「Travel Smart, Explore More！」
When people think of Zao, they think of the surreal winter landscape of the famous “Snow Monsters” and the nostalgic hot spring street tucked deep in the mountains, filled with the scent of sulfur. Every snow season, it becomes a must-visit destination in the Tohoku region. For most travelers flying…
Hi! I’m Tsubaki, a freelance contributing travel journalist who has lived in Japan for 10 years! When people mention “Zao Onsen” in Yamagata Prefecture, the first things that come to mind are usually the spectacular winter “Zao Juhyo” (Snow Monsters) and the 1,000-year-old highly acidic sulfur springs that leave your skin…
Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, and Yama-no-Eki (志賀高原 山の駅), located in the Hasuike area, serves as the heart of the entire resort. Whether you’re arriving from outside the region or traveling between ski areas while staying nearby, this is an essential transportation hub you’ll…
Sometimes the world works in a strangely fascinating way. It’s as if there’s an invisible thread quietly pulling you toward a certain place. My boyfriend and I finished watching the Japanese drama The Days, and the shock stayed with us for a long time. It’s a dramatized, record-based portrayal of…
Did you know that Tsuchiura is one of only two regions in Japan officially recognized as a National Cycle Route (NCR)? It’s also home to the country’s only full-circuit lakeside cycling path, the Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road (つくば霞ヶ浦りんりんロード). Thanks to this unique geographic advantage, Hoshino Resorts opened a bike-friendly hotel…
When it comes to Ōmuroyama Transportation on the Izu Peninsula, I remember the last time I drove there with friends from Tokyo. Unfortunately, we were met with bad weather, and the summit was completely covered in fog, we couldn’t see a thing. But this time, I was incredibly lucky. It…
A few years ago, I traveled to Atami for a solo trip. At the time, I only knew about the city’s hot springs, coastal views, and art museums, I had no idea there was a charming Showa-era style café called Momoyama-kan Retro View Café (展望レトロ喫茶 桃山館). It wasn’t until I…
If you think a racecourse is only for horse racing, then you probably haven’t heard of Tokyo Mega Illumi! Every autumn and winter, Oi Racecourse (大井競馬場) transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lights. It’s not just a perfect date spot for couples or a fun evening stroll for families, even…
If you’re visiting Tokyo in mid-October, don’t miss the Kawagoe Festival (Kawagoe Matsuri) in Saitama Prefecture, an incredibly vibrant celebration that rivals Tokyo’s three major festivals in excitement and atmosphere. More than just a traditional festival, the Kawagoe Festival transforms the entire city into a “festival village”, filled with energy,…
When visiting Tokyo in autumn, most people think of chasing red maple leaves, but there’s another dazzling experience you shouldn’t miss: the Ikegami Honmonji Oeshiki Lantern Parade (お会式｜Oeshiki), a grand Buddhist festival held every October. The scale of this event is truly incredible. According to official records, more than 300,000…
When people think of Ueno, the first things that often come to mind are the Ueno Zoo, Ameyoko shopping street, or cherry blossom viewing in Ueno Park. But what many may not realize is that right inside Ueno Park stands a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site: The National Museum of…
My previous Hakone transportation guide has always been one of the most popular posts, and I later added another article analyzing whether the Hakone Free Pass is truly worth it. However, I realized I had never properly written a detailed post covering the most essential and practical information, how to…
Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone is one of the most popular side trips in Japan. But with so many transportation options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices. In this article, I have compiled a detailed comparison of all the major routes from Tokyo to Hakone, including key…
Hakone has long been one of the most popular destinations for a Tokyo getaway. Whether you’re here to soak in a hot spring, take a ride on the pirate ship cruise, stroll through the silver pampas grass fields, or witness the geothermal landscapes of Owakudani, this scenic region offers an…
When people think of Owakudani, they usually picture its famous black eggs and steaming volcanic vents. But there’s also a lesser-known spot that offers a completely different perspective: the Owakudani Nature Research Trail. This trail isn’t open to the general public; you can only access it by joining an official…
No transfers, no confusion, just one smooth train ride straight to Hakone-Yumoto! The most convenient and comfortable way to travel from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto is by hopping on the Romancecar, the direct limited express train operated by Odakyu Railway. Having taken the Romancecar more than five times…
Walking into The Hakone Open-Air Museum felt like stepping into an art paradise embraced by the forest. I’ve visited Hakone more than five times, and honestly, I always thought adding a museum stop felt a little rushed. But I finally checked this one off my Hakone travel list! Let me…
When planning a trip from Tokyo to Hakone, the first thing most travelers look up is the Hakone Free Pass. While this pass certainly makes travel around Hakone more convenient, many people still wonder: Is the Hakone Free Pass really worth it, or is it simply a matter of convenience?…
When it comes to Tokyo’s top-ranked tonkatsu spots, Mochi Buta Tonkatsu Taiyo (もち豚とんかつ たいよう) is practically a regular on every must-try list. Since opening in 2008, this humble tonkatsu shop has not only earned a place in Tabelog’s “Top 100 Tonkatsu Restaurants” year after year, but has also been recognized…
When people think of a Hakone trip, the first things that usually come to mind are hot springs, art museums, or the stunning lakeside torii gate. But to me, there’s something else just as essential: indulging in Hakone’s local food! One of the absolute must-tries is the long-established Tamura Ginkatsutei…
