Alex Was Here

A wide-angle, eye-level shot from a wooden boardwalk looking across a calm blue bay toward the Marine City skyline in Busan. To the left, a modern blue bridge spans the water. In the background, several sleek, glass-paned skyscrapers and futuristic curved high-rises stand against a clear, pale blue sky. The wooden railing of the boardwalk runs along the bottom foreground, leading the viewer's eye into the coastal scene.

Where to Stay in Busan for First Timers: Finding My Place in South Korea’s Coastal Heart

Alex Tan April 14, 2026

The first time I went to Busan, I booked a

Overlooking the blue waters of Songdo Bay in Busan. In the foreground, the metal mechanical structure of a cable car station is visible, with several yellow and blue gondolas suspended on cables stretching across the sea. In the distance, the city skyline features tall modern skyscrapers and a long bridge connecting the coastal areas under a clear, bright blue sky.

What to Do in Busan South Korea for Couples: Choosing the Right Experiences for Your Trip

Alex Tan April 10, 2026

When I first visited this coastal city in South Korea

A high-angle, wide-set landscape showing the Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, a white arched drawbridge, stretching across a deep blue harbor. In the background, the city of Busan climbs up a steep, green mountainside with a mix of industrial shipyards, colorful cranes, and densely packed white and yellow residential high-rises. The sky is bright blue with scattered, fluffy white clouds, and a single yellow van is visible driving across the bridge.

Busan What To See: A 7-Day Slow Travel Experience in South Korea When You’re Not in a Rush

Alex Tan April 7, 2026

The first time I went to Busan, I made the

A street-level view of a bustling commercial building in Otaru. The main shop, Kita no Ryoba, features a large semi-circular sign displaying vibrant photos of seafood bowls and crab. Below, several open-air stalls sell street food and souvenirs. Pedestrians walk along the sidewalk under a grey, overcast sky. A blue sign for Shiroi Koibito (famed Hokkaido chocolate) is visible on the right.

Otaru Food & Experiences: 10 Slow Days of Eating and Exploring Beyond the Usual Spots

Alex Tan April 4, 2026

When I first visited Otaru, a charming town known for

A clean, minimalist Japanese hotel room featuring a single bed with white linens and a light wood headboard. Integrated into the headboard is a digital clock showing "7:30" and light switches. A white climate control panel and a black power outlet are mounted on the wall above.

Why Skip the Typical Hotel Aomori Japan: Slow-Stay Guesthouses and Local Homes in Aomori City

Alex Tan March 27, 2026

The first time I visited Aomori City, I booked a

A vibrant nighttime cityscape of Tokyo featuring the Tokyo Skytree illuminated in purple and white lights. In the foreground, a multi-level concrete bridge and highway span across a river, with the long-exposure streaks of vehicle lights creating glowing horizontal lines. Several mid-rise office buildings with lit windows stand between the river and the tower under a deep twilight sky.

Top 10 Best Tokyo Hotels for a 10-Day Stay: Ultimate Comfort and Convenience for Slow Travelers

Alex Tan March 24, 2026

Tokyo is known as a city of constant movement. The

A winding two-lane asphalt road curves through a vibrant autumnal landscape. To the right, a steep hillside is densely covered in trees with foliage in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and deep red. On the left, traditional Japanese-style wooden buildings with gabled roofs sit nestled at the base of the hill. A clear, bright blue sky sits above the mountain peak in the distance, and the warm sunlight casts long, soft shadows across the road.

An Unforgettable 7-Day Journey in Aomori Prefecture, Japan

Alex Tan March 20, 2026

There is a weight to the silence in Aomori Prefecture,

A high-angle, scenic view of the Aomori Bay Bridge at sunset. The iconic white, cable-stayed bridge spans across the water, with the sun setting behind distant mountains in a warm, orange-hued sky. A modern building is in the foreground, and the harbor area stretches out beneath the bridge.

Why Aomori, Japan Is the Perfect Romantic Escape for Couple

Alex Tan March 17, 2026

Aomori Japan offers a quietness perfect for couples; not the

A wide-angle, eye-level shot of a quiet outdoor train platform in Japan under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. To the right, a few commuters stand near digital displays and a red vending machine. The perspective follows the empty railway tracks receding into the distance on the left. In the background, a massive white cable-stayed bridge pylon rises high above the station’s industrial steel framework and overhead power lines.

Quiet Days, Gentle Routes: Itineraries Japan That Leave Space To Return to Aomori

Alex Tan March 13, 2026

JR Aomori Station welcomes travelers with soft announcements on a

A serene sunset view of the Otaru Canal in Hokkaido, Japan, featuring ivy-covered stone warehouses reflected in the water and a glowing lighthouse in the distance.

Looking for the Perfect Otaru Inn? Discover Cozy Neighborhoods, Charming Inns, and Hidden Gems for Your Dream Relaxation Escape

Alex Tan March 10, 2026

Choosing where you stay was the first step in planning