If you haven’t been traveling, you might underestimate how long you will be walking when you explore another country. Most people would easily walk over 20,000 steps a day when they travel in Japan. So, unless your itinerary is filled with cafes and restaurants, a good pair of walking or even hiking shoes is essential […]
The Top Three Walking Shoes to Wear for an Overseas Trip Read More »
Uji City Botanical Park (宇治市植物公園) is a spot where a variety of flowers bloom throughout the year. In fact, it is a hidden gem of cherry and plum blossoms that is not far from Kyoto’s city center. In early summer, you can also visit the park at night to see many fireflies dancing! You will
Uji City Botanical Park: The Must-Go Flower Spot in Kyoto Read More »
If you are a vegan, you might have heard of T’s Tantan, a vegan restaurant loved by most vegans in Tokyo. The famous vegan restaurant chain’s origin is T’s Restaurant in Jiyūgaoka (自由が丘). The owner was able to open T’s Tantan because T’s Restaurant was successful. So, if you ever plan to spend a day
T’s Restaurant, the Origin of the Famous T’s Tantan Read More »
Your visit to Kamikōchi shouldn’t stop at Kappa Bridge. Trekking further for another hour upstream of the Azusa River, you will reach the Myōjin Area. Here is the ground of God. Not sure if it is because this is where God lives, the atmosphere around the area is just different from Kappa Bridge. Once you
Trekking to the Mysterious Myōjin Area in Kamikōchi Read More »
Kappa Bridge (河童橋) is the landmark of Kamikōchi. Most important facilities in the area are located close to the bridge, including the Kamikochi Bus Terminal and visitor centers. This part of Kamikōchi is almost like a transport hub that allows tourists to gain the necessary information to explore the area and rejuvenate. The suspension bridge
The Best Guide to Kappa Bridge and the Nearby Facilities Read More »
While not as famous as Kappa Bridge or Taishō Pond, Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池) located between the two scenic spots are picturesque throughout the year. Especially in the morning of the colder months, you will find these two spots extra stunning because the plants are covered by a thin layer of frost!
The Best Guide to Tashiro Marsh and Tashiro Pond in Kamikōhi Read More »
If you take a bus to Kamikōchi, the Taishō Pond (大正池) would be the first stop after the bus enters what the Japanese called the ground that God descends upon. Especially if you take the nighttime express bus from Tokyo, we highly recommend getting off the bus here instead of staying onboard until reaching the
Taishō Pond, One of the Most Scenic Spots in Kamikōchi Read More »
On a hot summer day, the best spot to visit on Nakamachi Street is Nakamachi Hyouka Ten (中町氷菓店). You will find phenomenal shaved ice made from natural ice made in Yamanashi Prefecture. We were a little bit hesitant to make an order because 1,500 yen isn’t cheap. However, after the first bite, we were glad
Nakamachi Hyouka Ten and Its Amazing Shaved Ice Read More »
The beckoning cat temple, Gōtokuji, is so famous among international tourists that the spot is probably on your itinerary for Tokyo. If you aren’t in a hurry, we recommend stopping by one of the cafes or shops near Gōtokuji. Quite a few of them have cutely designed maneki-neko products! The sweets created by artisans are
The Recommended Spots Near the Lucky Cat Temple, Gōtokuji Read More »
If you are a coffee lover, Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire (梟焙煎研究所) is the place to go close to Gōtokuji. You will find the locally rumored “ultimate espresso (究極のエスプレッソ)” here. Apparently, the owner, Takayama-san (髙山さん), worked at a Michelin three-star restaurant in France, thus the French cafe name and the delicious food and coffee served! Not only
Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire: A Hidden Gem in Setagaya Read More »