I didn’t know much about Yahiko Shrine before going—just that it was a well-known spot in Niigata. But I had a free day in early May and decided to check it out. I was expecting a quiet walk and maybe a few nice photos, but it turned out to be one of the more memorable […]
Nemophila at Mother Farm: A Fun Spring Day Trip
Every year, hills of lovely nemophilas start showing up all over my feed, and while Hitachi Seaside Park usually gets all the attention (especially for travelers based in Tokyo), I decided to do something a bit different: I went to Mother Farm in Chiba. A little more under the radar, a lot more farm-y, and […]
Fudo Ohashi: A Quick Gunma Stop That Stuck With Us
We were heading back to Yokohama after a few days in Niigata for Golden Week, and decided to make Fudo Ohashi Bridge one of our stops. We’d seen a few photos online and were curious—but we weren’t expecting it to be this good. Fudo Ohashi: Way More Interesting Than It Looks at First Fudo Ohashi […]
Fuji Shibazakura Festival 2025: A Stunning Floral Spectacle
I’m going to be honest: I had seen so many photos of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival over the years that I’d kind of filed it away in the “Instagram bait” category. You know the type — perfectly timed Mt. Fuji in the background, endless fields of neon pink flowers, a couple in coordinated outfits doing […]
Kamakura History: Beyond Cute Trains and Stunning Coastlines
So, you’ve seen the Great Buddha. You’ve watched the charming little Enoden train trundle past the beach like it’s auditioning for a Ghibli cameo. Maybe you even grabbed a matcha ice cream on Komachi Street and snapped a selfie or two. Lovely! But here’s the thing—Kamakura isn’t just about picture-perfect moments and scenic temples. Beneath […]
Michi-no-Eki Fujioyama: Adorable Kintaro Meets Fuji Views
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angelie Ueda (@juz.jillin) If you think roadside stations are just places to grab a vending machine coffee and stretch your legs, then let me introduce you to Michi-no-Eki Fujioyama—where adorable folklore, mouthwatering food, and postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji come together to create an experience that’s […]
All Aboard the Akai Kutsu: 20 Years of Yokohama’s Iconic Bus
If you’ve ever wandered the historic streets of Yokohama, you’ve likely seen the charming little red bus weaving through the city. This isn’t just any bus—it’s Akai Kutsu, a nostalgic, retro-style sightseeing bus that has been a beloved part of Yokohama’s landscape for two decades. March 28, 2025, marks the official 20th anniversary of Akai […]
Convenience Gyms: Guide to Japan’s 24/7 Fitness Trend
If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed a mysterious explosion of ChocoZAP locations over the past couple of years. Maybe you walked past one, saw the bright yellow signs and the name, and thought, “ChocoZAP? Is this a dessert shop? A chocolate-themed café?” Only to take a closer look and realize—nope, it’s a gym. Not […]
Cherry Blossom Spots in Yokohama (Ditch the Tokyo Crowds in 2025)
We all know Tokyo’s cherry blossoms are world-famous, but guess what? That also means you’ll be wading through an ocean of people just to catch a glimpse of those delicate pink petals. If you want to enjoy the beauty of sakura without spending half your time dodging selfie sticks and squeezing through crowds, why not […]
62.9% of Japanese Commuters Are Annoyed by Tourists Doing These in Trains
So, you’ve booked your dream trip to Japan. You’re ready to dive into the bustling streets of Tokyo, explore Kyoto’s ancient temples, and—of course—experience the legendary Japanese train system. It’s sleek, efficient, and unbelievably punctual. You’ve seen the videos of station staff pushing passengers into packed rush-hour trains with precision. You’ve heard about the ultra-clean […]