Hi, it’s Sarah! 👋🏼

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In April, I finally underwent a blogging project that had been on my mind for a long time: writing a series of articles about Suwa. This lesser-known destination in Nagano prefecture is ideal for anime or shrines lovers and for slow travelers.

I really fell in love with this place, and writing about it took me back to the two visits and ten days that I spent in this region. I hope you enjoy reading these articles as much as I had fun writing them.

Bonne lecture!

⛩️ JAPAN - New Blog Posts

🏮 JAPAN - Featured Blog Post

Tsurugi is a fantastic day trip from Kanazawa if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Ishikawa prefecture. This area has a lot to offer: beautiful shrines, sake breweries, an insect museum, and mountain gondolas where you can admire stunning views of the Sea of Japan on sunny days...

In April, I received a lovely comment from a traveller who took a day trip to Tsurugi after reading my article and said it was one of the highlights of her trip! Her comment made me so happy and gave me extra motivation to continue sharing more of Japan's hidden gems. 😊

✨ TRAVEL TIP OF THE MONTH

As the summer season approaches in Japan, some of you may be planning to climb Mount Fuji. If so, here's some important information you need to know to prepare for your climb!

The climbing season usually runs from early July to September 10. Climbing Mt Fuji requires good preparation and equipment, so be sure to check out the official Mt Fuji Climbing Website which contains all the information you need.

Since last year, the Japanese authorities have introduced new rules to tackle the problems of over-tourism and to protect the environment. Starting this year, all climbers will have to pay a compulsory ¥4,000 fee (regardless of the climbing trail they choose). In addition, to limit overcrowding, there is a daily limit of 4,000 climbers on the most popular Yoshida trail. Climbers are now required to make prior reservations or register their details via an online system.

➡️ Read the Regulations 2025 for the Yoshida Trail, in Yamanashi Prefecture

➡️ Read the Regulations 2025 for the Fujinomiya, Gotemba and Subashiri Trails, in Shizuoka Prefecture

📷 PIC OF THE MONTH

As I've been spending more time exploring downtown Reykjavik in April, I've chosen Tjörnin Pond as this month's photo. I love spending time around it watching the children feed the birds and admiring the view of Reykjavik's iconic church, Hallgrimskirkja, in the background.

🔔 NEWS & UPDATES

🍀 Life & Travel

I’ve been enjoying life in Iceland and have become a local explorer in Reykjavik (I'm already thinking about future blog posts). The days are getting longer and even though it's still between 5 and 10°C, summer has already begun (the first day of summer according to the old Icelandic calendar, called Sumardagurinn fyrsti, was celebrated on 24 April)!

💻 Website

Writing my Suwa series was the priority for April. I’ve also started updating a number of articles for the upcoming hydrangea and summer seasons in Japan.

🎯 May Goals

I'll be writing about lesser-known destinations in Shikoku and the prefectures of Mie and Wakayama, and I want to continue sharing my favourite hikes in Japan. I'm also experimenting with the website and planning updates.

Any thoughts? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment on the blog posts or hit “reply” to this email. And if you like my posts, any shares are hugely appreciated. 😊

Thanks and Happy May!

Sarah