Here is a Condé Nast article on the 23 best sushi restaurants in Tokyo. They talk about everything from Michelin star restaurants to work-a-day conveyor belt bars.
Japan has the best grapes I’ve ever had, particularly the Sunshine variety which sweet, juicy and taste of lychee. Expensive but worth it.
Oku Travel has self-guided and guided tours of Japan.
G Adventures National Geographic have an 18-day Cambodia, Laos, Thailand & Vietnam tour that includes 5 flights between cities.
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| G Adventures – Discover Southeast Asia |
2026 Trip Schedule spreadsheet
Design a tour that includes east Asia countries, initially concentrating on Malaysia and surrounding countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Look particularly at Malaysia and Thailand as long term stays. Perhaps include an organized tour in the middle of the trip. One such is the G Adventures 18-day tour of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand & Vietnam (see Tours page).
VISAS
Use the Travel Canada website to check on entry requirements and travel advisories.
Thailand: All travelers entering Thailand through air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand E-Arrival form. You must register at least 3 days prior to arrival.
Brunei: You must complete both an e-arrival card and a health declaration form. The e-arrival card is done through the INRS portal prior to entry into the country which involves setting up an account. Effective September 7, 2024, it is mandatory for all travellers arriving into Brunei register their medical information. Use the 'Bruheath' application to complete the Health Declaration Form upon arrival. The "Bruhealth" app - available for Android and iOS. It can also be completed online.
South Korea: After December 31, 2025 Canadians will need to complete the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).
Malaysia: You must complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This is an online pre-arrival form that must be completed at least 3 days prior to arrival but no earlier.
Singapore: No entry requirements.
Indonesia: A visa is required which can be obtain in advance or on arrival at select points of entry.
Taiwan: No visa required. Visitors need to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) and should be done prior to entering the country, but I did mine after arriving at the airport. If done then, it must be completed before clearing passport control - takes about 10 minutes.
Australia: No visa but electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required - use app. Apply 3 days prior and no sooner.
New Zealand: No visa but electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required - us app. Apply 3 days prior and no sooner. Also, a customs declaration can be done within 24 hours before arrival electronically or done on arrival. This relates particularly to the importation of prohibited items.
Fiji: No visa or electronic entry ticket required.
Kiribati: No visa or electronic entry ticket required.
Philippines: All travelers must register their entry and exit from the country in the Philippine's eTravel System at least 72 hours prior to arrival. You can also download and install the app called eGovPH to register.
Vietnam: Visa required. If you have a valid Canadian passport, you may be eligible to apply online for an e-visa. This can be a single-entry or multiple-entry electronic tourist visa, valid for a maximum of 90 days. Apply for an e-visa online.
Cambodia: Visa required. You can request a single-entry tourist visa online through Cambodia's e-Visa service. Apply for an e-visa from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Laos: Visa required. Electronic tourist visas can be obtained in advance by travellers planning to enter Laos through the Wattay International Airport or the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I.
Tourist visas can also be obtained upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and some “international” (that is, open to all foreign nationals) border crossings. Contact the nearest Laotian embassy or consulate to confirm where you can get a tourist visa. A passport photo and US$42 are required to obtain a visa upon entry. Electronic tourist visa – Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Looking to tour Thailand to sites like Bangkok and Chiang Mai and to do much of the travel by rail. Information and ticket purchases are ava...
