Local Japan tours, cultural content, and real experiences

JAN 14, 2025

This park in Nagano Prefecture provides a serene introduction to Japan’s natural beauty.

Horse Trust is a 100-hectare refuge for retired racehorses — and a blueprint for ethical tourism.

APR 02, 2025

FEB 16, 2025

Perfect routes for those seeking quiet roads, stunning coastal scenery, and the joy of discovering off-the-beaten-path gems.

There are 47 prefectures in Japan, each with unique sights and attractions!

Now, I focus on showcasing Japan’s hidden gems — lesser-known places where visitors can experience something meaningful while helping balance the effects of overtourism. I hope my stories inspire others to travel mindfully and connect with the heart of Japan.

Today, I work with Japanese travel organizations and manage PR projects through my Instagram blog @sugalenin, where I share these quiet discoveries with more than 300,000 followers.

I’m Kristina — an introvert and slow traveler who’s been living in Japan since 2016. After attending language school in Osaka, I moved to Tokyo for work. But city life quickly became overwhelming, and I found myself drawn to the quieter corners of Japan — peaceful places far from the crowds, where time seems to slow down.

At first, I kept these places to myself, afraid they’d be overrun. But over time, locals shared a different perspective: responsible tourism could actually help their communities — preserving traditions, supporting small businesses, and breathing new life into forgotten towns.