Use these guides to help plan your travels!
Welcome to Arita, Saga, a small town in Kyushu known as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Twice a year, the quiet streets bloom to life with visitors and activity during the Arita Ceramics Fair. Throughout this special event, the area is filled with hundreds of shops and pottery of all types – much of it […]
Arita Ceramics Fair: Exploring Kyushu’s Porcelain Town Read More »
When I first came to Japan I studied at a Japanese language school for a year and a half. I made a video about what that experience was like which you can see here. One of the most asked topics for that video was about money. I received a lot of questions such as: “What
In a remote village in the mountains of Shikoku is an impressive suspension bridge that attracts visitors with its delicacy and natural allure. This is Iya Kazura-Bashi, a vine bridge that spans 14 meters across the clear waters of the Iya River, an almost hidden walkway in a forest of trees. This post contains affiliate
Iya Valley Vine Bridge: Sway Across a Traditional Bridge Read More »
Drive into the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture to view the grand gorges and bright green waters of the Yoshino River. Take in the sights from above at the Koboke Observation Deck or down below while riding in the Pleasure Sightseeing Boat. Located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture, this area is known for nature
Koboke and Oboke Gorge: Remarkable Views From High and Low Read More »
Sorayama Guesthouse: A Retreat in the Mountains of Kochi Overlooking the pristine waters of the Kamiyakawa River is a beautiful guesthouse that allows visitors to relax and soak up the charm of slow mountain life and the encompassing beauty of nature. During my recent trip to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four major islands, I
Where to Stay in Kochi, Shikoku: Sorayama Guesthouse Read More »
I’ve been living in Fukuoka for over 4 years, and one of the things I can’t get tired of? The wonderful food scene! Here are some dishes and dining experiences you should try when visiting Fukuoka – recommended by a local who has visited over 700 restaurants, cafes, and bars in Japan! This list includes
What to Eat in Fukuoka Japan – The Ultimate Food Guide Read More »
Have you ever imagined biking through Japan, the water at your side, zooming across expansive bridges, hopping from one ice cream shop to the next? If so, the Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) might be for you! What is the Shimanami Kaido? The Shimanami Kaido is a highway for cars that connects Onomichi (Hiroshima) with Imabari (Shikoku)
Solo Biking the Shimanami Kaido: A Complete Guide Read More »
I recently climbed Mt. Daisen, the highest mountain in the Chugoku region of Japan’s Honshu mainland! The landscape in February was a true winter wonderland with ice-laced trees and snow that heaped in piles on the ground. Mt. Daisen can be climbed throughout the year, but generous snowfall and world-class powder make it a winter
Climbing Mt. Daisen in the Winter: A Complete Guide Read More »
For one month at Tsuetate Onsen, thousands of carp streamers are put on display to flutter above the rushing river in celebration of Children’s Day. Continue reading to learn more about the charming hot spring village, Tsuetate Onsen, and see what the koinobori carp streamer celebration is like! This post contains affiliate links, which means