Favourites
Below you will find a list of my favourites. This will range from favourite country to city and include a number of areas. The beauty of doing this is that it is always open to change.
Favourite Country
Japan
From my first trip here in 2017 through to my third in 2019, I have found this destination absolutely fascinating. If anything, Japan is a contradiction in terms. On one hand, you have this society that reeks of tradition. Then on the other, you have a modern world full of gadgetry, anime and a uniqueness which never fails to amaze.
Favourite European City
Berlin
When it comes to Europe, Berlin is my favourite city. There is definitely a different drum beating out a rhythm to this city. The history has played out in this place over the past 100. years, both good and bad, makes Berlin absolutely fascinating. While some of this history is far from comfortable, it is truly compelling. If you have never been, go. If you have, revisit it.
Favourite Japanese City
Kyoto
If you are after a taste of traditional Japanese culture, this is the city for you. The former capital of Japan up until 1868, Kyoto still retains a great mix of the old and the new. Another bonus is that it is only 30 mins from Osaka and close to Nara. Be it that you base yourself here or in Osaka, it is a good central area to be.
Favourite Airline
ANA
My personal favourite airline. Being over 190cm’s in height brings its own issues when travelling (especially in economy). I first travelled with ANA largely because of the size of the seats. I came back to ANA not only for the seats but for the service. Having the opportunity to travel Business Class to Europe on my last trip elevated this carrier up to another level.
Museums to Visit
British Museum
London
My happy place in London. The first thing that grabs your attention is how brilliant the inside of the museum looks. From there it is from one room to another. Here is not the place to venture an opinion on where antiquities should be and who their rightful owner is but it is definitely a must see (or in the case of those that have been there, a must see again).
Documentation Centre
Nuremberg
This museum is memorable for not only what is contained in the site but also the surrounding area. Largely based on the National Socialist rallies of the 1930’s, the site highlights a regime which exhibited the worst in what humans are capable of. The surrounding area including the Zeppelin Field will be recognisable to those interested in this era of history.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Hiroshima
The overall theme that underpins this site as well as the entire park that is situated in, is that of peace. The contents of the actual museum is confronting as it documents the tragedy of the first nuclear attack in the history of the world. The tricycle along with the remains of a students uniform are poignant reminders of the impact of war on civilians.
Imperial War Museum
London
When you think of war museums, this is probably the first place that springs to mind. Whether it is the best is purely a matter of opinion. If you are in London and interested in this area of history, it really is a no-brainer. Take your time to visit all the floors and experience the exhibits that are on display. The WWI display is a great way to start your visit.
Sir John Monash Centre
Villers-Bretonneux
A relatively new addition to the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux opened in 2018. Through the use of interactive installations, the Australian Western Front experience is presented in a truly memorable fashion. A walk through the Villers-Bretonneux military cemetery before entering the museum heightens the visit.
Victoria & Albert Museum
London
I will just say, what an amazing space. For those that have never visited the museum, the site is dedicated to art, design and performance so basically, it covers a range of areas. Some of the exhibitions that I visited included jewellery, sculpture, costume and the cast room has to be seen to be believed. If the image above is the entrance, imagine the rest.
Vatican Museum
Rome
When in Rome do as the Catholics do (hope you don’t mind the slight paraphrase). Visiting the Vatican is a no-brainer when you are in Rome and the museum is really worth the walk through. Founded in 1509, the site contains artefacts from Roman times through to Renaissance art. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, Raphael rooms, Egyptian collection and Gallery of maps.
Wannsee Conference House
Wannsee
Visiting the Wannsee Conference House was one of the most confronting experiences of my life. To know that you are sharing a space which once accommodated the architects of the Final Solution, adds a whole new dimension to your visit. Walk around the grounds & appreciate the beauty of the area but you can’t help but recognise the evil that emanates from within.
Yushukan Museum
Tokyo
The museum is found on the site of the Yasukuni Shrine which was founded by Emperor Meiji in June 1869 to commemorate those who died in service of Japan. It is fascinating to see past military actions from a different perspective, making this site doubly interesting. Controversial for the inclusion of WWII war criminals, the museum is worth a visit while you are in Tokyo.
Landmarks to visit
Arc de Triomphe
Paris
Have to love a good arch and this one is the daddy of them all. When you think of Paris, a few landmarks spring to mind and along with the Eiffel Tower, this is definitely one of them. If you get there (which if you visit Paris, you probably will) make sure you take the steps to the top. When you get up there, you will be blessed with an unforgettable view of Paris and traffic chaos.
Borough Markets
London
The smells, food and overall ambience make this a must-visit site if you visit London. The food is high quality but just embracing the atmosphere from this traditional market place makes the trip across the Thames all the more worthwhile. From here, walk off the snacks on your way to the War Museum or back into London centre. Whatever the direction, make sure you find your way here.
Brandenburg Gates
Berlin
Be it behind a wall or with National Socialists marching through it, the Brandenberg Gates has been at the epicentre of 20th century political history. Wander down the Unter Den Linden and make sure you take the obligatory shot (or selfie). On every trip I have made here, there was a different political statement being made. Times may change but somethings remain the same.
Burj Khalifa
Dubai
I’ve always likened Dubai as an adult Disneyland. The buildings and basically everything about it makes it as fascinating as it is gaudy. Everything needs to be bigger and better than anywhere else and the Burj Kalifa and accompanying mall, is right at the top of the list. Have dinner in a restaurant overlooking the man-made lake and witness the nightly fountain show.
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne
Trying to adequately describe or capture the enormity of this structure verges on the impossible. The sheer size of the Cathedral is best captured when comparing the size of the building to the people standing in front of it. 600 years to complete and surviving the allied bombings of WWII, the Cologne Cathedral is truly one landmark that has to be seen to be believed.
Eiffel Tower
Paris
When you think of France, you normally think of the Eiffel Tower. Iconic images don’t come much more iconic than this place. If it is a trip up the tower you are after, make sure you book early to avoid the lines. If you’re just interested in seeing the tower, a Seine river cruise or the Trocadero Metro station will provide that wow moment we are all after when we travel.
Miyajima Island
Hiroshima Bay
Possible one of the most, if not the most, serene place on the planet. The ferry ride ride across to the island (courtesy of your JR Pass) is your first chance to get up close to tori that sits just off the island. Walk around the island, try the oysters, enjoy the fact that you will not be accosted by the deer (a nice change from Nara) and just enjoy the serenity … ahhhh the serenity.
Menin Gates
Ypres
If visiting the Western Front is on the to-do list, then the last post ceremony at the Menin Gates in Ypres is a must-do. The ceremony itself has been running daily at 8pm since July 2, 1928 (with the exception of when Ypres was under Nazi occupation). I’ve been lucky to have been present twice and would strongly advise to be there a little before 8pm, if you plan to go.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Paris
While it may seem like a morbid fascination to some, one of my favourite things to do is visit old cemetery’s especially in Europe. Of all the one’s I have visited, Pere Lachaise in Paris would have to be the most interesting of all. Those interred range from Jim Morrison (above) through to Edith Piaf & Oscar Wilde. Overall, a fascinating walk just remember to download a map.
Sensō-ji
Tokyo
Located in Asakusa, Sensō-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Founded in 645 BCE, it is one of the most visited religious sites in the world with over 30 mil visitors a year. The added bonus of making a beeline to Sensō-ji are the restaurants that you will find in the area. Get in early as availability can be impacted by the visitors to the site.
The Colosseum
Rome
During my travels, I’ve had some wow moments but seeing the Colosseum for the first time is definitely one of the big ones. Trying to take in the history of what happened here was truly mind blowing. Go and just allow yourself to soak in the experience. I loved the numbers on top of the arches … section XXV, etc. (they certainly were organised for their bloodsports).
The Zeppelin Field
Nuremberg
While I have already highlighted the document Centre earlier, if you only have time for a brief trip, try and make it to the Zeppelin Fields. This is the place of the mass rallies in Nuremberg, captured through the lens of Leni Riefenstahl. Not a “fun” place to visit but if you are in the area, you wouldn’t be there for the enjoyment factor. Definitely falls into the category of Dark Tourism.