10 things to know before flying to Japan

1. Bring some cash. Keep in mind that the foreign Maestros are not working in Japan and the Mastercards are not working well to get cash but you should be able to take some at the Japan Post Bank and Citybank.
2. Do not forget to buy your JR pass. You can only buy your JR pass from outside Japan to travel around at a reasonable price on the JR lines. Do not forget that this pass is unfortunately not valid for all trains like the Nozomi one.
3. Carefully choose your hotels. Smoking is still allowed and most of the hotels propose internet connexion with cables so you won't be able to use your mobile phone depending on the hotel you have booked.
4. Book your WIFI device in advance. If you are an internet adict like me, you can rent a WIFI device at the airport allowing you to connect your mobile phone, tablet or computer for around 10 dollars per day. Working on 4G, you will access internet almost everywhere including trains. You will find plenty of operators providing this solutions at Narita Airport.
5. Do not forget to take an adaptor and keep in mind that no transformator is needed for devices from 100 to 240 Volts. If you forgot it, you will be able to find very cheep one (around 2 dollars) visiting any Big Camera store.
6. Buy your ticket for Ghibli Museum in advance. You need to buy your entrance ticket for the Ghibli Museum outside Japan. Visit their website for more information on how to get them.
7. Reserve your ticket for the sumo tournament in Tokyo. If you have the chance to come while a tournament is organized, book you ticket in advance to be sure to be able to attend.
8. Don't worry your mobile phone should be working if you got an European one.
9. Don't forget to bring your swimming suit. If you can try the onsen in Eve clothes. You can also try some hot springs amusement park such as the Yunessun at Hakone where you can take a bath in red wine!
10. I highly recommend you to bring good looking clothes. When I am in holidays I am tempted to wear only short and T-shirt with sandal, especially when it is warm. But if you wish to enter in some places, the men will need to have nice pants and when you will look at the very fashionable Japanese girls, you will be glad to get some nice dresses, high heels and make-up in your suitcase.

A wonderful safari at the Kruger National Park in South Africa

Have you ever done a safari? I had the chance to spend one week at the Kruger National Park in South Africa this summer. I think that the pictures speak for themselves! When are you planning to go?

Baby lions - Kruger National Park - South Africa

Zebra - Kruger National Park - South Africa

Elephants - Kruger National Park - South Africa

Girafe - Kruger National Park - South Africa

Voltures - Kruger National Park - South Africa

Fish eagle - Kruger National Park- South Africa

Warthogs - Kruger National Park - South Africa

Cheetah - Kruger National Park - South Africa

White Rhino - Kruger National Park - South Africa

Black rhino - Kruger National Park - South Africa

Taste affordable Kobe Beef in Tokyo - Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511

During my last holidays in Japan, I wanted to taste the famous Kobe Beef. The legend says that the oxes listen to music, are rubbed by their farmers and drink beers! But in fact they are just farmed without stress so they create more fat and provide the best Japanese restaurant with a delicious melting meat.

Unfortunately the prices are just crazy and it is common to pay 130 to 350 dollars to taste Kobe Beef. I was almost giving up when I found a comment on a French forum speaking about this restaurant: Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511 in the heart of Tokyo.



The evening the prices raise up to 130 dollars but they propose very affordable prices at lunch and you will be able to taste this Japanese Beef without feeling guilty. The first price is 15 dollars for a Hearth-baked Japanese beef steak or beef ribs. All the menus are served with pickles, salad, rice and dessert. So yes taste Kobe Beef without paying too much is possible!

Besides an English menu, the waiters were really friendly and professional, the decoration of the restaurant is nice and classy and the meat was delicious and melting in my mouth.

Furthermore the restaurant got numerous good reviews on tripadvisor.

Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511
B1, Dear Plaza Akasaka, Akasaka 4-3-28,
Minato Ward, Tokyo 107-0052
Tel: 03-6685-0511 Fax: 03-6893-0511

4 minutes walking from Akasaka or Akasaka-Mitsuke subway station.

Hello world!

 My new blog a French girl travels!

Waouh! This is my first blog post on my new blog related to travel. I am French and I love traveling. I have a life and a great job in Switzerland which allow me to travel sometimes so I am traveling when I can as a hobby.

What will come soon? I will share with you tips and tricks about traveling in case you need it. For example, a nice restaurant and not expansive at all to try the Kobe Beef in Tokyo or what I saw when I was diving at Playa del Carmen. As I just come back from Japan, I think you will have many posts speaking about this last trip :)!

I am also passionate about cooking and to learn more about French cuisine you can visit my other blog: a French girl "cuisine" to know more about me. www.frenchgirlcuisine.com

Speak to you soon!