Hundreds of thousands turn their eyes up to see the stunning and brief display of the cherry blossoms. Starting as early as January in Okinawa, and ending in May in Hokkaido, cherry blossom entrances the nation, and the world, each year. So where should you enjoy the ephemeral beauty of the blossom? How about taking … Continue reading A walking tour of cherry blossom in Tokyo
You may have heard of the great gardens of Japan, Genkyuen is a hidden gem worthy of a visit.
Mostly every guide book for travelling in Japan will mention, if not feature, Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Most recognisable of all is the kaminarimon gate which welcomes visitors to the Senso-ji temple complex. Kaminarimon literally means thunder gate and houses the two Gods who greet you as you enter; Fujin and Raijin, the God of … Continue reading Asakusa Senso-ji
Sakura season is already ramping up in Japan with big brands such as Starbucks and Asahi having released their sakura themed products for this spring. Although the cherry blossom front hasn't started yet, here are my top 5 places to view the cherry blossom this spring! 5. Nakameguro , Tokyo Nakameguro is usually just visited … Continue reading Top 5 cherry blossoms spots in Japan
This image is probably one of the most famous and well known images of Japan, sakura flowers, Mount Fuji and a vermillion structure all in one place! What is the Chureito Pagoda? Chureito pagoda is part of Arakura Sengen shrine, sitting on the side of Mount Arakurayama. The shrine itself get's little press but it … Continue reading Chureito Pagoda: the most famous view of Mount Fuji
It is almost that time again!
Some of the best places on Lake Kawaguchi to get stunning views of Mount Fuji
The area around Mount Fuji holds many natural phenomenon due to the past eruptions of Mount Fuji carving out the landscape, changing the biggest lake in the world into the five lakes of Fuji. Oshino Hakkai was created thanks to the same eruption which split the great lake. What remained were eight pools filled with … Continue reading The sacred pools of Mount Fuji: Oshino Hakkai
As part of our sunrise tour we stayed overnight in a Western style hotel with onsen. I had one tattoo at that point in time and knew they were not permitted in the onsen. So, naughtily, we woke up super early and went an enjoyed the onsen before anyone else was up, to avoid offending … Continue reading Japan 2010: Day 7; Hakone & Odawara
Our first foray outside of Tokyo was a prebooked tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone national park. We picked a tour with an overnight stay and a shinkansen return ticket. The tour was leaving from Hamamatsucho bus station, a place which, apparently nobody has any clue where it is. Hopelessly lost and almost late we … Continue reading Japan 2010: Day 6; Mount Fuji & Hakone
My Nihon 