Every spring, Tokyo is wrapped in a dreamy haze of pink cherry blossoms. When it comes to famous hanami spots in Tokyo, most people immediately think of places like Meguro River, Ueno Park. But today, Tsubaki is going to introduce a hidden gem that rivals Meguro River in beauty but offers a far quieter experience…
If you’re planning to visit Shiretoko, this UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Hokkaido, during the winter season, know that it’s quite different from many of the usual tourist hotspots. A good amount of preparation and research is required before heading there. I have visited this mysterious natural heritage site twice, each time with a…
When traveling in South Korea, a transportation card is an absolute must-have. One of the most talked-about options recently is the WOWPASS, which combines a transportation card with payment functionality, making travel in South Korea more convenient than ever. In this post, I will share how I used the WOWPASS during my four-day trip to…
When visiting Shiretoko Utoro, beyond soaking in the stunning natural beauty of this World Heritage Site, what kind of local food can you look forward to? While planning my trip to Shiretoko, I made a point to research local food spots and came across a restaurant highly recommended by Japanese locals—a unique eatery that revolves…
On this trip to Utoro in Shiretoko, I wasn’t just here to admire the breathtaking landscapes of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site—I was also hoping to discover some local culinary gems. However, there isn’t much detailed information online about restaurants in Utoro, not even on Google Maps. That made finding a highly-rated seafood spot…
With the increasing popularity of hiking and nature exploration, Japan’s hidden gem “Kamikochi,” located in Nagano Prefecture, has become a must-visit destination for many travelers, including myself, Tsubaki. However, since Kamikochi is a protected national park, there are strict transportation regulations, such as restricted private vehicle access and seasonal road closures during winter. Without proper…
When visiting Seoul, Korea, most people think of eating dishes like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), handmade noodles, or bibimbap. However, one traditional dish that should not be missed is Seowon Abalone Porridge ! On this trip to Seoul, Tsubaki discovered Seowon Abalone Porridge through a friend’s recommendation and decided to give it a try. In…