When you visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, it’s easy to see it as just a beautiful, ancient shrine. But that’s like looking at a movie set without knowing the blockbuster film that was made there. The shrine wasn’t just a place of worship; it was the stage for a real-life family drama of power, betrayal, […]
Yokohama’s Best Views: A Guide to the City’s Top Lookouts
When you picture Yokohama, a stunning image likely comes to mind: the soaring Landmark Tower, the vibrant Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, and the sparkling waters of the bay. This iconic skyline is one of Japan’s most beautiful, but what you might not know is that there are many unique ways to experience it, each […]
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
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 […]
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 […]