Sapporo Guide and Five-Day Itinerary During the Snow Festival
As the capital city of Hokkaido and Japan’s fifth largest city, Sapporo is a city with plenty of things to see and do. Its annual Snow Festival, held every February, attracts tourists from all over Japan and the world. In this article, I will be sharing with you the 5-day itinerary I made for my own trip in February 2023 to enjoy both the festival and explore Sapporo and its surroundings, as well as some tips to help you prepare for your visit of this great city.
Otaru in Winter: an Unforgettable Day Trip from Sapporo
Located north-west of Sapporo in Hokkaido, Otaru is a charming port town that, in my opinion, should be on every Hokkaido/Sapporo itinerary. Known for its glassworks, music boxes and sake breweries, the town is particularly beautiful in winter when covered in snow. My two visits to Otaru gave me a glimpse of this very cute town which I would like to share with you in this short guide.
Gunkanjima, a Captivating Cruise to an Abandoned Island in Japan
Hashima, also known as Gunkanjima, is an abandoned island located around 18km from the port of Nagasaki, one of Kyushu's main cities. Interested in abandoned places and having always been fascinated in the ways nature reclaims its rights once humans have disappeared, I was very curious to visit Gunkanjima during my next stay to Nagasaki. I share my experience of this unusual and off-the-beaten-track attraction in this article.
Nagasaki Travel Guide: Top Things to Do and 3-Day Itinerary
Nestled on the western coast of Japan's Kyushu island, Nagasaki is a city steeped in history and culture, which is reflected in the various things to see and do. Every time I've been to Nagasaki, I've been amazed by the city's captivating mix of old and new and its vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. In this article, I would like to share with you 10 of my favourite things to do in Nagasaki, having travelled to this amazing city twice, and a suggested 3-day itinerary.
Nokogiriyama Hiking Guide: A Unique Day Trip from Tokyo
A day trip from Tokyo that should be of particular interest to hiking enthusiasts is Nokogiriyama in Chiba Prefecture. It concentrates many things to see and do: a ferry crossing of Tokyo Bay, a nature hike, beautiful views, a dose of culture and history, the largest Buddha statue in Japan and a ropeway.
A Night at Kanaguya: A Review of a Traditional Ryokan in Shibu Onsen
Kanaguya is a traditional ryokan that is said to be over 250 years old. It is located on a narrow main street of Shibu Onsen, Nagano. I have been three times to this ryokan and can only recommend it. You can read the reasons why in this article.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe naturally in hot springs. In this article you will find some tips to prepare your visit, such as information about the park, transport, what to wear, suitcase storage, etc.
A Winter Experience in Japan: a Guide to Shibu Onsen and the Snow Monkey Park
A place I would highly recommend visiting in the wintertime in Japan is Shibu Onsen in Yamanouchi, Nagano prefecture. Famous for its hot springs and historic buildings, Shibu Onsen is still steeped in the traditional atmosphere of its 1,300-year history.
11 Underrated Places in Japan I’ve Visited and Warmly Recommend
As overtourism is affecting many of the country’s best-known places, I want to highlight lesser-known corners of Japan to inspire travelers to expand their exploration of this fascinating country beyond the popular “must-visit” spots. In this article, I wanted to bring together some of the places that have stayed with me the most, that I’ve found underrated, each with its own special charm and that has exceeded my expectations. They are also places I would happily recommend to friends and family looking to add something different and off the beaten path to their Japan itinerary.
Best Hikes in Japan: My 15 Favorite Trails
Japan is an incredible destination for hikers. After hiking in different parts of the country for four years, I’ve put together a list of my 15 favorite hikes in Japan with the trails I’ve enjoyed most and would warmly recommend to other fellow hikers looking for inspiration for their next adventure in Japan.
Nikko Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Itinerary, and Must-See Spots
Nikko is an easily accessible destination from Tokyo, ideal for a weekend or three-day getaway. As well as being home to a major temple complex, Nikko offers many natural wonders. Having visited Nikko four times, I have prepared the following guide to share with you detailed information that I hope will help you make the most of your trip to Nikko!
Where to Eat in Tokyo? A Selection of My Favorite Restaurants
When it comes to eating out, Tokyo has SO MUCH to offer. If you are looking for affordable and delicious meals in Tokyo, here is a list of my favorite restaurants. I have visited these restaurants many times and have always been very pleased with the experience and prices.
Three Little-Known Autumn Walking Itineraries in Tokyo
Tokyo is full of famous autumn spots like Rikugien Garden or Meiji Jingu Gaien, but if you’re looking for something quieter and more off-the-beaten-path, there are plenty of lesser-known walks where you can enjoy the season with less crowds. In this article, I’ll introduce three little-known autumn walking itineraries in Tokyo that are perfect for a day out.
Autumn in Tokyo: 17 Top Fall Foliage Spots and Best Day Trips
Autumn in Tokyo is a magical time, and I’m very excited to share this fall foliage guide with you. During this season, the city’s parks and gardens burst into vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange. After living in Tokyo for over four years, I’ve explored not only the famous spots but also some hidden gems that offer equally stunning autumn foliage views without the crowds. In this guide, I’ll introduce both popular and lesser-known places to enjoy fall foliage in Tokyo, not just in the heart of the city but also through day trips to scenic spots nearby.
A Little-Known Day Trip from Tokyo: Sayama Hills and Totoro Forest
One of my favorite things to do during the four years I lived in Tokyo was to take day trips to discover lesser-known areas beyond the city’s bustle. Just an hour by train from Tokyo, the Sayama Hills offer an easy escape into a peaceful landscape of lush forests, expansive lakes, farmland, and quiet towns. Located on the western edge of the Tokyo metropolitan area, the area is also said to have inspired the natural setting of My Neighbor Totoro, making it a fun day trip for both nature lovers and Ghibli fans.
Autumn Walk Around Jindai-ji: Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Gem for Fall Foliage
Located in the quiet suburb of Chofu, the area around Jindai-ji is one of my favorite places to visit in autumn in Tokyo. With its ancient temple, small-town charm and beautiful nature, this underrated but wonderful district in western Tokyo is a must-see destination for nature and temple lovers looking for a quiet stroll, especially in autumn. I spent half a day exploring this area and am happy to share with you this guide to Jindai-ji, as well as the route I took to do some momijigari (or leaf hunting).
Japan Hotel and Ryokan Stays I Loved So Much I'd Stay Again
One of my favorite parts of traveling around Japan is discovering memorable places to stay. After more than four years living in Japan and many trips across the country, I wanted to share this collection of hotels and ryokans across Japan that I've personally stayed at and enjoyed so much that I would happily book them again.
5 Incredible Day Trips from Okayama You Shouldn't Miss
Looking for travel recommendations around Okayama? This city is often overlooked by visitors traveling between the Kansai region and Hiroshima, but its convenient location makes it an excellent base for several memorable day trips. Here are five of my favorite day trips from Okayama, each offering something completely different and all accessible by public transportation.
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage: A Different Way to Discover Shikoku
As a shrine and temple lover, one of the goals on my Japan bucket list is to complete one day the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While I haven't completed the pilgrimage on foot, I have visited more than 15 of these temples during a one-week road trip across Shikoku. Whether you are considering undertaking the full pilgrimage or simply want to incorporate a few temples into your Shikoku itinerary, I thought it would be helpful to share what I've learned about the pilgrimage, the temples I visited, and why it offers such a different way to experience Shikoku.
A Hiking Guide to the Yamanobe no Michi Trail in Nara
If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path hike near Kyoto, Osaka, or Nara, I can't recommend the Yamanobe no Michi Hiking Trail enough. I discovered this trail by chance while searching for lesser-known places to explore in Nara Prefecture, and it turned out to be one of my favorite memories from my last Japan trip. In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know before setting out, including how to get there, what to expect, and my favorite highlights along the way.
Hi, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.