Imagine opening a book so filled with peace that you long to jump in and revel in it. Such is the case with the new book by author Rob Goss and photographer Akihiko Seki, entitled Japanese Inns and Hot Springs: A Guide to Japan's Best Ryokan and Onsen. Reading this book offers both travel inspiration and peacefulness. 

Do you love cosplay, manga, anime, fandom memorabilia, and toys? Perhaps the center of your fandom universe lies in Tokyo, Japan. If so, you probably identify as Otaku. If you are otaku, or can relate to it, then I have the book for you! If you aren't into otaku culture yet, you soon will be, after reading Tokyo Geek's Guide: Manga, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay, Toys, Idols, & More, by Gianni Simone. Be forewarned: I LOVE THIS BOOK.

Think of Japan, and you’re likely to imagine fast trains, sumptuous sushi, amazing technology and society and culture like no other. Welcome to the land of convenience where everything just seems to work, but there is more to experience than these for visitors on a trip to Japan. 

The idea of travelling abroad alone has always intrigued me, because I believe I could discover so much about the country and myself with tremendous amount of flexibility. Japan seems like the perfect place for female solo travelers, given its safety, convenience, and culinary satisfactions. Nevertheless, I have to admit that the only knowledge I had of Japan was obtained from a couple of Pokémon episodes I watched during my childhood, if that qualifies as part of Japanese culture.

After the morning rain, the afternoon sun struggles to push its way out of the thick fog covering the mountains. My sister and I, umbrella in hand, walk side by side, jumping occasionally to dodge the puddles in the road.