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Where to Admire Hydrangeas in Tokyo: Three Spots Not to Miss
Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes

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.

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Magose-toge Pass Hiking Guide: A Quiet Kumano Kodo Experience in Mie
Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes

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.

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Yamadera Hike Guide: Visit Tohoku’s Sacred Mountain Temple
Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes

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.

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Discover Kotohira in Shikoku: Kompira-san, Local Charm and Hot Springs
Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes

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.

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Takamatsu One Day Itinerary: Ritsurin Garden, Yashima, and More
Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes Guide & Itinerary Travely Notes

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.

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Hi, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.