Autumn in Kyoto: A Complete One-Day Walking Itinerary in Higashiyama District
The historic Higashiyama District is one of the best places to experience the beauty of autumn in Kyoto. In this one-day walking itinerary, I’ll guide you through popular and hidden autumn spots, perfect for momijigari (leaf hunting) in Kyoto. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this itinerary will help you navigate the crowds and make the most of your autumn day in one of Kyoto’s most charming areas.
Day Trip to Uji from Kyoto: Perfect Itinerary for Temple and Matcha Lovers
Just a short 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, Uji offers a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in Japan’s cultural heritage and indulge in its most iconic tea—matcha! Famous for its ancient temples, serene river views, and rich tea culture, Uji is an underrated day out for Japanese history and culture enthusiasts, and should definitely be on the travel bucket list of matcha lovers.
Autumn Day Trip to Mizumoto Park: Tokyo's Hidden Nature Gem
Located in Katsushika Ward, this spacious park, which is actually Tokyo’s largest park, offers stunning nature, peaceful waterways, and fewer crowds. Renowned for its birdlife, Mizumoto Park is particularly beautiful in autumn, when its « metasequoia forest » changes color. If you're craving wide open spaces and quiet waterfront views, Mizumoto Park is your perfect autumn getaway!
One Day in Mitake: A Perfect Autumn Escape from Tokyo
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Japan, and Mitake is the perfect destination for a nature getaway from Tokyo, especially when the vibrant fall foliage transforms this countryside and mountain scenery. In this article, I’m excited to share the itinerary I followed to explore this stunning area, including hidden gems and personal tips for making the most of your time in Mitake.
Discover Matsushima: Complete Travel Guide to Japan’s Scenic Bay
Located in the Tohoku region, Matsushima is renowned for its stunning bay, dotted with over 260 small islands covered by pine trees. This scenic wonder is a must-visit destination in Miyagi Prefecture for nature lovers and travelers looking for a relaxing getaway. In this article, I’ll share my favorite spots in Matsushima, travel tips and recommendations for accommodation and restaurants.
Hidden Gems of Miyagi Prefecture: What to See and Do
I'd like to share with you 5 little-known places to visit on a trip to Japan's Miyagi prefecture, in the Tohoku region. Miyagi Prefecture is still relatively unknown to foreign travelers, but it is full of amazing places to visit. In this article, I'll focus on the off-the-beaten-track places that I particularly enjoyed when I visited Miyagi Prefecture and that I would recommend to travelers looking for things to do when spending a few days in this prefecture.
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.
Discover Two Stunning Hydrangea Spots Near Mt. Fuji by Lake Kawaguchiko
In this short article, I'm going to share with you two spectacular places to admire hydrangeas in Yamaguchi Prefecture, near Lake Kawaguchi. If you're planning to explore Fujikawaguchiko to see Mount Fuji in summer and you're also a flower lover looking for places to admire hydrangeas during your stay, read on!
Explore Sarushima: A Unique Day Trip Destination in Tokyo Bay
Located not far from the port of Yokosuka, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Sarushima is the only uninhabited island of Tokyo Bay. With its fort ruins, luxuriant forest, clear sea and barbecue and leisure facilities, it is great destination for a half-day or a full day trip from Tokyo. In this article, you can learn more about this hidden gem near Tokyo and get useful information to prepare for your own visit of Sarushima.
Discover Kamakura’s Hydrangeas: Perfect One-Day Itinerary
Kamakura is a fantastic and popular excursion from Tokyo all year round, but particularly in June, when the rainy season transforms this ancient city into a hydrangea fairytale. In this article, you can read about the walking itinerary I followed on a day trip from Tokyo to admire the hydrangeas in Kamakura, but also to see many of the main sights of Kamakura while introducing some lesser-known spots that I particularly enjoyed.
Kawazu Seven Falls: A Nature Lover's Hidden Gem on the Izu Peninsula
After Ito, let me introduce you to Kawazu, another hidden gem on the Izu Peninsula, in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. As a nature lover who spent a week discovering the hidden beauty of the Izu Peninsula, I was intrigued to see the Kawazu Seven Falls, located in the mountains above the coastal town of Kawazu. You can read about my experience in this article, as well as some recommendations if you are interested in visiting this wonderful natural site.
Five Flower-Viewing Day Trips from Tokyo You’ll Love in Spring
In this article, I want to share my top 5 flower-viewing day trips to do from Tokyo in spring. I am a big flower lover, and I am always enjoying sharing flower-related events, walks and day trips in Japan. I thought I’d share my top picks for flower-viewing spots, from February to May, that can all easily be enjoyed as day trips from central Tokyo.
A Day Trip to Ashikaga Flower Park from Tokyo: Things to Do and How to Get There
Ashikaga Flower Park, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is an enchanting day trip from Tokyo that I recommend to flower lovers like me, especially in spring when you can admire the splendour of its breathtaking wisteria. If you are looking for a place to to surround yourself with colourful flowers for a day, then you should consider this destination.
Nemophila Paradise at Hitachi Seaside Park: A Must-See Spring Outing from Tokyo
Hitachi Seaside Park, a large park located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is home to one of nature's most enchanting floral spectacles. In spring, you can walk through an ocean of blue flowers: a field of over 5 million nemophila. As a flower lover, I highly recommend this spellbinding seasonal event if you are in Japan during this time of the year.
Discover Kanazawa: 2-Day Itinerary and Travel Tips
Kanazawa is a beautiful, historic coastal city in Japan that’s packed with things to see and do! Known as “little Kyoto” for its cultural and traditional charm, Kanazawa is home to one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, well-preserved traditional geisha and samurai districts, a castle, a fascinating ninja temple, and more! In this article, I will be sharing with you the 2-day itinerary that I used to explore Kanazawa and some tips to make the best of your time in this fantastic city.
Mitaki-dera, a Hidden Gem in Hiroshima for Temple Lovers
Having been to Hiroshima three times, I was keen to discover some lesser-known places around Hiroshima and decided to visit Mitaki-dera. Particularly beautiful in autumn and spring, this atmospheric temple nestling on the forested slopes of Mount Mitaki is an ideal nature getaway from Hiroshima. I spent a couple of hours exploring Mitaki-dera and was deeply touched by the serenity and beauty of this place.
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 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.
A Hiking Guide to the Magome-Tsumago Nakasendo Trail
A new article in which I share my experience of walking one of Japan's most popular hiking trails: the path between the two historic post towns of Magome and Tsumago on the Nakasendo in the Kiso Valley. What I particularly enjoyed about this hike in the Japanese countryside was the variety of landscapes, from rice paddies and bamboo groves to cedar forests and small rural villages.
The Best Cherry Blossom and Tulip Park Near Tokyo: Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park, located in the town of Tachikawa, is by far my favourite park near Tokyo. Accessible in 45 minutes by train from central Tokyo, the park is very popular for the autumn foliage, but is also an absolute must for admiring the cherry blossoms in spring. Not only are there many cherry trees in the park, but they also bloom at the same time as rapeseed and tulips, from late March to early April, transforming the area into a breathtaking floral paradise.
Hi, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.