Cliff(y) Goes Travelling

NRT-SGN (6h 35m) Boeing 787-9 ETD:  7.10pm  (GMT + 9) ETA: 11.45pm (GMT + 7) A long-awaited first for me, flying with ANA in the Business Class cabin allowed me to receive a final dose of omotenashi (Japanese concept of wholehearted hospitality) as I left the country. The flight from to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam wasn't that long, but it offered the perfect introduction to the airline's refined service philosophy.

Near Gate 53 , Narita International Airport Terminal 1, Narita, Chiba, Japan Daily: 7.00am - 9.30pm I had about two hours to spend in ANA’s larger flagship lounge for Business Class passengers at Narita International Airport. As I stepped inside, I was welcomed by a faint, calming scent of ANA Original Aroma: a comforting blend of 12 natural fragrances, such as Japanese umbrella-pine, Yoshino cedar, rosemary and mint.

NGO-NRT (1h 20m) Boeing 737-800 ETD:  2.15pm  (GMT + 9) ETA: 3.35pm (GMT + 9) It's really been a while since I last flew with ANA domestically. The previous time was way back in 2013 from New Chitose Airport in Sapporo to Osaka Itami Airport. This time, I flew from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Narita International Airport aboard a Boeing 737-800, part of a fleet with an average age of 12.9 years at the point of writing.

1-1 Centrair, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan Chubu Centrair International Airport, also known as Central Japan International Airport, is ocated on an artificial island off the coast of Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture. Opened in 2005, it was constructed to replace the former Nagoya Airport. It's since earned the reputation as one of the most efficient and passenger-friendly airports in the country.

1-1 Centrair, Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan Daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm Flight of Dreams is an aviation-themed complex at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, Japan. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply passing time before your next flight, this immersive space offers a delightful blend of education and entertainment centred around the world's very first Boeing 787 aircraft, ZA001.

[Geku] 279 Toyokawacho, Ise, Mie, Japan Daily: 5.00am - 7.00pm Regarded as the most sacred Shinto shrine in the Land of the Rising Sun, Ise Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu and Toyouke-hime, the goddess of the sun and agriculture respectively. Said to have been established in 4 BC, it comprises two main sections: Geku (lit. Outer Shrine) and Naiku (lit. Inner Shrine).

Ise City, Mie, Japan On one of the days, I headed out of Nagoya for a day trip to Mie Prefecture. My first stop was Ise City, which is home to the revered Ise Grand Shrine. After half a day of exploration and reflection, I made my way to Toba City where the evening promised a different kind of delight: feasting on the local specialty of Japanese spiny lobster.

11-15 Tsubakicho, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan I'd actually wanted to book a room at  Smile Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi  again for the last two nights after returning from Gifu City, but couldn't find any available rooms. As such, I decided on Nagoyaeki Access Hotel (3*). As the name suggests, the latter is also within easy walking distance from Nagoya station.

Gifu City, Gifu, Japan Away from the downtown area of Gifu City, the pace slows down further along the serene banks of Nagara River. Nearby lies the charming old townscape of Kawaramachi, once a bustling riverside merchant district. Just a short walk away, Gifu Park unfolds at the foot of  Mount Kinka , which is the starting point to  Gifu Castle .

Gifu City, Gifu, Japan Gifu City is the capital of the landlocked prefecture in central Honshu that shares its name. Playing a pivotal role during the Sengoku period from the 15th to the 16th century, it was once a stronghold of the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga. Compared to nearby Nagoya, the city embraces a more relaxed urban rhythm.

6-31 Yoshinomachi, Gifu City, Gifu, Japan After enjoying a refreshing morning at Mount Kinka, I made my way to the city centre for a change of pace. My next stop was Dormy Inn Gifu Ekimae (3*), a business hotel chain that offers a host of thoughtful touches from relaxing massage chairs to comforting supper, all included in the room rate.

Hi, everyone! I hope all of you're safe and sound wherever you're. Pikachu and Melon are going to travel again soon, so they'll be taking a short break from blogging for the time being. They're so excited! Do look forward to more entries in the near future!

257 Senjojikishita, Gifu City, Gifu, Japan Inabayama Castle was built on the slopes of Mount Kinka during the Kamakura Period between 1201 to 1204. It was in 1567 that Oda Nobunaga took over the stronghold and renamed it Gifu Castle. It now serves as a museum that offers not only a glimpse into the feudal era, but also breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

257 Senjojikishita, Gifu City, Gifu, Japan Rising to a height of 329 m, Mount Kinka stands proudly along a section of Nagara River in the heart of Gifu City. Formerly known as Mount Inaba, which was the name of the original castle perched on top of it, it's the most famous mountain in the city. Visitors can take a ropeway to the summit, a convenient alternative for those not keen on hiking all the way up.

397-2 Minatomachi, Gifu City, Gifu, Japan After spending two nights in Nagoya, I continued my journey northward into Gifu Prefecture. Instead of heading straight into the heart of Gifu City, I chose to spend a night along the tranquil banks of Nagara River. As is my ritual whenever I visit the country, I stayed at an accommodation offering a traditional inn experience. Hotel Park (3*) was my choice.

Nagoya, Aichi, Japan Time flies, doesn't it? It's hard to believe that a quarter of 2025 has already passed. My backlog is piling up, but anyway, let's continue with our exploration of Nagoya. In this second part, do expect more night shots as I wandered through the city's illuminated streets after sundown. Let's start with Sakae, a vibrant downtown district located approximately 2 km east of Nagoya Station.

Nagoya, Aichi, Japan Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, is the fourth largest city in Japan. Both before and after World War II, the city has been known as one of the leading industrial and manufacturing hubs in the country. Earning the nickname "Houston and Montreal of the Orient", the city is home to global giants like Toyota.

1-1 Honmaru, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm Standing as a symbol of Japan's rich history and cultural heritage, Nagoya Castle holds the distinction of being the first castle in the country to be designated a National Treasure. Originally built in 1612 under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle played a crucial role during the feudal era.

21-20 Tsubaki-cho, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan Bringing me a smile indeed, Smile Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi (3*) lives up to its name with its prime location not far from the entrance to the bullet train platform of Nagoya station. For the price point, I'm not sure if there are any other hotels around offering free-flowing freshly grilled unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) for breakfast.

NRT-NGO (1h 20m) Boeing 737-800 ETD:  6.30pm  (GMT + 9) ETA: 7.50pm (GMT + 9) I've been to Japan a few times, but actually I rarely fly with Japanese carriers. After enduring the long queue at immigration, I finally got my passport stamped. With that done, it was time to locate the transfer counter for the next flight, which marked my virgin experience of touching down at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya.

SIN-NRT (7h 10m) Boeing 767-300 ETD:  8.10am  (GMT + 8) ETA: 4.20pm (GMT + 9) In the quest to visit all 47 prefectures of Japan, I embarked on yet another journey to this fascinating country to explore a few destinations in Aichi, Gifu and Mie Prefectures. My adventure began with Japan Airlines JL712 that brought me to Narita International Airport before I caught a domestic flight to Nagoya.

IST-SIN (10h 25m) Boeing 787-9 ETD:  5.55pm  (GMT + 3) ETA: 8.30am (GMT + 8) We've finally reached the last post to wrap up this series on my very first round-the-world experience. Starting from Singapore, crossing the vast Pacific Ocean to the Americas to the Americas, and returning via the Atlantic Ocean and beyond, it was an amazing trip. Turkish Airlines TK208 flew me back to Singapore from Istanbul, Turkey.

BOG-PTY (1h 55m) Boeing 777-300ER ETD:  3.55pm (GMT - 5) ETA: 5.50pm (GMT - 5) Turkish Airlines TK800 is a multi-leg route from Istanbul, Turkey to Bogota, Colombia, and then continuing onward to Panama City before heading back to its point of origin. I had the opportunity to experience the latter two legs, marking the longest time I've ever spent inside a Business Class cabin.