Three Plum Blossom Walks Not to Miss Around Tokyo
Each year I lived in Tokyo, I looked forward to plum blossom season as the first true sign of spring. Lesser known than cherry blossoms, plum blossoms in Tokyo are just as delightful: fragrant, colorful, and quietly uplifting. In this article, I share three scenic plum blossom walks in and around Tokyo that are especially worth adding to your itinerary.
One Day in Snowy Takayama: My Walking Itinerary
Takayama is one of those places in Japan that took me completely by surprise and quickly became one of my top recommendations to include in a Japan itinerary, especially in winter. Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, this historic city still feels relatively under the radar, yet it offers a wonderful glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period. I only had one full day to explore Takayama, so in this article I’m sharing my one-day walking itineraryto help you plan your visit, together with some travel tips based on my experience.
Where to See Plum Blossoms in Tokyo: A Beautiful Afternoon Walk in Bunkyo
In this article, I’d like to share another plum blossom-themed walk in Tokyo. Plum blossoms, or ume (梅), mark the early arrival of spring, blooming as some of the first flowers of the year. As a flower lover, I set out on a plum blossom walk in Bunkyo Ward, where you can visit three charming festivals located close to each other.
Amazing Plum Blossoms Near Tokyo: the Soga Plum Festival
The Soga Plum Festival is my favorite Ume matsuri (plum blossom festival) near Tokyo. It is held every year in February to celebrate the blossoming of 35,000 plum trees. Located to the north-east of Odawara, it is easily accessible by train from central Tokyo, and makes a great day-trip idea from the Japanese capital in February.
How to Spend a Day in Himeji: A Perfect Stop Between Hiroshima and Osaka
If you’re traveling between Hiroshima and Osaka (or Kyoto), Himeji makes a perfect stopover, with its main attractions all within walking distance of the station. Home to Japan’s most spectacular original castle, it’s a city I like to stop in when I’m traveling between the Kansai region and Hiroshima. Whether you only have a few hours or a full day to explore, I hope this guide and itinerary suggestion will help you make the most of your time in Himeji!
Visiting Shirakawa-go in Winter: A Practical Guide to Japan’s Snowy Village
Shirakawa-go is a beautifully preserved traditional village tucked away in Gifu Prefecture in central Japan. Seeing Shirakawa-go covered in snow is one of the most beautiful sights I’ve experienced in Japan, and honestly, one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited. In this guide, I’ll share my winter day-trip experience, with my favorite places to see in Shirakawa-go and things to do during the snowy season, as well as practical tips to help you plan your own visit to this unforgettable village.
21 Best Things to Do in Tokyo This Winter
Whether you’re a Tokyo local looking for new inspiration or a traveler visiting Japan for the first time, this guide brings together 25 of the best things to do in Tokyo in winter, from seasonal events and cozy indoor activities to cultural experiences, winter comfort food, and easy winter trips. I hope it helps you plan a fun and memorable winter in this fantastic city!
Japan Grand Prix International Orchid and Flower Show
An event in Tokyo in February for flower lovers is the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid and Flower Show, one of the largest orchid exhibitions in the world. It is an event where hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of orchids are displayed in a huge exhibition hall, the Tokyo Dome.
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.
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.
Hi, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.