What To Do In Shinjuku As A First Time Traveler? 10+ Attractions You Cannot Miss In 2026 

BY  Sibashree Apr 7, 2026

If you could only cover the beaches in Sri Lanka, you would know how Sri Lanka, despite being a smaller country, carries the spirit of the subcontinent, “Unity in Diversity.”  If the beaches in Jaffna were a lesson to understand the livelihood of the local fishermen, the Hiriketiya Beach, with its unique horseshoe shape, has been a surfer’s delight.  Now, I am going to talk about Ahangama, another popular beach town in Sri Lanka, famous for its cool vibe and surfer breaks.  Earlier, it was known for its 19th-century Buddhist temple and the art of stilt fishing. However,  this beach town, in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is now also known as a lifestyle destination.  The likes of Condé Nast Traveller are backing its charm as a cool fishing town.  Also, today, you may even ditch the best hotels in Galle, one of the major cities near the beach, thanks to the cafes such as The KIP, Marshmello Cafe or La Cafe Bistro.  Nevertheless, while surfing is Ahangama’s claim to fame and the budding food scene is the most happening thing right now, here are more things you can plan here.  What Are The Things To Do In Ahangama? Ahangama is now emerging as a really cool place, as, despite being a beach town in Sri Lanka, it has the right amenities for digital nomads.  While the surf and beaches offer the right dose of relaxation and the diverse communities offer the most eclectic experience, it also boasts many air-conditioned co-working and co-living spaces.  In fact, despite Galle getting more attention, if you are planning to try things to do in Galle, Ahangama, around 20 km away, will be a better base due to the presence of cool hotels, good food, and cafes.  Nevertheless, it is not just about breaking the waves.  Here are tons of other things to do in Ahangama. 1. Hitting The Surf The reef breaks of Ahangama are the best for intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves on the south coast are world-class.  Kabalana Beach itself is a great place to start your surfing expedition in Ahangama. Furthermore, you will easily get board rentals for around 800 LKR, and the sessions usually cost around 4000 LKR.  You can also surf near the Kabalana Rock, Sticks Surf Break, Rams Right, and Midigama.  2. Some Adventure At The Lamana Skatepark Lamana Skatepark is one of the best places if you want to experience the party scene in Ahangama.  Local skaters hit the bowl here daily. However, the live bands and the DJ music add some spunk to the air.  3. Swimming With The Turtles Dalawella Beach, a short tuk-tuk ride from Ahangama, is the place where you can swim with giant sea turtles.  Here, meeting the sea turtles was a different experience from how I saw them at the Sea Turtles Conservation Centre near Mount Lavinia Beach.  Also, some of the turtles here were around 50 years old, and they weighed around 200 kgs.  You can rent a snorkeling mask for around 300 LKR. However, stay away from feeding these turtles,  4. Safari At The Udawalawe National Park If nothing else, I will remember Sri Lanka for the endless and most delightful encounters with elephants.  I had mentioned spotting the elephants at the Udawalawe National Park as one of the best things to do in Ella.  However, as Ella is just 58 km away from Ahangama, you can also plan a safari if the latter is your base.  Along with the baby and mother elephants, you will also love spotting peacocks, monkeys, and buffalo here.  Moreover, when you are in Ella, don’t miss the iconic train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge.  5. Climbing Devil’s Rock With jungle walkways and eerie rock formations, the Devil’s Rock feels like a piece of Jurassic Park in Sri Lanka.  You will find this group of scary rocks as you go east from Ahangama and stop just before Midigama.  However, the only catch is that you will have to swim through the water with a medium current and during the low tide to reach Devil’s Rock.  The hike is also quite strenuous. So, it may not be the best thing to do in Ahangama if you are not a pro swimmer or fit hiker.  6. Scuba Diving In Unawatuna You have done diving in Raja Ampat, the Maldives, or Bali. However, scuba diving in Unawatuna is something different.  While you cannot expect the grandeur of these diving sites at Unawatuna, you can definitely find the Lord Nelson Shipwreck, exotic micro critters, coral reefs, and more in the water, at a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius.  You can reach Unawatuna by taking a drive for just 15 minutes from Ahangama.     7. Cruising To Ying Yang Shack The term “hidden gems” has become so cliché these days! However, places like Ying Yang Shack can still keep the magic of the phrase alive.  Here, you literally take a ride in a handmade boat, and our boatman confided that he had made this boat with his brother.  I, along with the other riders to the Ying Yang Shack, had a chilled beer in my hand as our boatman cruised through the water and talked about the lush greenery.  I also spotted a monitor lizard and majestic eagles.  Then came the sunset, and our boatman started singing, and his voice echoed as the bats and birds filled the red sky.  The day ended well as his family made the most delicious and spicy BBQ meal for us. Where Is Ahangama? Ahangama is located in the Galle District of Southern Sri Lanka. It is located between Unawatuna and Midigama.  Furthermore, this surfing and swimming paradise is located at a distance of around 3 hours from Colombo.  How To Reach Ahangama? The Bandaranaike International Airport is the closest to Ahangama. The distance is around 143 km, and that can be covered by a car in around 3 hours.  Furthermore, you can take a train from the Colombo Fort Station and take a train to Ahangama via Galle.  In addition, you can take a tuk-tuk ride from Midigama or Weligama to reach Ahangama. Why Is Ahangama More Than Just A Beach Town In Sri Lanka?  The elite food scene and the amenities for digital nomads make it more than just a beach town in Sri Lanka.  With brunch spots such as Black Honey and dining spaces such as Coco Kitchen, it can now beat Galle for trying local and fusion cuisines in Sri Lanka.  Moreover, it offers a steady 30-80 Mbps internet connection, and the cafes and air-conditioned coworking spaces here have the infrastructure to support the lifestyle of digital nomads.  Ahangama: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Ahangama Beach Town. 1. Is Ahangama Better Than Mirissa?  It is hard to pick a favorite between Ahangama and Mirissa. Ahangama is famous for its surfing breaks and a laid-back vibe. On the other hand, Mirissa has a classic beach vibe, and it is more famous for whale watching.  2. Should I Stay In Ahangama Or Weligama? Ahangama is your go-to place if you want to enjoy a boho-chic vibe during a beach holiday. On the other hand, Weligama is more of a hub for surfers who are beginning their journey.Also, despite a happening nightlife, Ahangama is a quieter retreat at night as compared to Weligama.  3. What Is The Ahangama To Mirissa Distance?  The distance between Ahangama and Mirissa is around 16 km. The travel time to cover the distance is around 32 minutes by road. However, you can also take a train from Ahangama to Mirissa and travel the distance in 19 minutes. 

BY  Sibashree Sep 24, 2021

I have been to Japan many times, and the cultural richness and the sensory delights the country offers make the experience worth it!  However, these days, I see a lot of people asking, “Is Japan expensive to visit?”  Another question in this regard is why Japan is witnessing a major boost in travel booking.  Now, first, let me answer that Japan is not as expensive as people are projecting it. Be it the day trips from Tokyo or exploring the cherry blossom season in Kyoto, if you plan an itinerary and the modes of transport well, you can complete the trip within a decent budget.  Furthermore, thanks to smart tools such as the Japan Rail Pass, you can now make transport more convenient and flexible.  Also, whether Japan is expensive or not will depend on the country you are traveling from and how the currency of your country fares against the Japanese Yen.  On the other hand, Japan is enjoying a massive surge in popularity among Gen Z tourists due to many reasons. However, sushi, manga, and anime are the three major factors driving this rise.  While Japan can be managed on a moderate budget, and I have shared the three main reasons behind the rising popularity of Japan, let’s delve deeper into how much a trip to Japan costs and the other factors causing a rise in Japanese tourism.  Why Is Japan Expensive To Visit? Is It The Growing Craze?  Do you know that American Express Travel data shows a 1300% hike in the number of Americans visiting Japan since 2019?  Furthermore, Netflix has confirmed that Anime viewership has gone 3 times up in 2025.  Now, these pieces of information show how young Americans, especially the Gen Z travelers, are passionate about Japan.  The country is now a cultural superpower with its “Soft Power” that it has used to build the global landscape of entertainment, aesthetics, and ideas.  Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard University, has highlighted the strength of Japan’s soft power.  Overall, Japan is not just a new country to visit for these young travelers. It is an escape to the land of rich culture, great food, and soaking in the spirit of slow tourism.  However, the rising craze among young travelers is not the reason behind Japan being labelled as an expensive destination.  In fact, it is amazing to see tourism in Japan growing despite the high travel expenses being  high.  Key Reasons For Japan Being An Expensive Destination To Visit  Japan is expensive as a destination primarily for three reasons. First of all, the Shinkansen bullet trains, extensively used for transportation, are very expensive.  Also, while I found Osaka food from the street stalls quite affordable, trying Sushi, Ramen, or other Japanese staples in a fine dining restaurant can be very expensive.  Furthermore, Japan almost entirely depends on imported energy.  Despite an improvement of 22.4% in the net energy import during the period of 2020 to 2024, the net energy import of Japan in 2024 was 87.4% of the total energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).  Thus, the fuel cost is always high in Japan, impacting the transportation expenses, the cost of essential commodities, and every other sector in a direct or indirect manner. Is Japan Expensive To Visit? A Breakdown Of Tourist Costs  So, Japan is expensive to visit. However, what can be the overall expense tentatively?  What will be the expenses on food, transportation, and accommodation? Here is a detailed breakdown.  1. Tourist Accommodation Cost In Japan Japan is very sincere about the hospitality it offers. So, even if you are staying at a budget hotel or hostel, you will find good hygiene and the basic amenities.  Furthermore, along with hostels, Japan has unique accommodation provisions such as the capsule hotels.  These are basically sleeping pods, and the cost is similar to staying in hostels.  On the other hand, you will find a minshuku, which is like a Japanese version of homestays. You will get bed and breakfast facilities at these accommodations run by local families.  Nevertheless, have a look at the table below to understand the different types of accommodation for tourists in Japan and their average costs.  Types of Tourist Accommodation in JapanTentative Cost Hostels and Capsule Hotels2000-4500 JPYBudget Hotels5000-10000 JPYBread and Breakfast 5000-8500 JPYStandard Hotels10000 JPY Onward Moreover, if you’re looking to move to Japan after your trip there, check out reliable websites to know the best places for foreigners where you can call home. 2. The Cost Of General Public Transport In Japan  The Japanese Bullet Train or Shinkansen is the most preferred mode of transport in the country.  The Cost Of Traveling In A Bullet Train And The JR Pass However, the travel cost is very high if you are traveling by these bullet trains.  On average, and based on the departing station or the destination, the cost will be around 16000-20000 JPY per ride (the ticket price can go much higher).  For example, if you take a bullet train from Tokyo to Shin Amori, the price for a reserved seat will be 21340 JPY.  On the other hand, for the Green Seat and the GranClass Seats, the ticket prices will be 27410 JPY and 34410 JPY, respectively.  On the other hand, a Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train ticket starts from 16550 JPY.  Now, this is where a Japan Rail Pass becomes handy. As a tourist, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass for 7 days, and the cost starts from 50,000 JPY for an adult. For a child, it is 25000 JPY.  You can even buy passes for 14 days or 21 days. With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides during the validity period.  Moreover, if you want to focus on Tokyo and its nearby areas, the Regional Pass will be a more budget-friendly option.   Also, cabs are pretty expensive in Japan. For a ride of 1 to 2 kilometers, you will have to pay around 500 to 700 JPY.  After that, a fee of 80-100 JPY will be added for traveling every 250 to 300 meters.  3. The Cost Of Hiring A Tour Guide In Japan  The cost of hiring a tour guide in Japan is between 25000 and 60000 JPY per month. However, the cost of the travel guide will depend on the services you opt for.  You can choose a guide for a full day, and the cost can be up to 80000 JPY, and for a half day guide, it will be around 25000-47000 JPY.  Furthermore, if you are traveling in small groups or vans, the cost of hiring a guide will be around 24000 JPY.  So, hiring a personal travel guide is expensive in Japan. However, you can save the cost of hiring a guide by seeking help from the local tourist centers or the national tourist departments.  4. Food And Drink Cost In Japan Food is one of the most important factors for Gen Z travelers visiting Japan. A survey said that around 50% of the visitors planned a trip just because they wanted to visit a restaurant or try some specific food.  Also, food and drinks are available in various cost ranges. So if you are planning to take the authentic taste of sushi, you will get plenty of options available there.  From the expensive designer boutiques to Kaiten-zushi style shops everywhere, the multiple authentic sushi dishes are valuable.  You can select the place according to your requirements.  In the boutique’s style restaurant, you have to spend nearly 51000 JPY for sushi, but if you prefer the sushi in a low-cost range, you have to spend only 1593 JPY for sushi.  If you want to explore Japan on a budget. You can quickly shift your choices to Japanese cuisine and cut your travel budget by cutting the foreign food items. How To Plan Budget-Friendly Travel In Japan? Do you want to travel in Japan on a budget? Here are the tips you can follow.  1. Make A Tour Plan In The Off Season  Off-season tour plans are always budget-friendly. The Autumn season is an off-season to travel in Japan, and this time the tourist rush is not very high. 2. Take The Railroad  Take the railroad to explore the city and buy the railway card to see the tourist places in the country. 3. Focus On Local Cuisine  Focus on the local, authentic, fresh Japanese dishes. If you’re looking for cheap food in Japan, you can buy it in small restaurants, street food stalls, and even vending machine cafes.  However, if you stay in the country for an extended period, you can save money on your travel by preparing and cooking most of your meals from scratch. 4. Find An Accomodation Far From The Main Crowded Cities  Try to find accommodation that is a little bit far from the main crowded cities. Make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time to save a lot of money. Hostels and the local guest houses are also charming, clean places to stay. However, when planning a Japan tour, it is better to keep away from the expensive luxury boutique-type accommodations. 5. Look For Free Attractions  Look for free attractions and events to save money.  Whether you want to spend a fun day in a national park or visit a museum, there are incredible activities that allow you to enjoy Japan without paying anything.

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

A trip to Nara was long overdue, and as the first permanent capital of the country, it is a must-visit.  Furthermore, this Japanese capital, before 794 AD (then Kyoto became the capital), has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among these 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will find one of the largest Buddha statues in the country here, and the statue is made of bronze.  Of course, the deer roaming in the city are beautiful, and you feel like getting transported to a bygone era.  It reminded me of one of the most famous literary works in our country, Shakuntalam Abhigyan, an immortal love story between King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, written by Kalidasa in Sanskrit.  Also, this is a place that will ask you to come back, and most people plan a day trip to experience its historical charm and natural beauty.  But, smitten by its beauty, I chose a 2-day trip, and here is the list of things to do in Nara. Also, I will discuss how I can get to Nara.  How To Reach Nara?  Nara is easily accessible from Kyoto, which is also famous for its history and cherry blossom season.  You can also visit Nara from the Osaka prefecture. So, overall, a visit to Nara can fit well into your itinerary of visiting the Kansai region of Japan.   Also, the robust railway system of Japan makes it easy and budget-friendly to visit Nara. A Japan Railway Regional Pass will be the best for traveling across Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, and the entire Kansai Region.  Also, when in Osaka, don’t forget to explore the street food stalls and have the best Osaka food, including Mochis and seafood delicacies.  Here is how you can travel from Kyoto to Nara. 1. Traveling From Kyoto To Nara Through The JR Nara Line You will get an express train or a local train from Kyoto to Nara every hour.  Furthermore, if you opt for the Miyakoji Rapid Service on this line, you will reach Nara within 45 minutes, and the ticket price will be 720 JPY.  Also, the local train services, with the same ticket price, will take about 70 minutes.  Once you reach the JR Nara station, you will get buses to the Nara Park and other top attractions in Nara.  2. Take The Kintetsu Railway To Reach Nara From Kyoto This is the most convenient way to reach Nara from Kintetsu Railway Station.  The train journey is the fastest, and the journey takes about 35 minutes by the express trains, and the ticket price is 1280 JPY.  Also, the regular trains take about 45 minutes to complete the journey. The ticket price is 760 JPY.  What Are The Things To Do In Nara?  From a visit to the Nara Park to exploring Heijo Palace and the temples, there are many things to do in Nara.  Here are the things I did during my 2-day stay.  1. Day 1 In Nara: Exploring The Nara Park  With deer passing by, Nara Park, the home to the main attractions in Nara, is a place you cannot simply miss.  The park is free to enter, and it remains open for 24 hours.  However, many attractions in the park close after 5 PM. So, you have to be early when visiting it.  Also, here are the attractions you will come across in the Nara Park, along with the deer passing by.  • Kasuga Taisha One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara, Kasuga Taisha, takes us back to the Nara Period from 710 to 794 AD.  It is the most revered shrine among the Fujiwara clan as the tutelary shrine.  Furthermore, the main attraction of the shrine is the “Hall of Lanterns.” There, I saw many bronze lanterns illuminating the darkness.  During the special festivals, Setsubun Mantoro in February and Chugen Mantoro in August, all these lanterns are lit.  Moreover, you will find a cider tree in the inner shrine, and it is 1000 years old.  • Mt. Wakakusa I took the back road from Kasuga Taisha on the way to the Todai-Ji temple.  I came across many small shrines there. However, the highlight was Mt. Wakakusa.  This hill between the two shrines has a height of 350 meters. Also, on the 4th Saturday of January, it becomes the venue for the Wakakusa Yamayaki celebration.  People burn dead grass on the slopes, and this is a ritual that has been celebrated since the 18th century.  • Todai-Ji Todai-Ji is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” It was built in 752 AD, and it was the head of all the temples in the province. It even had a strong influence on the royal family.  In fact, with Todai-Ji being the seat of control even in the royal decisions, the emperor decided to move the capital to Nagaoka in 784 AD.  However, the main attraction of the Todai-Ji Temple is the massive Buddha statue, or Daibutsu.   A depiction of Dainichi Nyorai,  it represents the primordial Buddha in the orthodox East Asian Buddhist philosophy.  You will also find two similarly sized Bodhisattva statues here.  However, the temple and statues you see today were burned down, and they were rebuilt during the Edo period (1603–1868).  2. Things To Do In Nara: Day 2 I visited the Heijo Palace and many other temples of Nara on day 2.  • Visiting The Heijo Palace  When Nara was the capital, the Heijo Palace was the seat of power for the chrysanthemum throne.  It had a dimension of 1 kilometer, considering the other palaces and architecture of that time.  However, the remains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara are now at the Toshodai-ji Temple, nearby.  However, since the 1950s, archaeologists have been studying the remains of the Heijo Palace, and this has evoked further public interest.  That is why you can now see many placards there and read about the history and legacy of the site.  Moreover, the audience hall and two other parts of the palace were rebuilt. The restoration of the largest part, the audience hall, happened in 2010.  It was an ode to the 1300th anniversary of Nara as the capital of Japan.  • Toshodai-Ji As I have mentioned, the Toshodai-ji Temple has the remains of the Heijo Palace.  This temple dates back at least a millennium. Ganji, a Chinese monk, built this temple in 759 AD.  Monk Ganji brought Buddhism to Japan, and the Toshodai-Ji today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  • Yakushi-Ji It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and people here worship Lord Buddha as Yakushi Nyorai or the Medicine Buddha.  The dual main halls here have unique architecture, and each has a dedicated 3-story pagoda.  • Horyu-ji  Horyu-Ji is older than most temples in the Nara region, and Prince Shotoku founded it in 607.  Furthermore, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out with its wooden edifices, which are some of the oldest in Japan. This time, I missed many attractions such as Asuka, Omiwa Shrine, and Mount Yoshino. Some day for sure!  And till then, Sayōnara, guys!