelled Raumen on their site)

Nagoya Women's Marathon 2018 Expo

As far as expos go, Nagoya Women’s Marathon’s expo was by far one of the smallest I’ve ever gone for. I expected it to be bigger, with more grandeur befitting of the world’s largest women only marathon event.

Nevertheless I was excited to see what the expo had to offer. In hopes of getting some event exclusive merchandise, I went on the first day of the expo to collect my race kit. The collection for foreigners and international participants at the Nagoya Higashi Sport Center was fast with volunteers and staff all around to help.

Mobal Japan Unlimited SIM Card review

I am shocked that I have yet to write up my review on this. Five months since coming back from Japan and it suddenly occurred to me that I haven't shared my thoughts and feedback on the SIM card I used while in Japan for two months.

The common perception about SIM cards in Japan is that it's complicated to apply for. There is some truth to that as a lot of paperwork is needed to set up a number. Most of the time, if you're travelling there on holiday either solo or as a group, the mobile wifi router is the way to go. Most offer 5GB daily with connectivity for five devices and if shared with others, the cost works out to be more reasonable.

photo credit: Japaniverse.com

7D6N through Kyushu for First Time Visitors

Are you ready to embark on an adventure in Kyushu? This third largest island of Japan has so much to offer for those seeking a fun and exciting holiday. From hiking through active volcanoes to indulging in local cuisine, Kyushu has it all. So pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and let's explore the wonders of Kyushu together!

Fukuoka, Kyushu [Day 7] - Solo Itinerary to Ohori Park and Fukuoka Tower

[WARNING: VISUAL OVERLOAD AHEAD. ENJOY]

My final day in Fukuoka was a bitter sweet one. It was the only day I got to wander about by myself but it was also my last day in Japan, my last 24 hours in Fukuoka. I headed out early, rolling out of bed at 730am to take a leisurely stroll along the canal to Nakasu. 

ANA Hello Blue Sale includes Free Domestic Flights

Ohayo, Japan friends! 

I have news! All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-Star airline for seven consecutive years, is holding its limited “HELLO BLUE SALE”. The sale will run from 29 Nov to 3 Dec, 2019 and features an addition of free* domestic flight within Japan when purchased with an applicable international ticket.

This means you can make like a Tania and fly to Tokyo to Hokkaido back to Tokyo then to Okinawa and finally to Nagoya! Or something like that. Because that's exactly what I did for my three months in Japan in 2018.