Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

Shinjuku is a very diverse part of Tokyo with a lot of activity and some rebelliousness, but it’s completely different in style and design compared to the other areas of Tokyo.  As far as contrasts go, Shinjuku is the most contrasting area of Tokyo. You can look at commercial 3D billboards within a couple of minutes’ walk to find very old traditional garden spaces. Shinjuku Station, as the busiest train station worldwide, could be described as a crazy madman's labyrinth for a first visit.  Yet, stepping outside into the bright neon lights of the Shinjuku area exposes a bright, fascinating area to play.  To help you get started, below is a list of “What to do in Shinjuku” as a first timer.  What To Do In Shinjuku As A First Timer?  Shinjuku is a city within a city. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s occasionally a little messy. However, that’s exactly what makes it the most authentic urban experience in Japan.  Here are the things if you are feeling clueless about what to do in Shinjuku.  1. Retro Vibes At Kitamura Camera Kitamura Camera isn't a store. It's a vertical museum built around film cameras.  Rows of vintage gear line the floors, including rare glass lenses and models from the 1930s.  The place hums with quiet energy, untouched by digital noise.  It's tucked into Musashino Street, a lively area where shops mix with daily life. Even pros who shoot in RAW find it worth visiting for its raw craftsmanship and calm atmosphere. 2. The Roar Of Godzilla Road You'll see the Godzilla head before you hear it.   Its massive form stretches over Toho Cinemas, like a guardpost at the entrance to Godzilla Road.  The statue is a fixture in Shinjuku, visible from most sidewalks. Also, Hotel Gracery has rooms shaped like the monster itself. The Toho building bears the giant head of Godzilla, towering over the street corner.  That image sets the tone for everything around it, the kind of visual that sticks in your memory long after you leave.  Hotel Gracery offers themed rooms that let fans step into their favorite scenes.  The area feels unfiltered! Neon signs flash at odd hours, crowds surge during rush times, and alleys smell like food carts and rainwater mixing on pavement. 3. Sky-High Views (For Free!) Most of Tokyo's observation decks are rather expensive, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building provides a magnificent view of the city for exactly zero yen.  The queue is very fast at that point. On a clear day, you may be lucky enough to see the famous Mount Fuji.  Even on a cloudy day, you will still enjoy the amazing view of the city.  Insider Tip: Definitely visit the cafe on the top floor. The matcha desserts there go very well with the sunset view of the skyline. 4. The World’s Largest Projection Mapping Show It's all about timing.  If you can, leave the Metropolitan Government Building just when the Sun goes down so that you can see a projection mapping show that has entered the Guinness World Records.  A huge skyscraper's side gets turned into a screen for colorful animations.  The Pac-Man sequence, which was a throwback to the arcade game, was the highlight of architectural lighting during our visit.  It was as if the entire building was a giant glowing game of Pac-Man. 5. The Shinjuku 3D Cat Forget about Hachiko. If you come near Shinjuku Station East Exit and lift your eyes, you will spot a Giant 3D Cat.  This digital masterpiece "resides" on a curved billboard, and its antics include playful meowing and looking down at the crowd of commuters.  It is remarkably realistic and even more enchanting when it shines under the night lights. 6. The Neon Labyrinth Of Kabukicho Welcome to the largest red-light district in Japan.  Kabukicho is a sensory overload in the most enjoyable way. Moreover, it is a center of entertainment that is always alive with bars, restaurants, and the newly changed Samurai Restaurant Time (formerly the renowned Robot Restaurant).  Though it has a somewhat rough image, it is a place that anyone who wishes to see the "Blade Runner" side of Tokyo should definitely go to. 7. Sing Your Heart Out At Karaoke Kan You haven't truly felt Japanese social rhythm until you're in a private booth at Karaoke Kan.  There, you rent a high-tech room with friends instead of singing to strangers like in Western bars.  Moreover, the selection is vast, thousands of songs in English and Japanese, and it's probably the most common cultural milestone for young adults. 8. A Natural Escape: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden When the neon lights get overwhelming, head to Shinjuku Gyoen.  It's huge, with an area of more than 100 acres, and you might spend hours wandering through traditional gardens with French, English, and Japanese influences.  Moreover, the paths change shape every few minutes. So, you'll likely lose track of time. Must Try: Muroya offers real sweets or a cute sushi set inside the garden.  This place has been going strong for generations. It's more or less certain that your parents were here too, decades back. 9. Breakfast At St. Marc Cafe St. Marc Cafe is better than chains for local flavor.  Furthermore, their ChocoCro is flaky, buttery, and tends to draw long lines.  Also, breakfast sets cost under $10 and keep people energized during long city walks. 10. Nostalgia In Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) Tucked away near the tracks is a narrow alleyway known as Omoide Yokocho.  Years ago, it earned the nickname "Piss Alley," but today it’s a charming, albeit cramped, destination for yakitori and beer.  Moreover, the smoke from dozens of small grills creates a nostalgic atmosphere that feels miles away from the modern skyscrapers nearby. 11. Exploring Musashino Street While walking toward the camera shops, you'll likely find yourself on Musashino Street. It’s a delightful shopping district that feels exceptionally safe and welcoming. Shopping Tip: Look for the specialized Don Quijote here. Moreover, unlike the massive, chaotic branches, this one focuses specifically on products popular with tourists, making it a "souvenir shortcut." Yoi ryokō o, guys!  Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Jimbocho Book Town? Visit The Best Book Stores And Cafes What Are The Things To Do In Nara? How To Plan A Two-Day Trip? What Is Oshino Hakkai Famous For? How To Visit It And More

BY  Sibashree Sep 4, 2026

Before I reached the Wasgamuwa National Park, I had already completed the classic Sri Lankan safari.   In Yala National Park, the jeeps were queued, and when a leopard was spotted, all the vehicles were boxed around it.   The chaos was such that I almost forgot I was in the wilderness.   However, Wasgamuwa was the antidote I did not know I needed.  Our jeep drove in through the Handungamuwa entrance on a grey, humid morning, half-expecting another crowded circuit, and instead spent four hours without seeing another jeep.   That is Wasgamuwa's whole pitch!  You will find the same elephants, sloth bears, and dry-zone forest you would find in  Sri Lanka's headline parks, minus the traffic jam.  Quick Facts: Wasgamuwa National Park  Detail Information  Location Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts, Central/North Central Sri Lanka   Distance from Colombo   225 km (via Kandy–Hasalaka–Wilgamuwa Route)  Area   37,062 Hectares  Declared   7 August 1984 (Strict Nature Reserve since 1938)  Main Entrances   Handungamuwa Gate Kalundawa Gate  Park Hours  6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily Ticket Counter Hours  6:00 AM to 4:00 PM Known for Wild Elephant Herds Sri Lanka's Densest Sloth Bear Population  Nearest Towns  Polonnaruwa (10 Km) Hasalaka Wilgamuwa   How To Reach The Wasgamuwa National Park? The location of Wasgamuwa National Park is a little reclusive, for lack of a better word.   It is neither part of the hill country nor is it included in the cultural triangle. So, often, it is left out of usual Sri Lanka trip itineraries.   However, this national park is accessible from Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa.   So, you can plan a cultural trip combined with a wildlife experience by including the Wasgamuwa National Park in your bucket list.   From Colombo  The most straightforward route runs via Kandy on the A1, then the A26 towards Mahiyangana.   At Hasalaka, you turn off onto the Wilgamuwa road and follow it through to the park.   Budget five to six hours for the roughly 225 km drive, longer if you get stuck in Kandy's town traffic, which you almost certainly will around midday.  From Kandy, Sigiriya, And Dambulla  If you are already based in the Cultural Triangle, Wasgamuwa is a far more manageable side trip.  From Kandy, it is about 50 km northeast via Hasalaka and Wilgamuwa. So, it is just around a 90-minute drive from the Colombo slog.   On the other hand, Sigiriya Rock and the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple are around two hours away by road, and the route passes through Naula and Elahera.   So, as I did, you can tack a Wasgamuwa morning safari onto a Sigiriya stay rather than treating it as its own base.  The Expenses  A private car rental or taxi fare from Colombo to the Wasgamuwa National Park will cost you LKR 15000 onward.   So, the best option is to travel from Colombo to Kandy, stay there, and travel to the Wasgamuwa National Park from there.   To know more details about how to travel from Colombo to Kandy, you can check my guide.   From Sigiriya or the Dambulla Royal Cave, a public vehicle to this national park will cost you around LKR 10000.   From Polonnaruwa  Polonnaruwa is the closest major town, just 10 km from the park's northern boundary.  The  Wilgamuwa "Japan Bridge" gives easy access from the Mahaweli System C area.  Despite the short distance, the taxi fare from Polonnaruwa to Wasgamuwa is quite high. It will be around LKR 7000.   Also, for the jeep safari inside the national park, the cost will be around LKR 7500 to LKR 10000.   Entrance Fees And Permits   Category   Approximate Cost (2026)   Foreign Adult (12+)   USD 12  Foreign Child (6–12 Years)   USD 6  Foreign Children under 6 Years    Free  SAARC Nationals USD 10 for Adults USD 5 for Children between 6 and 12 Years Free for Children below 6 Years    Locals   Adults: LKR 60 Children from 6 to 12 Years: LKR 30 Children below 6 Years: Free Students: LKR 20   Vehicle Entry Ticket   LKR 300   Foreign Group Fee Per Vehicle   USD 10  What Is The Best Time To Visit Wasgamuwa National Park? You will have to decide the best time to visit the park based on the kind of experience you want.   For Elephant Herds   Wasgamuwa has a different timing for spotting the elephants than Minneriya.   During the dry months (roughly June to September), much of Wasgamuwa's elephant population actually migrates north toward Minneriya and Kaudulla in search of water, which is where you will find those spectacular 200-strong herds.   So, if you want to spot the elephants, November to May is when more of them stay resident within Wasgamuwa itself, following the Mahaweli River corridor that forms the park's eastern boundary.  Weather And General Visiting  The dry season from June to September offers comfortable safari conditions.  The thinner vegetation makes it easy to spot sloth bears and leopards.   October to January brings the northeast monsoon, when the park can turn muddy, and some interior tracks become difficult to navigate.  What To See Inside The Park? The park offers the most wonderful fusion of wildlife and history.   Wildlife  Wasgamuwa gets all the hype for its elephants. However, it also has sloth bears and leopards.  In fact, many surveys suggest that sloth bear density in this park is highest in Sri Lanka.   Also, some accounts suggest the park's own name derives from "walas" (sloth bear) and "gamuwa" (wood). So, it is literally the forest of the sloth bears.   Along with these three, you can even spot purple-faced langurs, wild boar, sambar, spotted deer, and water buffalo here.  Moreover,  in the park's pools and waterways reside water monitors, mugger and estuarine crocodiles, and pythons.   Birdlife is understated but real.  I counted painted storks, white ibis, and several raptors circling over the grasslands in a single morning.  Ancient Ruins Within The Park  Long before it was a protected area, this land carried Anuradhapura- and Polonnaruwa-era settlement.  I saw dagobas, an ancient canal system, and reservoir remains scattered through the jungle, well away from the standard vehicle tracks.  Moreover, the area between the park and the Mahaweli River has a link to a battlefield from the Dutugemunu–Elara conflict of the 2nd century BCE.  However, I could not visit most of the sites because I did not have the required special permission. Also, these are not part of the regular safari visits.   Safari Timings And Practicalities  Feature Half-Day Morning Half-Day Evening Full-Day Safari Timing 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM Start 2:30 PM / 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Full day (split by picnic break) Duration 3 – 4 hours 3 – 4 hours All day Coverage Area Main tracks near Handungamuwa Gate Main tracks near Handungamuwa Gate Mahaweli riverbank sections Jeep Cost (LKR) 7,500 – 10,000 7,500 – 10,000 15,000 – 20,000 Wildlife Focus General park wildlife General park wildlife Reliable elephant sightings Hotel Pickup 30–60 mins early (if less than 5 km from gate) Varies by hotel proximity 30–60 mins early (if less than 5 km from gate)  A Sample One-Day Wasgamuwa Itinerary   Time   Activity  5:00 AM   Depart accommodation (Kandy base)  6:00–6:30 AM   Arrive at Handungamuwa Gate, complete entry formalities  6:30–10:00 AM   Morning Safari including Riverine Forest and Grassland Tracks  10:00–10:30 AM   Picnic/Tea Break Near Mahaweli Riverbank  10:30–11:30 AM   Continue Safari toward Interior Water Holes  11:30 AM   Exit Park and Return to Base  3:00–6:00 PM   Evening Safari Session with a Separate Entry  Wasgamuwa does not have the wall-to-wall wildlife density of Yala or the spectacle of Minneriya's Gathering.   However, you will get a quiet forest to explore for several hours. Also, the elephants and sloth bears here are never performing for the tourists or camera lenses.   So, I would pair it with a Cultural Triangle any day for the best value safari experience in the country. 

BY  Sibashree Jul 7, 2026

With the One Love Reggae Festival returning to Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka is now preparing to be a vibrant cultural stage for music lovers from around the world.  The event is slated from 7th to 9th August and, with a laid-back coastal atmosphere, will function as a major tourism catalyst for Bentota.  Nevertheless, Bentota Beach has always been a popular, idyllic destination in Sri Lanka due to the calm waves of the Indian Ocean and soft golden sands.  Furthermore, it is a gateway to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort.  However, for me, the most striking thing about Bentota was the safari on the Bentota Ganga. With dramatic landscapes and surrealism awaiting you in every nook, this was one of the highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka.  Also, very close to Colombo, just a 2-hour drive away, this beach stands out even if tourists show more interest in popular variations such as Tangalle Beach and Mirissa Beach.  Here is more about why Bentota Beach is worth visiting and what the top attractions are.  What Are The Things To Do In Bentota?  The heavenly sunset views of Bentota Beach, the most anticipated boat safari on Bentota Ganga, and a relaxing experience in the Ayurveda Herbal and Spice Garden! Furthermore, if you want an adrenaline rush, you can take part in activities such as parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, and more! 1. Water Sports At Bentota Beach Bentota has many beaches, such as Ventura Beach or Moragalla Beach, where the ocean meets the Bentota Ganga River.  However, together, they are known as the Bentota Beach, and together they look like a long stretch of fine white sand.  A specific stretch of sand is parallel to Bentota Lagoon, which is more commonly called the Bentota Ganga.  It is known as Paradise Island, looking like a narrow and long peninsula stretching out into the ocean.  Also, it is ideal for the following water sports.  Windsurfing Waterskiing Diving Canoeing Snorkeling Fishing Moreover, centers such as Diyakawa Water Sports and Sunshine Water Sports Center help with the best gear, training, and guidance.  2. Visiting The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project I mentioned the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project when visiting Kalutara.  However, it is way closer to Bentota, and it is situated at a distance of just 9 km. So, it is just a road journey of 9 km or 15 minutes south by road.  It remains open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and the ticket price is LKR 500 for locals and LKR 1000 for foreigners.  It is a vital wildlife sanctuary on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Established in 1981, it aims to protect endangered sea turtles from extinction caused by poaching and habitat loss. The hatchery monitors local beaches to rescue vulnerable eggs.  It buries them safely in protected sand nests until they hatch. Impressively, the project cares for all five sea turtle species that visit Sri Lanka. The Green Turtles Loggerhead Turtles Hawksbill Turtles Olive Ridley Turtles Leatherback Turtles.  The sanctuary also rehabilitates turtles injured by fishing nets. However, for me, the most exciting experience in the sanctuary was releasing newborn hatchlings into the Indian Ocean at sunset.  This hands-on experience funds the project while raising global awareness about marine conservation. Overall, it was a great experience learning about the marine ecosystem and how these adorable marine creatures play an important role in maintaining the balance.  If you want to watch and study them further, Sri Lanka has many other destinations such as Dalawella Beach, Dickwella Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach.  3. The River Safari On Bentota Ganga  While many people are more excited about the water sports, I visited Bentota for the water safari.  It was late afternoon, and the Sun was getting mellower. Fortunately, the hotel I was staying in had the provision for booking a boat safari.  The boat progressed through the jungle. Also, I could spot eagles flying high and some snakes in the water.  I was looking for crocodiles, but this time, I did not find one.  Moreover, the roots of the trees got entangled, and the roots created some eerie formations that looked straight out of Apocalypse.  Having said that, the river safari was not just an opportunity to spot the wildlife. I also saw the traditional fishing techniques and prawn farming in the wetlands surrounded by mangrove forests.  Another interesting stop was the Cinnamon Island. I spotted old and young men cutting sleek sticks of cinnamon. I bought a few bottles of cinnamon oil from them.  It was a 1.5-hour safari, and it cost around LKR 2500.  4. Exploring The Bentota Market  The Aluthgama town is around 3 km away from Bentota, and the Monday market here is amazing.  I had a talk with Manjula, a college student and a local vendor who helps her mother, Hiruni.  “People from different parts of the southwest coast come here. This is a market mostly dominated by women. So, I love being a part of the market.  The vendors sell various products, including clothes, vegetables, groceries, and other knick-knacks.  I also found the place to be a great spot for socializing. Women were interacting with each other when buying exotic fruits and fresh vegetables.  Moreover, I collected some cinnamon sticks, spices, and clothes as souvenirs.  5. Enjoying The Benefit Of Herbal And Spice Treatment  Bentota is famous for traditional Ayurveda and health treatment. The oils and massage solutions here have spices and local herbs.  The medicines and solutions also have cardamom, cinnamon, seeds, fruits, bark, and leaves.  So, if you want to enjoy the ultimate Sri Lankan spa experience, Bentota is the ideal place.  The big hotels and resorts have spas offering traditional treatments and therapies. Furthermore, there are some specialized Ayurveda centers.  Where To Stay In Bentota Beach?  From budget guesthouse Hotel Hemadan to 5-star hotel Taj Bentota Resort, the accommodation options in Bentota are diverse.  Furthermore, if you want an artistic and boutique experience, you can choose options such as Taj Bentota Resort and NH Bentota Ceysands.  Based on the accommodation you choose, the cost of staying in Bentota will be between LKR 13000 and 60000 per night.