「Travel Smart, Explore More！」
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?…
Tax-Free Shopping in Japan is often one of the biggest highlights of the trip. Whether it’s cosmetics, electronics, luxury brands, or souvenirs, many visitors take advantage of Japan’s tax-free shopping system to save on the 10% consumption tax. And with the yen currently at a historic low, it would be…
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…
When people think of Sendai, what often comes to mind is gyutan (beef tongue), the Sendai Morning Market, Sendai Castle, or maybe just a convenient stopover when heading to other parts of the Tohoku region. But Sendai itself holds plenty of surprises. One place that really stood out to me…
When people think of Akita’s Namahage (なまはげ｜Namahage), the first image that often comes to mind is a fearsome red or blue demon wearing a terrifying mask and holding a knife, something that seems like a character designed just to scare children during a festival. But when I actually stepped into…
When you think of Akita, what comes to mind first? Maybe Akita dogs, rice, or hot springs. But for Tsubaki, the most unforgettable highlight of a trip to Akita was the Namahage, those straw-clad, fang-masked demons who bang on doors and shout in booming voices. This traditional ritual in Oga…
When it comes to the most beautiful starry skies in Japan, many people might immediately think of Achi Village in Nagano. But in fact, Ishigaki Island is the only place in Japan officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park, making it the top destination for stargazing! Especially in areas…
Deep in Wakayama Prefecture, surrounded by the borders of Nara and Mie, lies the small village of Kitayama. Its most iconic summer activity is the Kitayama River IKADA-KUDARI Log Rafting (北山川観光筏下り), a rare and thrilling experience where you ride a real log raft down a rushing river. The whole experience…
XEX Atago Hills Salvatore Cuomo Bros has always been one of Tsubaki’s treasured picks when it comes to Tokyo Tower view restaurants. Interestingly, it became a favorite of mine all thanks to work. My very first visit was actually for a client dinner organized by my boss. The moment I…
Last November, my boyfriend and I traveled to Kamikochi, a hidden gem in Nagano, for a two-day, one-night trip that included hiking up Mount Yakedake and exploring the Kamikochi area. From that moment, we completely fell in love with the magnificent landscapes of Japan’s Northern Alps. This time, we planned…
While researching for my article about how to eat tsukemen, one of Japan’s most unique noodle dishes, I stumbled upon an unexpected discovery: the birthplace of tsukemen is hidden right in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, at a shop called Taishoken. The moment I found out, I immediately saved the spot on Google…
Hi! I’m Tsubaki, a freelance contributing travel journalist who has lived in Japan for 10 years! The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most spectacular mountain sightseeing routes, connecting Toyama and Nagano. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic scenery such as the Yuki-no-Otani (Great Snow Wall) and the…
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…
