Tokyo is full of beautiful islands and Niijima is three stops away from Takeshiba Terminal. After visiting Ogasawara islands, I wanted to visit the other seven islands of Izu. Here is a guide to help you make your decision – whether looking for a relaxing time, or taking a solo escape in Tokyo. Habusiura Beach …
A Quick Guide to Toshima Island
Toshima Island is located 130 kilometers from the coast of Tokyo and is the smallest of seven islands of Izu. Toshima is a 4.12 square kilometer island with a 7.7km coastline and is most recognizable as a summer escape for divers who seek the best dolphin watching location in Tokyo. Activities are mostly centered around …
Where to find the Best Cherry Blossoms in Japan
For 3 months of the year, Japan comes to life in a wave of pale pink colors in the form of cherry blossoms. Japan is a vertically long country, so we can enjoy cherry blossom season from March to May somewhere in Japan. Though the exact dates are changeable, I’m starting to build a collection …
A Day Trip to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, Tochigi
Just over two hours by train you can reach Tobu Nikko Station from Shinjuku Station with beautiful scenary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Nikko National Park and the style of Nikko Toshogu is characterized by its colorful carvings. Now it is one of the most photographed locations in Tochigi due to …
Visiting Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji in Tochigi
As a region of mountains and summer resorts, there are many places to visit in Nikko National Park. These are our favorite places to visit in Nikko. Irohazaka Winding Road Irohazaka winding road was said to have 48 curves to Kegon Fall and was called Iroha-zaka, Iroha slopes after Japanese Iroha which is a Japanese …
Best folk houses in Kanagawa
If you are a folk house nerd like me, you’ll love a nostalgic trip to visit arguably the most photogenic folk houses in Tokyo and Kanagawa. You’ll find a great collection of farms, samurai solder residences, old western style mansions and much more. Be sure to allow some time to ponder or perch yourself up …
Where to find the Best Views in Matsumoto
Nagano is full of great cities to explore but if you ask me, Matsumoto is the most iconic city of Nagano. With sophisticated neighbourhoods to explore, there really is no shortage of things to do. This is the list of the most photogenic monuments, museums and cafes to help you find the best views in …
Modern Architecture in Yokohama
If you haven’t yet visited Yamate mansions near Yokohama Port in Kanagawa then you’re missing out on a nostalgic trip back to the glamourous early 20th century. Yokohama has a unique identity not emulated elsewhere, partly due to the influx of early 19th-century foreign settlement. The Yamate mansions are a series of modern homes that …
Your Guide to Visiting Kawagoe
Kawagoe is known as a little Edo and has the remains of Edo landscapes just a short one hour train ride from Tokyo. During the Edo era (17th to 19th centuries), Kawagoe had prospered as a port city with river networks to transport local products to Edo city. We can still see architectural resemblance of …
Hiking the Oshima Trail
Oshima Island is one of the most popular islands to visit from Tokyo and for good reason. This incredible island is located in Southern Japan, around two hours by high-speed ship from Tokyo. If you are planning a trip to Oshima Island I would recommend at least three nights here. There are a handful of …