What Is The Best Luang Prabang Food Tour? (With A Luang Prabang Food Tour Itinerary)

BY  Sibashree Apr 18, 2026

Yes, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is going to be discontinued in Japan. Now, during my last trip to Japan, a ride on this themed bullet train was surely my pookie moment.  It was an experience of a lifetime when I tried the best Osaka food and boarded the Hello Kitty Shinkansen train. It was for a day trip to Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, and Hiroshima.  However, JR West has decided to stop the operation of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen from 17th May 2026.  Now, it’s sad for everyone who loves Japanese culture. If the Japanese shrines and temples are the telltale signs of its history, religion, and society, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has been a poster of pop culture.  So, in this article, I will discuss how the beautiful 8-year-old journey of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is going to come to an end. Also, I will talk about what you can expect in the few days left until the last date of operation.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen: An Iconic Symbol Of Japanese Railway Branding  Hello Kitty Shinkansen started running on the Sanyō Shinkansen line on 30th June, 2018. It used to run from Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka).  Furthermore, during this 8-year run, this themed bullet train has successfully served its purpose of reviving tourism in Japan.  Moreover, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen used 500-series bullet trains and featured the signature white-and-pink colors.  Also, the exterior was adorned with bows, the signature of Hello Kitty.  However, for the train, the bow represented a link between the cities on the route covered.  The Decor Which Made The Hello Kitty Shinkansen So Special Out of eight cars of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, the decor of the first two cars was based on the theme.  Furthermore, the Hello Plaza in Car 1 was dedicated to exhibitions. It had exhibits dedicated to the cities crossed on the route.  Moreover, you could shop for souvenirs at the Hello Plaza.  Again, the second carriage, “KAWAII! ROOM,” was decorated in the style of Hello Kitty. The chairs, the wall art, and the ceiling were done accordingly.  Moreover, there was a photo area.  The rest of the carriage was like a normal bullet train, with subtle hints of the Hello Kitty theme.  Also, a unique melody was used for the announcement.  How Is The Farewell Event Of Hello Kitty Shinkansen Being Planned?  JR West is going to plan a series of commemorative events to bid farewell to this iconic bullet train.  As a passenger, you can leave a message on the board reserved for sharing memories. Furthermore, you can get stickers and limited-edition souvenirs in memory of the train.  Moreover, you can collect special merchandise from the Kyoto Railway Museum and specific JR West Stores. You will even find them online.  Having said that, there is still a month left before the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is discontinued. So, let’s have a quick look at the operation days, timetable, and passes.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen Passes And Tickets You can ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen with the Japan Rail Pass and other tickets. So, check out some of the pass options here.  1. JR-WEST All Area Pass You can buy this single pass to explore Sanyo, Hokuriku, Hakata, and other unexplored parts of western Japan.  Furthermore, it has a validity of 7 days.  Also, the pass price for adults is 26000 Yen, and for children, it is 1300 Yen. Moreover, it is free for children from 1 to 5 years.  This is the most recommended pass for riding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.  2. Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass With this Kansai to Hiroshima Pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides between these two locations.  It will also include a ride on the JR West Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima Island.  Moreover, the 5-day pass for Kansai - Hiroshima will cost 17000 Yen for adults and 8500 Yen for children.  3. Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides between Fukuoka and Yamaguchi. This pass is valid for 5 days, and for adults, it costs 15000 Yen, and for children, it is 7500 Yen.  Moreover, there are the Kansai-Wide Area Pass, Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass, SANYO-SHINKANSEN One-way Ticket, and Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen Days Of Operation And Timetable  Hello Kitty Shikashen will now run every day. You can book the trains from https://www.klook.com/japan-rail/ or the West Japan Railway Company’s website.  Also, there are two trains, Kodama No. 942 and Kodama No. 949, running from Hakata to Shin-Osaka and Shin-Osaka to Hakata, respectively.  1. Time Table Of Kodama No. 942 (Hakata To Shin-Osaka) StationTiming Hakata7:04 AMKokura 7:22 AMShin-Shimonosheki 7:31 AMAsa7:43 AMShin-Yamaguchi7:53 AMTokuyama8:12 AMShin-Iwakuni8:25 AMHiroshima8:40 AMHigashihiroshima8:53 AMMihara9:12 AMShin-Onomichi9:18 AMFukuyama9:31 AMShin-Kurashiki9:45 AMOkayama10:09 AMAioi10:35 AMHimeji10:48 AMNishi-Akashi11:02 AMShin-Kobe11:12 AMShin-Osaka11:25 AM 2. Time Table Of Kodama No. 948 (Shin-Osaka To Hakata) StationTiming Shin-Osaka11:37 AMShin-Kobe11:50 AMNishi-Akashi12:01 PMHimeji12:15 PMAioi12:27 PMOkayama12:50 PMShin-Kurashiki1:02 PMFukuyama1:16 PMShin-Onomichi1:28 PMMihara1:41 PMHigashihiroshima1:56 PMHiroshima2:08 PMShin-Iwakuni2:29 PMTokuyama2:42 PMShin-Yamaguchi2:58 PMAsa3:11 PMShin-Shimonosheki 3:24 PMKokura 3:34 PMHakata3:51 PM There has always been high demand for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. So, hurry a little if you want to experience a ride in the remaining days.  Moreover, train timings can change under unusual circumstances. So, always check the timing with local authorities before booking your tickets. What Are The Places To Visit On The Hello Kitty Shinkansen Route?  There are many stations on the Hello Kitty Bullet Train route. However, you cannot miss these places on the route.  1. Kobe I loved the Nunobiki Ropeway, which was very close to the Kobe Shinkansen station. The ropeway took me on a ride over the Nunobiki Waterfall and the beautiful Kobe Herb Garden.  It dropped us at the Observation Park, and as the name suggests, it offers amazing views of the city.  However, you can also take a local train to the city.  2. Himeji The Himeji Castle is one of the twelve original castles in Japan. It was built in 1609.  Also known as the White Heron Castle, it is the largest in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  3. Okayama The Korakuen Garden in Okayama is beautiful. Furthermore, the Kibutsu Shrine, a little far away from the town, stands out with its amazing “timber-framed corridor.” Also, don’t forget a visit to the Okayama Castle, the main tower of which was completed in 1597.  4. Kurashiki The Bikan Historical Quarter is the main attraction of Kurashiki. Once you reach Kurashiki on the bullet train, you will get off and take a local train to reach the historical center.  It is also a pretty and quaint town. So, it is ideal for relaxation.  5. Hiroshima Hiroshima is one of the historic places to visit in Japan. The Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Museum here remind you of the futility of war.  The Future Of Themed Bullet Trains In Japan  You may think that the discontinuation of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has put the future of the themed bullet trains in Japan at stake.  However, that is not the case.  Japan will have a new theme-based bullet train called the Super Mario Shinkansen in 2025. Also, JR Kyushu runs this train in Kyushu.  As the name suggests, Super Mario Shinkansen has pictures of the main characters, Mario and Luigi. Also, it shows how Japan still believes in using themed trains as powerful tools of regional tourism promotion among children and youngsters. 

BY  Sibashree Sep 29, 2026

I got a glimpse of the Kiri Vehera through a gap in the trees.  It was milky white, and even early in the morning, it looked the brightest among the surrounding ruins.  Also, it is fascinating that the stupa is one of the few in Sri Lanka to have its original structure even after around 900 years.  Locals say that when the stupa was discovered amidst the jungle, its chunam, or lime coating,g was still intact.  Thus, it got its name as Kiri Vehera, or Milk White Stupa.  Furthermore, along with being the best-preserved stupa, it is also a classic example of Bubulakara, or the bubble-shaped form of stupa.  Kiri Vehera At A Glance DetailFactMeaning“Milk Stupa”It was originally called Rupavati Chetiya.BuilderQueen Subhadda, consort of Parakramabahu I (1153–1186)She was also known as Bhaddavati.TypeBubbulakara (bubble-shaped) stupa on three receding terracesHeightAround 24 meters for the damaged stupa. Base diameterAbout 26.8 metersTerraceAbout 57.6 metersRankSecond-largest stupa at PolonnaruwaStatusStill an active place of worshipEntry FeeIncluded in the $25 Polonnaruwa ticket. Hours7 AM to 5:30 PM My Walk Around The Milk Stupa Kiri Vehera is just north of Lankathilaka. I just took a short walk over after the image house to reach this stupa.  First Impressions Of The White Dome As I have mentioned, the white plaster of the dome glowed against the blue sky.  It has the simplest design with very little ornamentation.  Polonnaruwa’s builders kept this design deliberately simple. Small subsidiary stupas dot the platform, and the scale felt human rather than overwhelming. The Devatā Carvings Most People Miss Don’t miss a close look at devatā-koṭuva.  It has the most unusual carvings of deities, and these are uncommon for a stupa.  This drum-like structure has carvings of eight divine figures in a folded-hand posture. It looks like they are worshipping Lord Buddha.  Circling The Stupa With Respect I saw devotees visiting the stupa and offering flowers. They lit oil lamps and walked around the stupa as part of their prayer rituals. Also, you have to keep your shoes outside the brick fence.  History And Architecture The stupa dates to the reign of Parakramabahu I. Furthermore, it is part of the king’s vision to build a large monastic university, Alahana Pirivena.  Also, the building programme of the king helped reshape Polonnaruwa. Queen Bhaddavati And The Rupavati Chetiya The Mahavamsa credits the building of this stupa to Queen Bhaddavati.  As a woman, I appreciated the fact that the best-preserved monument in the ancient city is a queen’s commission, not a king’s. The Terraces And Dimensions  The architectural design of the monument features a stupa positioned directly in the center of an expansive square terrace, with each side stretching roughly 57.6 meters (189 feet).  The main dome spans a diameter of 26.8 meters (88 feet) at its base.  From the ground up to its fractured spire, the entire monument reaches an approximate height of 24 meters (80 feet). Supporting the core structure are three stepped basal terraces, traditionally called pesavas.  Standing between 0.9 and 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) high, these tiers likely functioned as pathways for devotional walking rituals (circumambulation) or as ledges for leaving flowers.  This design element directly mirrors ancient Indian architecture seen at historic sites like Sanchi. Sitting atop the dome is the hatareskotuva (a square tee) built from solid brick, measuring about 7.4 meters (24 feet 4 inches) wide and 3.7 meters (12 feet) tall.  Resting directly above this square section is the devata-kotuva (the enclosure of the deities), a rounded drum that is 2.9 meters (9 feet 6 inches) wide and 2.3 meters (7 feet 8 inches) high.  This circular tier is decorated with carvings of eight gods shown praying with their hands joined in deep respect.  The final crowning element is the kota (spire), which extends upward for another 7 meters (23 feet), though fragments of the spire have eroded away over the centuries. The Relic Chambers And The Interior Of The Stupa In the early 1900s, British archaeologist H. C. P. Bell conducted systematic excavations that offered a rare glimpse into the inner architecture of the stupa.  During his investigation, Bell uncovered a winding, 25-foot (7.6-meter) tunnel carved out centuries earlier by grave robbers targeting the structure's sacred treasures.  After clearing out this passageway, his team discovered two upper relic chambers that had unfortunately already been broken into and stripped of their valuables. The first looted chamber spanned roughly 11 feet 2 inches (3.4 meters) wide. It originally housed structural foundations meant to secure a yantragala (a traditional stone reliquary). It also had a sacred Mahameru stone, which serves as a symbolic representation of the cosmic mountain. Crucially, a third, lower chamber escaped destruction.  Because the historical looters had not dug deep enough, this final vault remained perfectly sealed and intact.  Out of preservation and respect, Bell’s archaeological team made the deliberate decision to leave this third chamber unopened. Why The Plaster Survived When the jungle was cleared after roughly 700 years of neglect, the lime plaster was in near-perfect condition.  Engineers describe these plasters as closer to lime-concrete than ordinary stucco.  That waterproof skin explains why brick has not crumbled here as it has elsewhere. Kiri Vehera Vs Rankot Vehera: Two Ways To Read A Stupa I compared Polonnaruwa’s two great stupas on the same day. Each of them has a different mood. Rankot is impressive because of its size, while Kiri Vehera impresses by its survival. FeatureKiri VeheraRankot VeheraBuilderQueen Bhaddavati (12th century)King Nissanka Malla (1187–1196)HeightAbout 24 Meters54 MetersSurfaceOriginal lime plaster largely intactExposed brick, like most stupas of its era.Best forPreservation and quiet worshipSheer scale How I Would Fit It Into A Day I spent about 45 minutes here, then moved on to Gal Vihara before the midday heat.  Also, it is a short walk from Lankathilaka and offers the strongest contrast in appearance. The image house is a ruin, and the Buddha statue there is headless. However, this stupa has had the same structure since the time of its foundation.  Photography Tips With its human scale, Kiri Vehera is a favorite of photo enthusiasts.  However, if you are visiting the stupa mid-day, the mid-day glare will bounce off the white plaster.  On the other hand, morning and late afternoon, with softer light, are better times of the day for photography.  Also, never take selfies posing back to the stupa, as it is disrespectful, and the guides will stop you if you even try to do that.  Why Kiri Vehera Matters Today The ruins of the Anuradhapura Sacred City and other remains of Polonnaruwa raise a question. What did these monuments look like when they were finished?  Kiri Vehera is the only monument to offer an answer to this.  Also, as a living worship shrine, it is a site that allows you to slow down.  So, if you are rushing past it on the way to Gal Vihara, you will miss the quiet centre of the northern complex.

BY  Sibashree Jun 1, 2026

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is the perfect relaxing getaway with golden sands, a vibrant local life, and a rich colonial heritage.  Be it the surfing paradise of the Hiriketiya Beach or the whale-watching hotspot, Mirissa, the southern coast is the most happening.  You can add to that the world-class culinary scene, the palm-fringed shorelines, and a laid-back bohemian energy.  Also, if you are looking for the combination of all these in a single spot, Unawatuna is the place to visit.  It has beginner-friendly waves, a deep colonial history, and a beachfront with a swinging rope.  In this article, I will discuss the best things to do in Unawatuna. I will also talk about top accommodation recommendations and practical logistics to help you maximize your time in this tropical haven. Where To Stay In Unawatuna?  Unawatuna, being one of the premier beach destinations in Sri Lanka, has an excellent range of accommodations.  The accommodations here range from rustic, budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury boutiques. Epic Unawatuna Epic Unawatuna, with its beautiful rustic charm, shows a heavy influence of the Dutch colonial architecture.  Furthermore, it offers air-conditioned rooms and exceptionally friendly staff.  Also, it is very close to the beach. Kingfisher Unawatuna It is an amazing beachfront hotel that has spacious rooms and large beds. Furthermore, it is on a quiet beachfront ideal for swimming.  Furthermore, it has an excellent in-house restaurant that is famous for serving top-notch, fresh seafood. What Are The Things To Do In Unawatuna With Family?  Unawatuna Beach is at the epicenter of the attractions in Unawatuna. From exploring this beach to a day trip to Galle Fort, a lot of activities await you here.  1. Unwinding At Unawatuna Beach  Unawatuna Beach, with its golden sand, is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, thanks to the protection of the offshore reef, the water here remains safe and calm. So, swimming here is safe throughout the year.  Moreover, in the daytime, you can rent a sunbed here, enjoy fresh coconut water, and enjoy the view.  At night, the beach gets transformed into a happening zone. The social scene here allows you to enjoy music, fresh seafood barbecues, and sunset cocktails right on the water's edge. 2. Dining At Bedspace Kitchen  After spending the evening at the beach, you can dine at Bedspace Kitchen. It is in a tranquil garden oasis very close to the main road. It serves the best fusion cuisine, and it sources organic and fresh ingredients from local producers. So, by dining here, you can support the local community.  You must try the black pork curry and the gourmet burger. Its other specialties include fragrant coconut lemongrass soup and pumpkin gnocchi.  However, it has limited seats and remains quite crowded. So, you must book a table here in advance.  3. Witness The Iconic Stilt Fishermen Of Koggala At a distance of 10 minutes from Unawatuna Beach, along the coastal road toward Mirissa Beach, you will find Koggala.  South of Unawatuna, Koggala is the place to see one of the most striking cultural traditions of Sri Lanka, Stilt Fishing.  Here, fishermen use a traditional method to catch fish. They balance atop a crossbar tied to a wooden pole driven deep into the reef, patiently waiting to catch small fish. The 2004 tsunami has altered the shoreline and made traditional fishing very difficult. However, the fishermen are still following this practice.  Many locals now rent their family stilts to men who pose for photographers to earn a livelihood. For visiting Koggala Beach from Unawatuna and photography, the pocket pinch will be around 500 LKR.  4. Fall In Love With Dalawella Beach  Dalawella Beach, very close to Unawatuna, has low-bending coconut trees, dramatic rock formations, and a beautiful shoreline.  The rope swing here is a rage on Instagram, and it is one of the most popular photo spots along with the Nine Arch Railway Bridge in Sri Lanka.  Moreover, it is less crowded than Unawatuna.  5. Support Conservation At The Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery Sea turtles are frequent in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka. At the Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery, you will find rare species such as: Green Turtles Hawksbill Loggerhead Olive Ridley Leatherback Turtles. The hatchery is a non-profit organization that works toward protecting these majestic creatures.  The volunteers here rescue injured turtles caught in fishing nets and treat them. They also purchase eggs from local poachers to ensure they can hatch safely away from predators.  Moreover, once hatched, the baby turtles are nurtured for up to four days before being safely released into the ocean water. 6. Take A Day Trip To Galle Fort Galle Fort is just a tuk-tuk ride of 15 minutes from Unawatuna. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Portuguese constructed it originally, and then extensive fortification was carried out in 1663 by the Dutch.  So, when you step here, it feels like traveling back to the Colonial Era.  Moreover, the fort here is an architectural marvel.  It has centuries-old Dutch villas, grand churches, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with trendy contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and upscale cafes. Moreover, the fort is an architectural marvel. It features centuries-old Dutch villas, grand churches, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with trendy contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and upscale cafes. Also, the must-see attractions here are: The Galle Lighthouse Dutch Reformed Church Outer Stone Ramparts.  7. Learn To Surf At Bona Vista Bay While Weligama Beach, Arugam Bay, and Mirissa Beach are more famous for world-class breaks, Bona Vista Bay is suitable for beginners.  It is a sheltered cove between Unawatuna and Galle. The waves here are gentle, and you will find many local surf schools on the beachfront offering certified instructors and affordable board rentals. Moreover, the surf lesson cost here is 2000-3000 LKR, and the board rental cost is between 300 and 500 LKR per hour.  What Does A Day In Unawatuna Cost? A Quick Budget Snapshot I have already mentioned some expenses, especially around the stilt-fishing photo stop, the surf lessons, and the train and bus fares. In this section, I have pulled all the expenses together.  It will give you a clear sense of what a day here actually costs.  Rough Per-Person Costs, Pulled From This Guide ItemApproximate CostBudget guesthouse near the beachLKR 4000-5000 Kingfisher-style beachfront hotelAround LKR 15000 Per Night Dinner at Bedspace KitchenLKR 2,500-3,500Koggala stilt fishermen photo stopLKR 500Surf lesson + board rental at Bona Vista BayLKR 2,300-3,500Tuk-tuk from Galle Fort Station to UnawatunaLKR 320Coastal bus from Mirissa or HikkaduwaLKR 50 A realistic budget day, one guesthouse night, one sit-down dinner, the stilt fisherman stop, and a short tuk-tuk ride, lands somewhere around LKR 8,000-10,000 (roughly USD 25-35) per person. This is before factoring in a surf lesson or the Galle Fort day trip. Add the surf session and a Galle Fort tuk-tuk round trip, and a fuller day pushes closer to LKR 12,000-15,000. You can also check out the Tour and Travel Blog budget planner to have an idea about the complete expenses. What Is The Best Time To Visit Unawatuna? October to April, or the local dry season, is the best time to visit Unawatuna. However, February to April is the peak tourist season here.  During these months, the sea is calm, and the clear skies here make the time ideal for exploring.  From May to September, Unawatuna faces high rainfall and rough seas. Also, many businesses remain closed temporarily during these months.  How To Reach Unawatuna?  You can reach the southwestern coast of Unawatuna via different modes of transportation.  By Train A train ride through the southwestern coast offers the most affordable and scenic train ride. It is well connected from Colombo Fort to Matara Railway Station, and Galle Fort Station is where you need to get off.  Also, from Galle Fort, you can take a tuk-tuk ride for 15 minutes, and it will cost around LKR 320.  By Bus  You can hop on a local coastal bus to reach Unawatuna from nearby beach towns such as Mirissa or Hikkaduwa.  Moreover, the bus ticket price is around 50 LKR, and a bus ride offers the most authentic cultural experience.  You will also get a bus from the Maharagama Bus Station, which is just 15 km south of Colombo City Center.  Here, the bus ride will take around 2 hours, and you will love the highway journey in a luxury AC bus.