iVikkencs

1. From the Netherlands to England We set off by car from the Netherlands, accompanied, of course, by our two corgis, Togo and Buffy. Our route took us through the Channel Tunnel. We passed through Birmingham, Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, and Inverness before visiting the Isle of Man. The final stop of our two-week road trip was Newcastle, where we caught an overnight ferry back to the Netherlands. What you will definitely need to enter the United Kingdom: Valid passport (an ID card is no longer sufficient). ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): An electronic travel permit that must be applied for online or via the UK ETA app prior to travel. Car insurance. As for the dogs, they require: EU Pet Passport. Microchip. Rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days prior to travel. Tapeworm treatment: Must be administered and stamped by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before entry. Pay strict attention to ensuring the stamp and exact timestamp are entered on the designated p...

Harry Potter Locations Seven Sisters Cliffs (England): England's snow-white Seven Sisters cliffs may look familiar to many. In The Goblet of Fire , they rise dramatically in the background as the characters travel to the Quidditch World Cup. Hagrid’s Hut: Clachaig Gully, Glencoe Valley (Scotland): Hagrid’s hut was originally built in this quiet Scottish valley. Although the sets were completely dismantled after filming, the atmosphere of the landscape instantly transports visitors back into the wizarding world. Glenfinnan Viaduct (Scotland): Perhaps one of the most popular movie pilgrimage sites, as this is the railway line over which the Hogwarts Express chugs along. Directly adjacent lies Loch Shiel, the lake on whose shores the film's Hogwarts Castle stands. Dumbledore’s Island / Grave: Loch Eilt (Scotland): Located not far from the viaduct, this hidden lake and its tiny islet feature prominently in the Harry Potter films. This lonely, tree-covered island served as Dumbl...

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム): The ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall stand as one of the most poignant and iconic memorials to the 1945 atomic bombing. Sitting almost directly beneath the hypocenter, its walls miraculously survived in part, and today it serves as a UNESCO World Heritage site advocating for peace. Monument to the Mobilized Students (動員学徒慰霊塔): This twelve-meter-tall, five-story tower commemorates the thousands of students mobilized to work in factories and clear debris during WWII due to labor shortages, who ultimately lost their lives in the bombing. Erected through donations from grieving parents and surviving classmates, it stands as a symbol of faith in peace. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園): A vast green space in the heart of the city, framed by two branches of the Motoyasu River and built directly at the epicenter of the destruction. The park hosts numerous monuments, including the never-extinguished Flame of Peace, serving as a global be...

Historic Osaka Osaka Castle: One of Japan's most famous historic landmarks, built in the 16th century, which played a pivotal role in the unification of the country. Surrounded by monumental moats and impressive stone walls, the interior houses a modern museum, while the top floor offers a sweeping panoramic view of the city. Araryoinaridaimyojin (荒陵稲荷大明神): Located within the grounds of the Shitennoji Temple complex, this hidden gem of a shrine with its iconic red torii gates provides a tranquil oasis for visitors. Dedicated to the deity Inari, it is a favorite pilgrimage spot for those praying for abundant harvests and business prosperity. Shitennoji Saijumon (西重門): The western inner gate of Shitennoji—one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples—is a masterpiece of minimalist, ascetic architecture. Stepping through the gate, visitors head toward the temple's central shrines and its iconic five-story pagoda. BeeRUSH MINAMI (BeeRUSH ミナミ店): A modern, high-energy venue located ...

The second leg of our trip to Japan was all about tradition and breathtaking landscapes after the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Here are our favorite moments and a few useful tips if you are planning a similar journey! Shinkansen and "Black Cat" Logistics One of our biggest discoveries in Japan was Yamato Transport (Kuroneko). We simply handed over our suitcases at Hotel Monterey in Tokyo, and by the time we arrived in Kyoto, our bags were already waiting in our room. This allowed us to board the Shinkansen bullet train comfortably, hands-free. Tip: Buy your train tickets online in advance—the Suica card won't be enough for this leg! Mount Fuji: Shrines and an Unforgettable Gesture At the foot of Mount Fuji, we started among the ancient cedars of the 1,900-year-old Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, then stayed at the Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen. Although I skipped the shared bath due to my tattoos, the traditional Kaiseki dinner, the taiko drum concert, and the beauti...

Traveling to Japan feels like stepping into both the past and the distant future at the same time. Our journey started in Amsterdam with a layover in Shanghai, and while the 10-hour flight was long, China Eastern took great care of us. For accommodation, we chose the Hotel Monterey chain—a practical choice, as they quickly transfer luggage between their properties, and the rooms come equipped with every extra (even pajamas!). Shrines and Temples: Islands of Tranquility Tokyo’s sacred sites are breathtaking, each carrying its own unique story: Tobiki Inari (飛木稲荷神社): The shrine for onigiri lovers, where you can pray to the "onigiri deity." Sensō-ji (浅草寺): The city's oldest temple, reached via the atmospheric Nakamise-dōri shopping street. Meiji Shrine (明治神宮): Tucked deep inside a massive forest. A special highlight is the joined "husband-and-wife trees," where couples pray for blessings on their life together. Gardens Where Time Stands Still Imperial Palace Eas...