「Travel Smart, Explore More！」
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…
There are many comfortable business hotels in Seoul, but did you know that several Japanese hotel brands have opened branches in Korea as well? The most famous example is Toyoko Inn, which can be found across various cities in Korea. Another great option is the Sotetsu Group, which operates multiple…
When visiting Seoul, one dish you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Seolleongtang, and among the many places that serve it, Sinseon Seolleongtang stands out as a crowd favorite! While dishes like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), handmade noodles, and bibimbap often come to mind first, Seolleongtang is actually one of Korea’s most…
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…
I’ve visited Lake Kawaguchi five times in the past, but I had never seen the legendary Tenku no Torii (Torii in the Sky) in person, mainly because public transportation doesn’t offer easy access to the site. This time, I went on a three-day glamping trip with friends, and since we…
There are many ways to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul station — by bus, train, or taxi—but the fastest and most efficient option is definitely the AREX Express train. The AREX Express is quite similar to Japan’s Narita Express, but it only takes about an hour to get from…
Hi! I’m Tsubaki (287), a Japan-based travel writer who’s been living in Japan for over 10 years. Whenever people visit Tokyo, chances are they’ll post at least one photo featuring Tokyo Tower on social media, whether it’s the tower glowing outside a hotel room window, a romantic dinner with a…
In recent years, photos taken at the Tokyo Tower parking lot stairs have gone viral across Instagram and Facebook, so much so that this once-local spot has now gained international fame. After all, Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and for many first-time visitors, a Tokyo…
When people think of Tanegashima, the first thing that often comes to mind is the Space Center and its high-tech tours. But if you add a Tanegashima SUP or kayak experience to your trip, the whole journey instantly levels up. Especially in Tanegashima’s lesser-known mangrove areas, not only are the…
Hakone is a volcanic lake region located just west of Tokyo, in Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s a popular destination for day trips thanks to its easy access from the city.However, Hakone transportation is both diverse and complex, which can make it tricky for first-time visitors to figure out how to get…
Jomon Sugi Hiking is one of the most iconic symbols of Yakushima, and the trail leading to it is widely regarded as the ultimate classic among all Yakushima hikes. This route ranges from intermediate to advanced difficulty and takes about 8 to 12 hours round trip, depending on your physical…
This time, I came to Kanazawa from Tokyo to attend a junior’s wedding, which also gave me a few extra days to properly explore Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula. To be honest, when I travel, I usually care more about natural scenery and outdoor experiences than food. But this bowl…
I’ve visited Hakone about five times, two overnight stays and three day trips from Tokyo. While I often follow a similar route each time, every trip brings new memories depending on who I’m with. Hakone is just that kind of place: comfortable, easy to get to, and perfect for a…
