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.
Yamadera Hike Guide: Visit Tohoku’s Sacred Mountain Temple
I’d love to introduce another favorite hike of mine in Japan: the climb to Yamadera, a mountainside temple in Yamagata Prefecture. This trail winds through a forested and steep slope and leads to a historic temple complex perched on the cliffs, offering panoramic views and a deeply serene, spiritual atmosphere. In this guide, I’ll take you through the hike and share tips from my experience, hoping they will help you plan your visit.
Discover Kotohira in Shikoku: Kompira-san, Local Charm and Hot Springs
Kotohira is a town I highly recommend including on your Shikoku itinerary. If you’re a slow traveler, shrine lover, or looking to explore a lesser-known gem, Kotohira is absolutely worth the visit if you’re in Kagawa prefecture. It ended up being one of my favorite stops during my one-week Shikoku road trip. In this Kotohira travel guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in Kotohira, where to stay and essential travel tips to make the most of your visit.
Takamatsu One Day Itinerary: Ritsurin Garden, Yashima, and More
As a gateway to Shikoku, Takamatsu offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere, stunning gardens and some of Japan’s best udon. Located in Kagawa Prefecture, this compact port city is known for its iconic Ritsurin Garden, flavorful Sanuki udon, and beautiful views over the Seto Inland Sea. In this Takamatsu travel guide, I’ll share how I spent one full day exploring Takamatsu, with a detailed itinerary and travel tips to help you make the most of your time in this peaceful and beautiful coastal city.
15 Amazing Summer Festivals to Experience in Tokyo This Year (2025)
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 2025.
21 Best Things to Do in Tokyo This Summer (2025)
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.
A Nature Day Trip to Izu: Jogasaki Coast and Mount Omuro Itinerary
The Jogasaki Coast and Mount Omuro are two natural wonders of the Izu Peninsula located in Ito city that can easily be combined as a day trip from Tokyo, Atami or other nearby towns in the Izu Peninsula. If hiking along a scenic coastline and walking around the crater of an extinct volcano sounds intriguing to you, then this day trip itinerary should interest you!
Ito Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay, Eat and More
Ito is a charming seaside hot springs town in Shizuoka Prefecture. It's a base to stay and explore the underrated but beautiful Izu Peninsula, which is packed with natural sites, onsen towns and other fun attractions to discover. In this article, I will share my favourite activities in Ito as well as some recommendations for accommodation and restaurants that I particularly enjoyed.
Suwa Itinerary: Complete Travel Guide to Nagano’s Best-Kept Secret
I’m excited to introduce a place in Nagano Prefecture that quickly became one of my favorite destinations in Japan: Suwa. This peaceful area which surrounds Lake Suwa is unknown to most international travelers, but it offers so much. In this guide, I’ll share everything I learned from spending about 10 days in Suwa, from what to do to where to stay, to local food spots and lesser-known experiences that I’d highly recommend.
Walking to Tateishi Park, a Real-Life ‘Your Name’ Anime Location in Suwa
If you’re a fan of Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name, you may already know that the lake in the movie was inspired by a real place: Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. When I first learned this, I was immediately intrigued, and once I saw the view from Tateishi Park, I understood why it inspired such a magical setting. In this post, I’ll take you along the walk with me, share photos from the route, and give you all the practical tips you need if you want to do it yourself.
Discover Suwa Taisha: Walking Itineraries for Shrine Lovers and Goshuin Collectors
Suwa Taisha isn’t just one shrine: it’s a sacred complex made up of four distinct sites scattered across the Suwa region in Nagano Prefecture. During my stay in Suwa, I had one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my trip: walking between the shrines and collecting all four goshuin from Suwa Taisha. In this guide, I’ll share the walking routes I took to explore the four shrines at a relaxed pace.
Why You Should Visit Shirakawa-go in Spring: A Complete Guide
Shirakawa-go, tucked away in Gifu Prefecture in central Japan, is a beautifully preserved traditional village best known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses (steeply thatched roofs built to withstand heavy snow). Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawa-go is known for its fairytale snowy landscapes in winter, but spring also brings its own colourful magic. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite spots, things to do, and travel tips to help you plan a spring visit to this beautiful village.
A Relaxing Weekend Getaway in Atami: An Easy Onsen Escape from Tokyo
After exploring destinations around Tokyo like Hakone and Odawara, I was looking for a relaxing getaway, an onsen town where I could unwind. Atami, nestled along the eastern end of the Izu Peninsula, seemed like the perfect choice. Known for its hot springs, scenic coastline, and fresh seafood, this seaside city has long been a favorite for Tokyoites seeking a quick and easy getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.
Garden Necklace Yokohama: A Colourful Springtime Stroll Through Yokohama Harbour
Yokohama is one of my favourite day trips from Tokyo. Every year, the city organises the ‘Garden Necklace Yokohama’ Event, which celebrates flower blossoming and springtime in the city's various green spaces. From March to June, Yokohama's parks and gardens celebrate spring with impressive flower displays, from cherry blossom to tulips, roses, azaleas and much more.
One Day in Wakayama City: Best Things to Do and Itinerary Guide
Wakayama City, the capital of Wakayama Prefecture, is often overlooked by travelers in the Kansai region who focus on Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. But this coastal city has plenty to offer: an impressive castle, quiet temples, delicious seafood, and scenic coastal views. In this guide, I’m sharing the exact itinerary I followed, perfect if you want to experience the best of Wakayama City in just one day.
Discover Takaya Shrine: A Hiking Guide to Shikoku’s ‘Torii in the Sky’
Perched on a mountain in Kagawa Prefecture, Takaya Jinja Shrine is a hidden gem that rewards hikers with one of the most breathtaking views in Shikoku. Known as the “Torii in the Sky”, this stunning shrine gate stands at the edge of the 404-meter Mt. Inazumi, overlooking the coastal city of Kanonji and Seto Inland Sea below. If you're looking for a picturesque, off-the-beaten-track hike in Shikoku, this is one you won't want to miss!
Naoshima Travel Guide: Complete One-Day Itinerary for Art and Nature Lovers
Naoshima is a fantastic island for art and nature lovers in Japan, easily accessible as a day trip from Okayama. Famous for its contemporary art museums, outdoor installations, and its iconic pumpkin sculptures by Yayoi Kusama, Naoshima is a fantastic destination in Japan for those looking to immerse themselves in world-class art while enjoying the island’s tranquil coastal scenery. Discover the itinerary I followed to spend a day exploring Naoshima, along with my recommendations and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to Japan's famous ‘art island’.
Tsurugi, Hakusan – A Secret Gem and Fun Day Trip From Kanazawa
This Tsurugi area walking itinerary in Hakusan is the ideal day trip from Kanazawa if you are looking for a lesser-known destination during your stay in Ishikawa prefecture. The area around Tsurugi station has a lot to offer: beautiful shrines, sake breweries, an insect museum, mountain gondolas where you can admire the Sea of Japan on sunny days...
A Half-Day Trip to Matsushiro, a Samurai Town in Nagano
If you're in Nagano and looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination, I highly recommend Matsushiro. Nestled in the foothills of Nagano, this former castle town—now part of the city—offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s samurai past. Once the stronghold of the Sanada clan, Matsushiro is home to well-preserved samurai residences, a scenic castle park, and more. I spent a morning exploring Matsushiro and am excited to share in this article my experience and the itinerary I followed.
Hi, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.