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.
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.
How to Spend a Day in Himeji: A Perfect Stop Between Hiroshima and Osaka
If youāre 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 Japanās most spectacular original castle, itās a city I like to stop in when Iām 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 Japanās 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 Iāve experienced in Japan, and honestly, one of the most magical places Iāve ever visited. In this guide, Iāll 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.
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.
21 Best Things to Do in Tokyo This Winter
Whether youāre 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: itās a compact, walkable city surrounded by mountains, full of museums, culture, and of course one of Japanās 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.
Japan on a Budget: My Top Saving Tips For Your Japan Trip
After years of living and traveling around Japan, Iāve gathered plenty of practical ways to make your trip more affordable without missing out on amazing experiences. Whether youāre planning a trip to Japan on a budget or are just interested in some saving tips, I hope this article can be useful to you.
Sapporo Guide and Five-Day Itinerary During the Snow Festival
As the capital city of Hokkaido and Japanās 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 Tokyoās 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 cafƩs, 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.
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!
Three Little-Known Autumn Walking Itineraries in Tokyo
Tokyo is full of famous autumn spots like Rikugien Garden or Meiji Jingu Gaien, but if youāre 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, Iāll 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 Iām very excited to share this fall foliage guide with you. During this season, the cityās parks and gardens burst into vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange. After living in Tokyo for over four years, Iāve explored not only the famous spots but also some hidden gems that offer equally stunning autumn foliage views without the crowds. In this guide, Iāll 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.
Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas and Recommended Hotels by Budget
Tokyo is one of the worldās 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 youāll 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 Japanās 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, Iād 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 youād 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.
Hi, Iām Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.