If you’re searching for a campsite with a Mt. Fuji view, you’ve likely seen hundreds of options. But what if I told you there’s a place where that iconic view is just the beginning? A place where, after the sun sets on Fuji-san, an ocean of sparkling city lights appears at your feet. This isn’t […]
The Best Kamakura Festivals to Experience Year-Round
Transparency Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog! Ever wanted to step back in time? Kamakura is that kind of place—a historic city full of incredible temples and shrines, all […]
My Epic 3-Day Tohoku Road Trip Itinerary (Miyagi & Iwate)
If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for travel experiences that feel authentic and new. I love Japan, but after a few trips, I was craving an adventure beyond the “Golden Route” crowds. I wanted open roads, stunning nature, and incredible food. That search led me to Tohoku, Japan’s beautiful and often-overlooked northeastern region. […]
Magical Yahiko Shrine: A Must-See ‘Power Spot’ in Niigata
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
Transparency Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog! 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 […]
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 […]