About

1. Welcome to "Where You Slow Down"

Hello! Where You Slow Down is a travel guide dedicated to those seeking tranquility and authentic experiences. In a fast-paced world, I believe in the beauty of discovering quiet corners where time seems to stand still, allowing us to truly breathe and reconnect with ourselves.

 


2. Who is Jackie?

I am a traveler who finds joy away from the crowds, exploring the hidden alleys of Japan, serene hot springs, and the diverse charms of South Korea. My journeys are often guided by a search for tattoo-friendly onsens, local bathhouses, and peaceful landscapes that offer genuine rest for both body and mind.

3. Why I Started This Blog

Finding reliable information for travelers with tattoos or discovering quiet spots away from typical tourist traps is often more difficult than it should be. I started this blog to record the places I have personally visited, felt, and remembered. My goal is to help you plan a journey that doesn’t just fill a schedule, but truly heals the soul.

4. What to Expect

  • Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Guides: Honest and detailed reviews of hot springs where everyone, regardless of tattoos, is warmly welcomed.

  • Serene Destination Reviews: From the northern tip of Japan, such as Wakkanai, to the hidden gems scattered across South Korea.

  • Practical Travel Tips: Real-world information based on my personal experiences and thorough research of official resources.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to slow down and discover the hidden, quiet beauty of the world.

 

Popular posts from this blog

Asuka Hotel Karatsu Review – A Quiet Hotel in a Peaceful Japanese Coastal Town

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Karatsu, located in Saga Prefecture, Japan, is a charming port city that faces the sea. It is a popular destination for travelers exploring Kyushu on a free and relaxed itinerary. From Fukuoka Airport, you can reach Karatsu by subway and JR train, enjoying a slow and scenic journey along the way. The calm ocean views from the train window naturally put your mind at ease before you even arrive. The city is also famous for its fresh squid dishes, making it a great place for food lovers as well.     About a 10-minute walk from Karatsu Station, you’ll find a small white hotel tucked away in a quiet alley. This is Asuka Hotel. While it is not a modern or luxurious building, it has a warm and comfortable atmosphere that feels welcoming and familiar. Its convenient location makes it easy to reach even with luggage, and the peaceful surroundings make it especially suitable for solo travelers.       The staff who handled check-in were very friendly, and simple communica...
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Dogo Onsen: A Tattoo-Friendly Guide to Japan’s 3,000-Year-Old Spring

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The hot spring I’m about to introduce is the one I was most excited about and ultimately most satisfied with during my Matsuyama trip: Dogo Onsen . As Japan’s oldest hot spring with a history stretching back 3,000 years, it’s a place where you can truly feel the footsteps of the past. Are you curious about this legendary bathhouse that has stood the test of time? In 1994, it became the first public bathhouse in Japan to be designated an Important Cultural Property. In a country that deeply values heritage, Dogo Onsen is a must-visit destination that is well worth your time.   The architecture itself is a masterpiece. It is famously known as a primary inspiration for 'Aburaya,' the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece, Spirited Away . Standing before it, I was struck by how much it resembled the scenes from the animation I watched as a child. Looking at the intricate wooden structure and the red glass windows on the top floor, I felt like a protagonist stepping into a fantas...
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Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Shizuoka – Showa-yu

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When traveling in Japan, many people hesitate to visit hot springs because of their tattoos. Most onsen and public baths have restrictions on tattoos, which can make it difficult for some travelers to enjoy this traditional experience. That’s why tattoo-friendly hot springs are such a welcome discovery for travelers like me. Located in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Showa-yu is a place I would especially recommend for anyone in that situation. It’s not a large or luxurious facility, but its simple and modest atmosphere allows you to experience a more authentic and local side of Japan.     The most distinctive feature of this hot spring is its alkaline water with a pH of 8.1. As soon as you step into the bath, you can feel the smooth, silky texture of the water against your skin, a typical characteristic of alkaline hot springs. It almost feels as if you’ve applied lotion, leaving your skin soft and refreshed. Even a short soak is enough to make your body feel lighter and more ...
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