「Travel Smart, Explore More！」
In the previous article, I introduced a complete guide to Hakone transportation, helping you navigate the region’s many routes and passes. But even after figuring out how to get around, planning the perfect Hakone trip can still be tricky, right? I’ve personally visited Hakone more than five times, including day…
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート) is one of Japan’s most spectacular high-mountain sightseeing routes. Open only for a limited period each year, it attracts countless visitors eager to admire its breathtaking snowy landscapes, go hiking, and experience the beauty of all four seasons. In the previous article, Chapter 1…
As I wandered down the nostalgic, Edo-era streets of Narai-juku, surrounded by traditional wooden townhouses and timeworn cobblestone paths, the thing I looked forward to most was indulging in the town’s most iconic specialty: the local soul food known as Tōji Soba (とうじそば). For this trip, I made it a…
Hi! I’m Tsubaki, a freelance contributing travel journalist who has lived in Japan for 10 years! The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which opens every April, is a dream “Snow Wall” adventure for many travelers. While there is no “entrance fee” to enter the area, you must purchase a Tateyama Kurobe…
Hi! I’m Tsubaki, a freelance contributing travel journalist who has lived in Japan for 10 years! How to visit Tateyama Kurobe ? When people think of Nagano, Japan, the iconic snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe often come to mind, and rightfully so. These towering white corridors are among the…
Whenever someone mentions Ishigaki Island, what instantly pops into my head is that crystal-clear, deep blue ocean, endless white beaches, and all those gorgeous photos of people enjoying the shallow waters freely. This time, I spent 4 days in Ishigaki with my travel buddy Rebecca, and we finally got to…
It all started when my travel buddy Rebecca casually mentioned she wanted to ride a water buffalo cart on Yubu Island. That led me to discover a super cost-effective Ishigaki island-hopping pass that lets you freely travel by ferry between some of the most scenic islands in the Yaeyama archipelago:…
When it comes to Ishigaki’s nightlife, one of the most iconic experiences is spending an evening at a shamisen live izakaya in the bustling downtown area, singing and dancing with strangers who quickly turn into friends. Usagiya Ishigaki Main Branch (うさぎや) was one of the most unforgettable stops during my…
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…
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…
When traveling in South Korea, a transportation card is an absolute must-have. One of the most talked-about options recently is WOWPASS, a card that combines transportation and payment functions. If you’re wondering where to buy WOWPASS , this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. In this…
Seoul has long been one of my dream destinations for a free and easy getaway. However, the trip kept getting postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t until a casual dinner with friends that the topic of travel came up, and someone mentioned wanting to visit Korea. In that…
Compared to ramen, I actually prefer tsukemen! Every time I visit a ramen shop, if tsukemen is on the menu, it’s always my first choice. Not only are the noodles thicker and chewier than those of regular ramen, but the dipping broth is also far richer and more intense. In…
This time, due to an interpreting assignment, I had the chance to accompany a client to Suzuka Circuit Park, which is conveniently located just an hour from Nagoya, and also stayed at the Suzuka Circuit Hotel! Although I had visited Suzuka Circuit twice before to participate in the road relay…
On the fourth day of my five-day solo journey through Abashiri and Shiretoko, I hopped on a bus back to Abashiri Station for the final adventure of my trip: Lake Abashiri Lake Smelt Fishing! I had been looking forward to this for a long time. At first, I was a…
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…
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…
Tsubaki took a two-day, one-night hiking trip to Mount Yakedake, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains located in Nagano. Since Mount Yakedake is right next to Kamikochi, we also included a Kamikochi one-day walking trip as part of this hiking adventure! In this post, I’ll be sharing my itinerary and…
Although I’ve lived in Japan for over 8 years and have climbed many mountains big and small, hiking Yakedake surprisingly became my second peak among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, right after Mt. Fuji. Taking advantage of the short window before Kamikochi’s winter closure in early November, I set out on…
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…
