Exploring Japan: Autumn Trip to Aomori, Tohoku

Ever since the JR East Pass became available for foreign residents in 2015, I have used it countless times, so much so that I have lost track of the exact number. Thanks to this pass, I discovered the beauty of the Tohoku region, which was not originally on my Japan travel bucket list (which was…

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Halloween Afternoon Tea at ANA InerContinental Tokyo

Afternoon Tea, although not originally from Japan, as you might already know, has become a trendy way to spend time and socialize here in Japan. Recently, many hotels, cafés, and restaurants have been trying their best to develop the next Instagrammable or photo-worthy afternoon tea. I went to an afternoon tea for the first time…

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Discover Ainu Culture in Shiraoi, Hokkaido at KAI Poroto

When you visit Japan, I highly recommend spending one night at an onsen ryokan to relax and understand Japanese culture better. Onsen 温泉 means hot spring and ryokan 旅館 is a traditional Japanese inn, a place where you can experience genuine Japanese omotenashi おもてなし hospitality. A stay at an onsen ryokan will include dinner and…

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Summer Activities You Must Try at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

In my previous article, Head in the Clouds: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, I introduced the beautiful Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido, where I had the chance to spend a lovely summer vacation this year. In this article, I wish to show you all the wonderful summer activities I tried during my stay. Depending on the season,…

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Head in the Clouds: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Do you have a place that makes your heart flutter? Do you have a dream hotel you have wanted to visit for a long time? That is me with Hoshino Resorts. I love this Japanese hotel brand so much; I love how they integrate the architecture, local culture, and local cuisine with every new location…

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Kaiseki Dinner in Tokyo

I am a Washoku 和食 (Japanese cuisine) lover! I worked part-time for a traditional Japanese restaurant for three years as a student here in Japan, so I enjoy learning new things about Washoku daily! Kaiseki ryori 会席料理 is a traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine. The presentation is impeccable, and the taste will leave you speechless…

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Exploring Japan: Spring Trip to Tohoku

After using the JR East Welcome Rail Pass 2020 for an autumn and winter trip last year, I was pleased to hear that they will release a new pass starting April 1, 2021, for foreign passport holders living in Japan (this pass was already available for foreign visitors on a tourist visa). One truth about…

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Sakura in February?

The sakura or the cherry blossom season is Japan’s most awaited season. The fragile blossoms in any setting, be it in the city, in nature, by a river, in a forest, you name it, will make for a magical landscape. Most people in Japan are excited for the cherry blossoms to start blooming, locals, foreign…

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Exploring Japan: Winter Trip to Tohoku

Tsuru no Yu is the onsen I wanted to visit most in Akita Prefecture; it is a unique onsen mainly because of its milky white water found only at a few other onsens in Japan. Tsuru no Yu means “hot spring of cranes” in Japanese, and apparently, it got this name from a legend of an injured crane who was seen bathing in here.

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