Is Japan Expensive For Tourists? Why Is It Still Seeing A Boost In The Travel Booking? 

BY  Sibashree Mar 30, 2026

Jimbocho Book Town is a massive book district or book town with more than 400 book stores.  It is one of the oldest and biggest in the world and is often uttered with respect equal to the Kaifeng and China book towns.  Also, it is a great place for dark academia fans, students, and readers, as they will find most of the second-hand books in Japan here.  Furthermore, it’s not just about the love for the book and the “intellectual” aspect of it.  Time Out has named it the best neighborhood in the world in 2025.  But do you know about the best book stores and cafes in the Jimbocho Book Town? Here is a detailed list.  However, let’s talk about the history, accessibility, and the best things to do in this book town.  Jimbocho Book Town: A Neighborhood That Survived World War II The Kanda-Jinbōchō area started getting many law schools in the late 19th century and early 20th century, and this is how the book town came.  Many bookshops opened then, and students of the law schools often sold their old books to these shops at a cheaper rate. Thus, this concept of second-hand books came.  New students used to buy these books because they were cheaper.  Furthermore, it is nothing short of a miracle that this book town survived the bombing and destruction during World War II.  Jimbocho started flourishing as a book town once World War II was over, and today, it is the most fascinating place for bibliophiles.  Furthermore, Shūeisha (Jump Manga Magazines), Iwanami, and many other leading publication houses have their headquarters in the Jimbocho Book Town.  Moreover, the curry restaurants and cafes here have been hosting the most famous authors for the longest time.  I must mention Ladrio in this context. It was built in 1949 as the reading room of a bookstop. It was also the first place that brought Viennese coffee to Japan.  Now, it was more than an elevation in the texture and flavor. The whipped cream helped to keep the coffee warm for longer as the intellectuals here took part in debates and hot discussions.  How To Reach The Jimbocho Book Town?  The central location of Jimbocho in Tokyo makes it easy to visit. You can take a ride on the Subway network to make this commute.  Reach Jimbocho Book Town By Subway  The nearest subway station is the Jimbocho Station. You will take the subway to the station on the following lines.  Toei Mita Line Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line And, Toei Shinjuku Line Moreover, once you reach the subway station and exit from A5 or A6, you can find the book stores along Yasukuni-dori.  Reach Jimbocho Book Town From Shinjuku And Shibuya The journey through the Toei Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station is the easiest way to reach the Jimbocho Book Town. It does not need any transfer.  Furthermore, the travel time is about 15 minutes.  On the other hand, from Shibuya Station, you can take a ride through the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to reach Jimbocho Station within 20 minutes. Reach Jimbocho Book Town From Tokyo Station From Tokyo Station, you have to take a Rapid ride on the R Chuo Line and reach Kanda Station.  Then, you have to reach the Toei Mita Line or the Toei Shinjuku Line to complete the journey in 5 minutes. Shopping For Old And Rare Books And Magazines: The Best Thing To Do In Jimbocho Book Town  From antiquarian books and documents to specialized books and first editions, you will find all the books in the Hakusan-dori and Yasukuni-dori intersections of the Jimbocho Book Town.  Starting from the Meiji Era(1868-1912) to today, it has been a book town par excellence.  Furthermore, the Aozora Kohon Ichiba, or the annual Kanda Used Book Festival, draws book lovers across the globe to the Jimbocho Book Town.   This festival is held in late October or early November, and it was celebrated from October 24th to November 3rd in 2025.   What Are The Book Stores You Must Visit In The Jimbocho Book Town?  Do you think that the Jimbocho Book Town only has Japanese books? You will get books in various languages in the book stores here.  Here are the book stores you must visit.  1. Kitazawa Book Store  The Kitazawa Book Store is the best book store to find English books and classics in the Jimbocho Book Town.  It started in 1902 and has thus completed more than 125 years in serving as a beacon of Western literature connoisseurs in Jimbocho Book Town.  You will mostly find foreign and humanities-related books here.  2. Magnif Zinebocho Magnif Zinebocho is a paradise for readers and lovers of retro magazines. You will mostly find lifestyle and fashion magazines from the last few decades here.  Though it mostly sells Japanese retro magazines, you will also find magazines that overcome language barriers.  Furthermore, the Mondrian artwork on the bookstore’s facade is really impressive, and you will find retro magazines such as Olive and Relax. 3. Books Tokyodo Built in 1890, Books Tokyodo is one of the oldest book stores in the Jimbocho Book Town. Here, you will find books of different genres from the bygone eras and modern times.  Furthermore, it is one of the book stores that has helped to create a community of book lovers, and that is the most cherished thing about it.  4. Komiyana Tokyo The history of Komiyana Tokyo goes back to 1939. It is a dedicated 4-story building with each floor offering distinct attractions to book and art lovers.  You will find here books on history, Japanese art, Western art, and fashion.  Furthermore, it has the widest collection of photo books, and most of them are by the original photographers or painters.  Also, watch out for the weekend “Garage Sale” behind the shop.  You never know when you can find a diamond.  5. Bohemian’s Guild  The Bohemian’s Guild is a great place to find vintage books on visual art and design.  Furthermore, the bookstore has been there since the Taisho era (1912-1926). The first floor of the store has all the books and a warm lighting that, along with the brown wooden floor, creates an inviting atmosphere.  Furthermore, on the second floor, the book gallery allows you to explore the lithographs, paints and prints.   What Are The Best Cafes To Visit In The Jimbocho Book Town?  Kissaten, or the coffee house culture of Japan, is unique. The best cafes in the Jimbocho Book Town allow you to get familiar with that.  Furthermore, the cafes here celebrate the history and origin of the book town. So, here are my favorites. 1. Sabouru With an origin in 1955,  Sabouru stands out with its unique Showa-era charm and nostalgic vibe.  You must try the cream soda here, and it is available in seven colors. They also make an excellent strawberry juice smoothie.  Moreover, the adjacent Sabouru 2 is a popular place here to have classic “Japanese Napolitan Spaghetti.”  2. Milonga Nuova Built in 1953, Milonga Nuova is a paradise for Tango lovers.  Furthermore, the charcoal-roasted coffee here hits different, and that is often accompanied by the signature desserts.  Moreover, you will find more than 30 varieties of imported beers here.  Along with these cafes, Jimbocho Book Town also has various curry restaurants. From Mandala to Bondy, these restaurants celebrate the tradition started in the Meiji era.  The book lovers found it very convenient to eat curry with one hand while the other hand was busy holding the book or flipping the pages.  Read Also: Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

After visiting the Nine Arch Bridge and the iconic blue trains, my next stop was the Diyaluma Waterfall, at a distance of around 45 km.  Now, Sri Lanka is full of hidden gems. Along with the Ritigala Forest Monastery, this waterfall has also offered me a slice of offbeat Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, the Diyaluma Waterfall, with a height of 220 meters, is the second-tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and it has many natural infinity pools.  If those were not reasons enough, Diyaluma Waterfall is irresistible for the local tragic love story associated with it. Also, it is a place of great ecological importance.  Moreover, the journey from Ella to Poonagala and the trek further offer an equally unforgettable experience.  Here are more details about visiting the Diyaluma Waterfall, its location, transport options, history, hiking experience, and more.  Where Is Diyaluma Waterfall?  The Diyaluma Waterfall is on the Colombo-Badulla highway in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka.  Koslanda, around 6 km west, is the closest town to the Diyaluma Waterfall.  Furthermore, it is located at a distance of around 30 km from Ella. Also, the waterfall is located about 196 km away from Kandy, the cultural hub of central Sri Lanka.  Moreover, the Kirindi Oya River has formed this waterfall. This river starts flowing near Bandarawela and flows across the central part of Sri Lanka.  How To Reach The Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka?  Tuk-tuks are easily available from Ella to Poonagala. Further, from the Poonagala village at the top, you have to do a short hike to reach the Diyaluma Falls.  However, you can also hike from Koslanda. This is a bottom-to-top hike and way more difficult than the top-to-bottom hike from Poonagala.  Also, the tuk-tuk to the Poonagala village cost me LKR 4000.  Moreover, remember that you have to inform your tuk-tuk driver that you need to go to the upper Diyaluma Falls and trek down from there. 1. Hiking From Poongala To Diyaluma Falls  Carry an offline map when hiking from Poongala to the Diyaluma Falls as the network is inconsistent here.  Furthermore, you must take your tuk-tuk driver as a guide or a different local guide for the hike.  My trek to the falls started from the Makaldenya Junction, and I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.  The path is even, and that is why you need to wear proper hiking shoes with a good grip. Also, long and dry grasses cover the entire route.  You will find all the infinity pools here, and taking a bath is a must, considering the heat and strain of walking downhill.  Then, I took a walk of around 10 minutes to reach the Lower Diyaluma Fall. From there, you can see water falling into the valley from a height of 220 meters.  Also, this is the moment you realize the meaning of the Diyaluma Waterfalls. The name is a combination of Diya and Haluma.  Moreover, the name means the “liquid light” or a “rapid flow of water.”  2. Hiking From Koslanda To Diyaluma Falls  The hike from Koslanda is difficult. However, it offers an amazing view of the waterfall from the Diyaluma Falls Bridge below.  Furthermore, the hike takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and on this hiking route, you will find many snacks and coconut shops.  What Are The Things To Do At Diyaluma Falls?  To enjoy hiking and other activities at the Diyaluma Falls, you have to arrive a little early. The waterfalls are open from 6 AM to 5 PM.  Then, you can enjoy a bath in the infinity pools, relax on the rocks, or talk to the locals. In fact, I got to know about the history of this waterfall when talking to a local hiker.  1. Swimming In The Natural Infinity Pools Of The Diyaluma Waterfall On the edge of the main Diyaluma Waterfall, you will find the main natural infinity pool. Also, you will find many other natural infinity pools formed by the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.  However, you must check with the locals and take enough precautions before getting into the water.  2. Relaxing On The Surrounding Rocks It may not sound very appealing to you. However, for me, who always cherishes TheLowDownUnder Travel experiences, it is a great thing to experience.  Sitting on a rock and seeing streaks of water gushing from a height of 220 meters. You don’t get to see these scenes often, right? Also, don’t forget to bring a towel if you want to sit on the rocks and relax.  3. Talking To The Locals  I come from a country where cricket is the religion. Sri Lanka also has a celebrated cricket team and has produced legends such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Arjuna Ranatunga.  So, it was great fun talking about cricket.  Then, a local guy shared the history of the Diyaluma Waterfall and the tragic love story associated with it. The History Of The Diyaluma Waterfall  A king once fell in love with a lady. However, she was from a lower caste, and the societal norms did not allow them to get married. So, they fled. Unfortunately, people against it chased them down, and the lady fell into the waterfall and died.  Safety Norms To Follow While Visiting The Diyaluma Falls  No set rule exists for the visitors to the Diyaluma Falls, and that is probably the most concerning matter.  The tourist inflow here is high, and most of them are adrenaline junkie.  So, stand on the edge and swim in the infinity pools, but with caution. Moreover, avoid visiting the waterfall in the monsoon season, from September to early December.  Even if you hike in these months, do not swim in the waterfall.  Overall, the Diyaluma Waterfall remains the symbol of the grandeur of nature, and the myths associated with it make it more intriguing.  So, if you are in Sri Lanka, don’t miss a hike to this waterfall, which is also at the epicenter of a unique ecosystem.  Moreover, enjoy the serenity and spirituality in the air.

BY  Sibashree Apr 21, 2026

Anuradhapura is a part of the Golden Triangle of Sri Lanka along with the Dambulla Royal Cave Enclave, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  Furthermore, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built from the “cutting of a Bodhi Tree” or the “Tree of Enlightenment.”  Before 993, when it was abandoned due to an invasion, it was the political and religious capital of Ceylon, the previous name for Sri Lanka.  Also, if Jaffna attracted me with its Tamil Culture and Hindu Temples, Anuradhapura was a great calling because it was the first place to adopt Buddhism outside India, the country I belong to.  Moreover, Jetavanaramaya, the early 4th-century BCE Stupa, was once the “third-largest man-made building in the world,” with an original height of 122 meters.  However, while the Jetavanaramaya Stupa continues to evoke awe with its grandeur and mystery, the other ruins and remains of Anuradhapura also wait to tell you the history and cultural richness of the region.  So, here is a brief discussion on the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  What Are The Places To Visit In Anuradhapura?  I was staying in a guest house near the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. I rented a bicycle from my guest house for LKR 500, and I took the back route as the staff in the guesthouse guided me.  Off the main road, the cycling experience was beautiful, and I loved spotting the roaming peacocks and little children waving at me.  Beyond the charming views and ambiance, I noticed one more thing. In Anuradhapura, the past and the present walk side by side.  There have been no evictions of the locals in the name of preserving or promoting the ancient ruins and remains in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Nevertheless, after talking to the local children for a while, I reached the entrance of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The entry fee was around 9500 LKR or INR 2800.  However, remember that the ticket includes archaeological sites such as Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya, Ruwanwelisaya, and Thuparamaya. So, if you want to explore other sites such as the Isurumuniya Viharaya, you will need to pay separate fees.  Nevertheless, these are the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  “This sacred city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.  Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993.  Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, is now accessible once again.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  1. Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex The Abhayagiri Vihara Gargantuan Stupa is magnificent, and the brick stupa creates a contrast against the bright blue sky and the lush greenery of Anuradhapura.  King Vattagamani Abhaya or Valagamba founded this Stupa in the first century BCE. This prominent center of Mahayana Buddhism remains an active place of worship.  Also known as the Northern Monastery or Uttara Vihara, it changed the course of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by deviating from the monolithic tradition of Theravada Buddhism.  Moreover, the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa is the first Stupa in Sri Lanka to house the tooth relic of Buddha.  Also, the Abhayagiri Dagoba or Stupa at the epicenter of the Abhayagiri Vihara Complex is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka.  The Structure And Architecture Of The Abhayagiri Vihara Apart from the Stupa or Dagoba, most parts of the Abhayagiri Vihara are in ruins. There were living houses for the monks and students, libraries, dinner halls, and meeting halls surrounding the Stupa.  Here is a detailed overview of the structures as I saw them. However, the heat will be scorching, and you will find langur monkeys roaming around.  So, try to be there by 6 AM, when the gates open, or after 4 PM. The Sacred City remains open till 8 PM. However, it will take you around an entire day if you want to explore the major ruins of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The Dagoba Or The Stupa  The Stupa or Dagoba in the Abhayagiri Vihara is in a well-preserved condition. The massive bell-shaped structure of the stupa has a height of around 120 meters, and at its widest, the circumference is close to 350 meters.  The dome, made of brick and lime mortar, has four entrances, and you will find a Devatakotuva or a cylindrical spire and Hataraskotuva or a square-shaped structure as the crowns of the Stupa.  Image Houses, Refectories, And Sub Shrines  I saw the remains of various refectories, image houses, living complexes, and sub-shrines around the stupa.  Among the smaller stupas, the Indikatu Seya and Silasobbhakandaka Cetiya are the most common.  Meeting Halls The remains of the meeting halls or Uposathagharas have been found in the complex.  These Uposathagharas were multi-storied, and Ratnaprasadaya or the jewel mansion was most prominent among them.  Congregation Hall The Sannipatasala, or the congregation hall near the southern entrance of the stupa, is the largest hall in the complex.  The image of Nagaraja, or the king of snakes, or Virupaksha, the protector of the Western Direction, was found in this congregation hall, which is now in ruins.  You can see this image at the Abhayagiri Museum.  Abhisheka Mandapa Or Anointing Pavilion The Abhisheka Mandapa had a stepped entrance, and people believe it to be the place where the statues of Lord Buddha and other Bodhisattvas were consecrated.  Some even consider this the bathing house or Snanghara.  Stone Slabs  Many stone slabs with inscriptions in Nagari Script have been found in this site.  Again, there are two moon stones in Anuradhapura, and one was found at the Queen’s Pavilion and the other at Mahasena’s Palace.  These moon stones are significant features of Buddhist stupas or shrines, as these semi-circular stone structures depict the Buddhist Samasara.  The Dining Room The dining room or hall of the Abhayagiri Vihara has a stone-clad trough, and it is ideal for storing or serving rice that could feed 5000 monks.  Furthermore, there was a dining area, hearths, underground channels, grinding stones, and a sundial in the site Faxian or Fa-Hien described as the dining hall.  The dining hall also has two courtyards.  The Bodhi Tree Shrine The Bodhi Tree Shrine, or the Bodhighara is a subsidiary shrine of the Abhayagiri Stupa. As a token of Buddha’s enlightenment, Sanghamitta, a Buddhist nun from India, brought saplings of the Bodhi Tree.  She planted the saplings in Abhayagiri, and many patrons built small aediculae-like shrines around these trees.  These sub-shrines had images of Lord Buddha in a meditative or Samadhi posture and his footprints.  Moreover, excavation of Buddha statues took place in the Bodhighara sites, and one of them is from the 3rd century BCE, and these resemble the sculptures of the great Gupta dynasty in India.  You can visit the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum if you want to see these Buddha statues. The Ponds  The tanks and reservoirs near the living quarters were the main sources of water for the complex.  However, water in these reservoirs or tanks came from the Kuttam Pokana or Twin Ponds to the far east of the Stupa.  Moreover, these rectangular ponds were built by Aggabodhi I in the 6th or 7th century CE, and they have shallow ridges, and the inner walls are made of polished stone.  However, for me, the most fascinating thing was the stone slab with the motif of a hooded cobra.  Also, this hooded cobra or Naga establishes a deep connection with India, as Nagas and water have deep connections in Indian mythology.  As I walked further, I came across the Elephant Pond or Eth Pokuna. It is the largest artificial tank in Sri Lanka, and it is the main water supply for all the tanks and reservoirs in the Vihara Complex.  Here also, I noticed a depiction of a hooded cobra on a stone slab.  At the end of exploring the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex, I must tell you that you must read a little about the place before a visit.  Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to catch up when the guide shares the details.  2. Jethawanaramaya Stupa You will also find the Jetavanaramaya Stupa in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. It was one of the largest man-made structures in the world, and it ranked only after the Great Pyramids of Giza.  The original height of this structure was 122 meters, and after restoration, the height is now 71 meters.  The stupa, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd Century AD, is a part of a large Jetavana Vihara complex that used to house around 200 monks. Also, like the Abhayagiri Vihara, it has a brick architecture.  This once again indicates how ancient Anuradhapura was a hub of brick production. In fact, Ruwanwelisaya, the most sacred stupa of the country inside the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex, also had a brick architecture.  However, for the recent restoration, they used cement in the outer layer of the stupa.  Moreover, massive excavation works have taken place in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, and the gold panels showing the imagery of the Bodhisattva and the partial inscriptions of the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra.  Now, Prajñāpāramitā Sutra is the foundational text of Mahayana Buddhism. This shows how the Jethawanaramaya Stupa was the hub of different Buddhist thoughts and schools. However, you can see these gold panels now at the Colombo Museum.  Also, I came to know about another fascinating thing from a monk here, that the stupa used to have a diamond in the crown. It used to turn aside lightning during the monsoon season.  3. The Gleaming White Ruwanwelisaya Stupa  The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is most famous among the locals and followers of Buddhism.  Now, unlike the Ritigala Forest Monastery, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa or the other stupas in the complex are live hubs of Buddhist practices.  Also, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is especially famous for housing the remains of Lord Buddha.  Originally, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa was much smaller than the Jethawanaramaya Stupa. However, thanks to continuous maintenance, it now stands at a height of 100 meters.  Now, this was my experience in the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. If you want to explore more, you can visit the Kaudulla National Park, at a distance of less than 2 hours, and the Hurulu Eco Park, at a distance of 1 hour and 50 minutes.   Location And How To Reach Anuradhapura?  Anuradhapura City is located on the banks of the Malwathu Oya. It is the capital of the central-west region of Sri Lanka and the district of Anuradhapura.  Anuradhapura is a 4-hour journey from Colombo and Kandy.  Once I explored the top attractions in Kandy, I took a minivan, which cost me LKR 1600. Now, you will also get private and public buses.  However, I had luggage and wanted to keep the schedule flexible. So, I chose the minivan.  Things To Remember For A Trip To Anuradhapura The Sun is merciless in Anuradhapura, even if you visit the Sacred City in winter. It becomes unbearable past 11 AM.  So, you have to really start early.  Also, carry water and wear full-sleeve clothes to maintain the dignity of the place and protect your skin from the Sun.  Moreover, as I have mentioned, visiting a place like Anuradhapura demands preparation. So, study well and have basic ideas about these stupas beforehand.