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Mitake Valley Day Trip from Tokyo

Discover a peaceful day trip from Tokyo to Mitake Valley. Walk riverside trails, explore shrines, and hike Mt. Mitake in Okutama’s lush mountains.

Kagoshima’s Hidden Horse Retreat

Nestled in the serene Kirishima highlands, Horse Trust is a 100-hectare refuge for retired racehorses — and a blueprint for ethical tourism. Discover how it’s blending conservation with unforgettable travel experiences.

2-Day Itinerary with the Have Fun in FUKUI Pass

Discover the best things to do in Fukui Prefecture on a 2-day trip using the Have Fun in FUKUI Pass. Enjoy local soba, onsen, traditional crafts, and scenic spots off the beaten path in Japan.

Exploring Southern Ehime by Train

A scenic 3-day train journey through Ehime Prefecture, featuring historic towns, local traditions, and stunning rural landscapes — all without a car or strict schedule.

Kunisaki Peninsula Minemichi Trail

Venture into an ancient center of mountain worship, Buddhist devotion, and pilgrimage routes that have remained largely unchanged for over a millennium.

Oita Prefecture Travel Guide

Historical towns Beppu, Yufuin and Hita are must-visit destinations for travelers looking to experience legendary hot springs, traditional crafts, and a slower, immersive side of Japan and enjoy an unforgettable Kyushu adventure.

Ultimate Guide to Cycling in Ehime

Discover Ehime’s secret cycling routes with quiet roads, stunning coastal views, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Ride through Gogoshima, Yumeshima Kaido, and Saijo Trails — it’s the perfect escape for cyclists seeking culture, nature, and local flavors.

Tsugaike National Park: Not Just a Ski Resort!

This park in Nagano Prefecture provides a serene introduction to Japan’s natural beauty. It's ideal for hiking enthusiasts and those seeking breathtaking autumn scenery.

Discovering Hidden Charms: Ozu City

Embark on an enchanting journey to Ozu City in Ehime, Japan, a hidden gem off the tourist trail with its rich history, centuries-old samurai residences, and historic lodgings transformed into accessible hotels.

Kurumayama Highlands

An ideal beginner-friendly hiking trail not far from Tokyo. With panoramic views and picturesque, Instagrammable landscapes, it offers accessibility and beauty.

Checklist for your Japan trip

Travel tips which will help you avoid problems in Japan. Follow my advice to stay informed, avoid tourist crowds, and save money.

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My Favourite Stories

MAY 29, 2023

Let me take you on a journey to Izu Oshima, the closest and most easily accessible island from Tokyo

Unveiling Oshima Island

Tsugaike National Park: Not Just a Ski Resort

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

JAN 14, 2025

FEB 16, 2025

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

Ultimate Guide to Cycling in Ehime, Japan

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Travel checklist

Planning a trip to Japan? I've put together a list of must-have apps, essential packing tips, and valuable advice to help you travel with ease!

Onfunayado Iroha

Did you know that in Tomonoura, Hiroshima you can experience a unique stay at a hotel designed by none other than the creator of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki?

Where Are We Going?

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

Hokkaido

Aomori
Iwate
Miyagi
Akita
Yamagata
Fukushima

Tokyo
Chiba
Gunma
Tochigi
Ibaraki
Saitama
Kanagawa

Niigata
Toyama
Ishikawa
Fukui
Yamanashi
Nagano
Gifu
Shizuoka
Aichi

Mie
Shiga
Kyoto
Osaka
Hyogo
Nara
Wakayama

Tottori
Shimane
Okayama
Hiroshima
Yamaguchi

Tokushima
Kagawa
Ehime
Kochi

Fukuoka
Saga
Nagasaki
Kumamoto
Oita
Miyazaki
Kagoshima

Okinawa

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.

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 nearly 300,000 followers.

Thanks for visiting my site!

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