Matsumoto Guide: Top Things to Do and Travel Tips in Nagano's Castle City
Matsumoto is one of my favorite destinations in Nagano Prefecture: it’s a compact, walkable city surrounded by mountains, full of museums, culture, and of course one of Japan’s most iconic castles. This guide is based on my own trip to Matsumoto and includes personal tips, practical advice, and ideas for day trips if you want to explore more of Nagano.
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.
Best Things to Do in Karuizawa: My Travel Tips for Tokyo’s Elegant Mountain Getaway
Nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa is one of my favorite nature getaways from Tokyo. This town combines forest walks, elegant cafés, a unique charm and a refreshing climate just over an hour away by train. I spent two days exploring Karuizawa and am happy to share with you this detailed Karuizawa guide based on my experience. I hope it can help you plan your visit to Karuizawa and make the most of it.
10 Hidden Gems in Tokyo: Unique Places to Discover Beyond the Tourist Spots
Beyond famous spots such as Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree, there are so many hidden gems and lesser-known places that I was lucky enough to discover during the four years I lived in this wonderful city. In this list of Tokyo's hidden gems, I have included practical tips such as the nearest train stations, admission prices, and other interesting places nearby, as well as links to more detailed guides when I have written them.
Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas and Recommended Hotels by Budget
Tokyo is one of the world’s most exciting cities, but choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. With so many neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and attractions, picking the area and hotel where you’ll stay can be difficult. Whether you want to be in the middle of the action, prefer a quieter base, or need convenient access to transport, I hope this guide can help you decide.
Showa Kinen Park, a Must-go Day Trip in Autumn from Tokyo
One of my new favorite parks is Showa Kinen Park, a huge park in Tachikawa city, about 45 minutes by train from central Tokyo. It is a beautiful place to enjoy Japan’s autumnal season.
Todoroki Valley: a Hidden Getaway in the Suburbs of Tokyo
Todoroki Valley is a nice and quiet area in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. It is a lush valley nestled in the middle of the city and a very charming walk, with its small path, the ambient sound of the river and the few attractions along the way.
Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival: the Perfect September Day Trip Near Tokyo
In this article, I’d like to share with you another of my favorite flower festival near Tokyo: the Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival. Every September, the Kinchakuda Manjushage Park, located in the serene countryside of Hidaka, Saitama Prefecture, is transformed into a scarlet sea of flowers, with the blooming of over 5 millions of red spider lilies. Read on if you’d like to know more about this fantastic event!
A Memorable Day Trip to Koyasan from Osaka
A detailed itinerary for a one day trip to Koyasan from Osaka to enjoy the most of this enchanting area tucked away in the mountains, with many temples and a beautiful and ancient cemetery.
Okunoshima Rabbit Island, Japan: Everything You Need to Know
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Okunoshima is one of Japan’s most unique destinations. This small island, also known as ‘Rabbit Island’, is home to over 1000 friendly rabbits freely roaming around. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit, from how to get there and the best things to do, to travel tips and more.
Explore Beyond Osaka: Top Day Trip Ideas for Your Japan Itinerary
Looking for recommendations on where to explore around Osaka? Whether you like castles, hiking trails, coastal views, or charming local towns, there are plenty of day trips to choose from when you're in Osaka. In this list, I've put together a mix of popular spots and lesser-known gems to suit all types of travelers. Some I've already explored, others are still on my bucket list, but all are easy to get to and perfect for adding variety to your Japan itinerary.
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri: A Guide to Japan's Most Adrenaline-Fueled Festival
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is a Japanese festival taking place every year in mid-September in the city of Kishiwada, in Osaka Prefecture. I was lucky enough to be in Osaka in 2023 during the weekend it took place. Read on if you'd like to find out more about this festival, get an insight from my experience, and discover my tips and some practical information if you're planning to attend this year!
Mikimoto Pearl Island, Toba: Discover Japan’s Iconic Pearl Destination
Looking for a unique cultural experience in Japan’s Kansai region? Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, Mie Prefecture, is a must-visit for anyone curious about Japanese craftsmanship, ocean heritage, and the origins of cultured pearls. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get there, what to see and do, and additional travel tips to turn your trip into a memorable day exploring the coastal city of Toba.
Explore Shimoda, Japan: Top Things to Do, Where to Stay and Tips
Looking for a coastal getaway that’s easy to reach from Tokyo? Shimoda is a historic seaside town on the southeastern tip of the Izu Peninsula, known for its white-sand beaches, hot springs, and seasonal flowers. I visited Shimoda for three days during a one-week trip around the Izu Peninsula. In this travel guide, I’ll share how to get to Shimoda, the best things to see and do, where to stay and eat, plus practical tips to make the most of your trip.
My Osaka Bucket List: Best Things to Do, Hidden Gems and Travel Tips
Osaka is a city with a vibrant energy and lots to see and do. I've been to Osaka several times, for stays of up to a week, which has given me the opportunity to explore good parts of this bustling city, while keeping a bucket list with many other places I'd like to explore one day. In this article, I summarize the must-see attractions and lesser-known places I've visited or would like to discover, as well as experience ideas, in the hope that it will be useful to you if you're planning a trip to Osaka.
One Day in Osaka: My Favorite Itinerary for a First-Time Visit
Here is my favorite itinerary to discover the essence of Osaka in a day. I’ve taken family members on this exact route twice and it was a hit both times. If you're looking for a smooth, enjoyable day that hits some of Osaka's top highlights, especially if it’s your first time, here's a route I’ve personally followed and highly recommend.
Visit Oarai in Ibaraki: A Guide to a Coastal Gem Near Tokyo
Oarai is a lovely seaside town in Ibaraki prefecture. It’s an underrated destination that is perfect to avoid the crowds, especially during busy travel seasons like Golden Week, while enjoying beautiful ocean sceneries. If you enjoy the sound of waves, fresh sea air, and delicious seafood, Oarai is definitely a place to add to your Japan travel bucket list!
Yugawara Onsen Guide: Nature, Temples and Coastal Charm Near Tokyo
Looking for a peaceful getaway from Tokyo that’s completely off-the-beaten path? Let me introduce you to Yugawara, an overlooked but charming onsen town tucked along Sagami Bay. Just under two hours from the city, Yugawara has long been known as a hot spring destination, yet it remains under the radar compared to nearby Atami. I spent a weekend in Yugawara and loved how relaxed and nostalgic it felt.
Where to Admire Hydrangeas in Tokyo: Three Spots Not to Miss
For me, June in Tokyo is a source of excitement because it's synonymous with hydrangeas! Called ajisai (紫陽) in Japanese, these charming flowers colour Tokyo's temples, parks and gardens in large bushes. In this article, I will share with you three amazing places to admire hydrangeas in Tokyo, which are quite different from one another, but all very charming in their own way.
Magose-toge Pass Hiking Guide: A Quiet Kumano Kodo Experience in Mie
Located in the mountains of Mie Prefecture, near Owase, the Magose-toge Pass trail is a historic stone-paved path that leads you through ancient cypress forests and offers panoramic viewpoints along the way. I hiked it during my one-week road trip through Mie and Wakayama Prefectures and was struck by how peaceful it was. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of the trail.
Hi, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.