Nemophila Paradise at Hitachi Seaside Park: A Must-See Spring Outing from Tokyo
Hitachi Seaside Park, a large park located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is home to one of nature's most enchanting floral spectacles. In spring, you can walk through an ocean of blue flowers: a field of over 5 million nemophila. As a flower lover, I highly recommend this spellbinding seasonal event if you are in Japan during this time of the year.
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.
A Hiking Guide to the Magome-Tsumago Nakasendo Trail
A new article in which I share my experience of walking one of Japan's most popular hiking trails: the path between the two historic post towns of Magome and Tsumago on the Nakasendo in the Kiso Valley. What I particularly enjoyed about this hike in the Japanese countryside was the variety of landscapes, from rice paddies and bamboo groves to cedar forests and small rural villages.
Nakasendo Torii Pass - A Rewarding Hike From Yabuhara to Narai
Japan is full of magnificent hiking trails, such as the Torii Pass, which connects Yabuhara and Narai and is one of the most challenging sections of the ancient Nakasendo trail. Less well known than the Magome-Tsumago section of the Nakasendo, it nonetheless makes a lovely half-day hike, perfect for appreciating off-the-beaten-path Japan while getting some exercise on a quiet hiking trail.
Yakusugi Land, Yakushima's Ancient Cedar Paradise
If you're planning a visit to Yakushima, Yakusugi Land is one of the places not to be missed, as is the Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine. As its name suggests, this nature park is home to a number of Yakusugi (Yakushima cedars over 1,000 years old).
Shiratani Unsuikyo Hiking Guide: Discover Yakushima’s Mononoke Forest
The Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine was my favourite place in Yakushima and one of most beautiful hikes I have ever done. With its ancient trees and moss-covered stones, the Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine exudes a unique and mystical atmosphere. No wonder it was the inspiration for the famous animated film Princess Mononoke, and you can easily see the resemblance once you enter this beautiful, lush forest.
Yufuin Itinerary: an Ideal Hot Spring Retreat in Kyushu
One of my favourite destinations in Japan is Yufuin in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This charming country town should be on any itinerary if you decide to explore Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. This onsen town has an enchanting landscape with Mount Yufu in the background, peaceful rice fields and a river, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe naturally in hot springs. In this article you will find some tips to prepare your visit, such as information about the park, transport, what to wear, suitcase storage, etc.
A Winter Experience in Japan: a Guide to Shibu Onsen and the Snow Monkey Park
A place I would highly recommend visiting in the wintertime in Japan is Shibu Onsen in Yamanouchi, Nagano prefecture. Famous for its hot springs and historic buildings, Shibu Onsen is still steeped in the traditional atmosphere of its 1,300-year history.
15 Pictures that Will Make You Want to Visit Showa Kinen Park in Autumn
A selection of 15 pictures to give you an idea of the beauty of Showa Kinen Park, a huge park in Tachikawa city, near Tokyo, in autumn.
10 Pictures that Will Make You Want to Visit Koyasan
See some of my favorite pictures from my day trip to Koyasan from Osaka.
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, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.