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Jewellumination: A Sparkling Winter Wonderland Near Tokyo
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Jewellumination: A Sparkling Winter Wonderland Near Tokyo

If you're looking for an unforgettable winter experience near Tokyo, Jewellumination at Yomiuriland is a must-visit! Known for its breathtaking light displays designed by world-renowned artist Motoko Ishii, Jewellumination transforms the theme park into a dazzling wonderland of color.

I was amazed by the beauty of the illuminations and highly recommend this visit for a romantic date or family getaway in winter!

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Kusatsu Onsen Guide: Top Things to Do and Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
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Kusatsu Onsen Guide: Top Things to Do and Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Kusatsu Onsen, located in the beautiful mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's top hot spring towns. With the famous Yubatake hot water field, soothing outdoor baths, and the special Yumomi water-cooling show, it offers a unique experience for onsen enthusiasts. After spending two days there, I’d like to share my guide and a two-day itinerary to help you enjoy this wonderful onsen town.

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A Walk in Setagaya: Plum Blossoms and Lucky Cat Temple
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A Walk in Setagaya: Plum Blossoms and Lucky Cat Temple

This walk features two must-visit spots of Setagaya in Tokyo, especially during the plum blossom season from February to March: Hanegi Park, celebrated for its stunning plum blossoms, and Gotokuji Temple, famous as the birthplace of the iconic lucky cat. If you like flowers, fun temples, and lesser-known places, this walk itinerary might be perfect for you!

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Autumn Walk Around Jindai-ji: Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Gem for Fall Foliage
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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).

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Kurama to Kibune Hike: A Guide to Kyoto’s Mystical Mountain Trail
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Kurama to Kibune Hike: A Guide to Kyoto’s Mystical Mountain Trail

If you’re visiting Kyoto and looking for nearby hiking options, the Kurama-Kibune hike should be at the top of your list! This beautiful mountain trail connects two historic shrine and temple, offering the perfect nature escape from the city. In this article, I'll share the itinerary I followed so you can get an overview of this wonderful hike, as well as practical information for planning your getaway from Kyoto.

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Hidden Tokyo: An Autumn Walk from Todoroki Valley to Futako-Tamagawa
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Hidden Tokyo: An Autumn Walk from Todoroki Valley to Futako-Tamagawa

If you're looking for hidden autumn spots in Tokyo and an off-the-beaten-path walk to admire autumn colors without the crowds in a peaceful, lesser-known neighborhood, this Todoroki walking route might just be for you! This itinerary is more suited to Tokyo residents looking for off-the-beaten-track walks, or to travelers keen to visit Todoroki during the fall season and looking for other things to see in the area.

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Yakushima Travel Guide: Top Things to Do and Essential Tips in Japan’s Nature Gem
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Yakushima Travel Guide: Top Things to Do and Essential Tips in Japan’s Nature Gem

Yakushima is one of my favourite destinations in Japan! This wild and mysterious island is a must-visit for nature lovers and is famous for its lush forests that inspired Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. As a Ghibli fan, this was my main motivation for visiting this island, but I discovered that it had much more to offer than I had expected, with its ancient cedar trees, stunning hiking trails and more hidden gems. Whether you’re a Ghibli enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, Yakushima offers unforgettable experiences!

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Autumn in Kyoto: A Complete One-Day Walking Itinerary in Higashiyama District
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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.

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Day Trip to Uji from Kyoto: Perfect Itinerary for Temple and Matcha Lovers
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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.

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Autumn Day Trip to Mizumoto Park: Tokyo's Hidden Nature Gem
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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 Ā« metasequoia forest Ā» changes color. If you're craving wide open spaces and quiet waterfront views, Mizumoto Park is your perfect autumn getaway!

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One Day in Mitake: A Perfect Autumn Escape from Tokyo
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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.

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Discover Matsushima: Complete Travel Guide to Japan’s Scenic Bay
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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.

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Hidden Gems of Miyagi Prefecture: What to See and Do
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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.

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Explore Sarushima: A Unique Day Trip Destination in Tokyo Bay
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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.

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Discover Kamakura’s Hydrangeas: Perfect One-Day Itinerary
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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.

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Hi, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.