Tag: Japan

A sketch of cute deer waiting for crackers from tourist in Nara

Visiting Nara as a Day Trip or Overnight Stay?

April 13, 2023

The Japanese city of Nara is the perfect size and location for both day trips and overnight stays. But which is better? … More Visiting Nara as a Day Trip or Overnight Stay?

Drawing of the pointed roofs of traditional Japanese Shirakawa-Go village in the winter snow

The Pointed Houses Of Shirakawa-Gō and Gokayama – Japan’s Historic UNESCO Villages

September 21, 2021

Hidden in the mountains of the Japanese island of Honshu are the picturesque areas of Shirakawa-Gō and Gokayama. The regions are home to charming traditional houses, known for their steep thatched roofs that peek up from the landscape like little triangles. These villages of thatched-roof houses, designated as UNESCO World heritage sites, are examples of … More The Pointed Houses Of Shirakawa-Gō and Gokayama – Japan’s Historic UNESCO Villages

Drawing of Japanese whale festival in Akishima cute whale parade

Tokyo’s Whale Celebration – Akishima Citizen Whale Festival

July 20, 2021

Akishima is a city in the west of the greater Tokyo metropolis. Every year, the Akishima Citizen Whale Festival celebrates one of their local symbols, the Akishima whale. But what does a city 50km from the coast have to do with whales? This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small … More Tokyo’s Whale Celebration – Akishima Citizen Whale Festival

Drawing of beppu sand bathers buried in volcanic sand

Sunamushi Onsen – Volcanic Sand Bathing in Southern Japan

April 13, 2021

For many people, being buried up to the neck in hot, black volcanic sand doesn’t seem like a pleasant way to relax. But in parts of southern Japan, sunamushi (sand bathing) on a volcanic beach is a popular form of bathing that helps rest the mind and refresh the body. For those who have not … More Sunamushi Onsen – Volcanic Sand Bathing in Southern Japan

Drawing of Hakodate Orthodox Church in Motomachi

Soaking Up Hakodate History In The Photogenic Motomachi Area

February 15, 2021

The Motomachi area of Hakodate is the city’s historic neighbourhood, where Japanese and Western architectures are uniquely blended into a mish-mash of styles. Hakodate, located on the northernmost Japanese home island of Hokkaido, was one of the first ports in the country to open its doors to international trade in 1854. Traders, consuls, and government … More Soaking Up Hakodate History In The Photogenic Motomachi Area

Hakodate seafood market squid tank

Visiting Hakodate, Hokkaido’s Port City Of Squid, Forts And Mountain Views

February 1, 2021

Hakodate is a historic port city in the south of Hokkaido, known for its fresh seafood, European-style architecture, and one of the best panoramic night views in Japan. It is built on a narrow strip of land that reaches out to sea, culminating with the dramatic Mount Hakodate at the peninsula’s end. Its history revolves … More Visiting Hakodate, Hokkaido’s Port City Of Squid, Forts And Mountain Views

Drawing of two women bathing in a mud hot spring in Beppu Japan

Beppu Onsen Hoyoland – Taking A Dip In Japan’s White Mud Bath

January 25, 2021

Scooping up the mud from the bottom of the onsen, it slips through your fingers like goopy cream. It drops back into the milky-white water and disappears back into the hot springs in a dispersing cloud of whiteness. While a traditional Japanese onsen (a hot spring designated for bathing) is typically done in clear hot … More Beppu Onsen Hoyoland – Taking A Dip In Japan’s White Mud Bath

Drawing of Japanese macaques bathing in Jigokudani Monkey Park hot springs onsen

See Japan’s Snow Monkeys Bathing At Jigokudani Monkey Park

January 11, 2021

It’s the very picture of serenity – Japanese snow monkeys soaking in a hot spring, eyes closed, groomed by their family members, steam rising, safe from snow drifting softly through the sky. It’s one of the most iconic images of winter in Japan, and one of the most fascinating and endearing (not to mention, adorable!) … More See Japan’s Snow Monkeys Bathing At Jigokudani Monkey Park