JAPAN

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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 Tokyoā€™s Hidden Gem for Fall Foliage
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Autumn Walk Around Jindai-ji: Discover Tokyoā€™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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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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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 Tokyoā€™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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Autumn in Tokyo: 17 Top Fall Foliage Spots and Best Day Trips
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Autumn in Tokyo: 17 Top Fall Foliage Spots and Best Day Trips

Autumn in Tokyo is a magical time, and Iā€™m very excited to share this fall foliage guide with you. During this season, the cityā€™s parks and gardens burst into vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange. After living in Tokyo for over four years, Iā€™ve explored not only the famous spots but also some hidden gems that offer equally stunning autumn foliage views without the crowds. In this guide, Iā€™ll 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.

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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, Iā€™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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Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival: the Perfect September Day Trip Near Tokyo
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Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival: the Perfect September Day Trip Near Tokyo

In this article, Iā€™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 youā€™d like to know more about this fantastic event!

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15 Amazing Summer Festivals to Experience in Tokyo This Year
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15 Amazing Summer Festivals to Experience in Tokyo This Year

What I love most about summer in Tokyo are its summer festivals, also known as matsuri. With their street stalls, lanterns and colorful decorations, matsuri are the perfect way to enjoy delicious Japanese street food, as well as its fascinating traditional culture and entertainment! I find that every matsuri I attend has its own unique atmosphere and energy that leaves a lasting impression. Here's a list of 15 of Tokyo's best summer festivals, with practical information and tips that should be useful if you're planning to attend in summer 2024.

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21 Best Things to Do in Tokyo This Summer
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21 Best Things to Do in Tokyo This Summer

Despite the heat and humidity, summer is an amazing time to be in Tokyo. There are plenty of seasonal activities, events and food to try, and many ways to beat the heat! Here is a list of 21 best things to do in Tokyo in summer, with plenty of suggestions for a fun and active time in Tokyo during this season.

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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 Kamakuraā€™s Hydrangeas: Perfect One-Day Itinerary
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Discover Kamakuraā€™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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Where to Admire Hydrangeas in Tokyo: Three Spots Not to Miss
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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 (ē“«é™½) 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.

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Five Flower-Viewing Day Trips from Tokyo Youā€™ll Love in Spring
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Five Flower-Viewing Day Trips from Tokyo Youā€™ll Love in Spring

In this article, I want to share my top 5 flower-viewing day trips to do from Tokyo in spring. I am a big flower lover, and I am always enjoying sharing flower-related events, walks and day trips in Japan. I thought Iā€™d share my top picks for flower-viewing spots, from February to May, that can all easily be enjoyed as day trips from central Tokyo.

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A Day Trip to Ashikaga Flower Park from Tokyo: Things to Do and How to Get There
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A Day Trip to Ashikaga Flower Park from Tokyo: Things to Do and How to Get There

Ashikaga Flower Park, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is an enchanting day trip from Tokyo that I recommend to flower lovers like me, especially in spring when you can admire the splendour of its breathtaking wisteria. If you are looking for a place to to surround yourself with colourful flowers for a day, then you should consider this destination.

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The Best Cherry Blossom and Tulip Park Near Tokyo: Showa Kinen Park
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The Best Cherry Blossom and Tulip Park Near Tokyo: Showa Kinen Park

Showa Kinen Park, located in the town of Tachikawa, is by far my favourite park near Tokyo. Accessible in 45 minutes by train from central Tokyo, the park is very popular for the autumn foliage, but is also an absolute must for admiring the cherry blossoms in spring. Not only are there many cherry trees in the park, but they also bloom at the same time as rapeseed and tulips, from late March to early April, transforming the area into a breathtaking floral paradise.

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Hi, Iā€™m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.