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.

Read More

Kawazu Sakura Festival

Apparently, in Japanese, there is an expression for a trip that relieves heartbreak or a sentimental journey and that is 傷心旅行 shōshin ryokō. That is what I felt when I booked this trip on a whim last week, three days before the trip’s day. It was a non-romance related heartbreak for me, but still, it…

Read More

Dreamy Summer Holiday in Bali

My Bali dream came true this summer! It was a wonderful trip, filled with breathtaking landscapes, encounters with the friendly locals, delicious food and beautiful cultural experiences. One of our guides told me that most Europeans usually spend at least one month in Bali, because they love adventure, hehe. One week is enough to have…

Read More

3 Days in Taiwan

While I’m in Japan, besides discovering more of what this beautiful country has to offer, I also wish to explore new destinations around Asia. For this year’s Golden Week I chose Taiwan! Golden Week (April 29th – May 5th) is a series of Japanese holidays aligned for a whole week, such as The Emperor’s Birthday,…

Read More

Top 10 Instagrammable Spots in Paris

It’s not a secret anymore, I must admit it, I might be a little bit addicted to Instagram. Are you looking for a nice restaurant to go to with friends? Check on Google Maps and then look at more photos on Instagram (sometimes I even decide what to order based on Instagram photos, haha)—looking for…

Read More

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum and Kawagoe

The warmer weather is perfect for little day trips, not far from central Tokyo. When my friend, Flavia, visited me over the weekend, I was thinking what we could visit together in Tokyo, as she loves museums and we both wanted to discover a new one. I have heard about Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum…

Read More

Almost Spring in Tokyo

It is getting warmer and warmer, birds are singing, trees started to bloom, winter is almost gone and spring is ready to take its place. Many argue that spring is the best season to visit Japan and the reason for that are of course the country’s famous sakura or cherry blossoms. But before hanami or…

Read More

Autumn in Tokyo: Okutama

Long time no post! And long time no hike for that matter (maybe since hiking around Santorini?) … Lately, my Grad school has been keeping me busy with all kinds of presentations, papers and so on, but I still managed to keep my goal of visiting a new place in Japan at least once a…

Read More